Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-04130/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-04130-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 893
Nature of Suit: Environmental Matters
Cause of Action: 33:1319 Clean Water Act

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STIPULATION FOR DISMISSAL; CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

[PROPOSED] ORDER THEREON -1- 

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ANDREW L. PACKARD (Bar No. 168690) 

MICHAEL P. LYNES (Bar No. 230462) 

Law Offices of Andrew L. Packard 

319 Pleasant Street 

Petaluma, CA 94952 

Tel: (707) 763-7227 

Fax: (707) 763-9229 

Email: andrew@packardlawoffices.com 

MICHAEL R. LOZEAU (CA Bar No. 142893) 

Law Office of Michael R. Lozeau 

1516 Oak Street, Suite 216 

Alameda, CA 94501 

Tel: (510) 749-9102 

Fax: (510) 749-9103 

Email: mrlozeau@lozeaulaw.com 

Attorneys for Plaintiff CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING 

PROTECTION ALLIANCE 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING 

PROTECTION ALLIANCE, a non-profit 

corporation; 

 Plaintiff, 

 vs. 

TRENCH PLATE RENTAL 

COMPANY, a corporation;

 Defendant.

Case No. C-07-4130-CRB 

STIPULATION FOR DISMISSAL 

[PROPOSED] ORDER TO DISMISS 

(Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 

U.S.C. §§ 1251 to 1387) 

Complaint Filed: August 10, 2007 

Hon. Charles R. Breyer 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 1 of 37
STIPULATION FOR DISMISSAL; CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

[PROPOSED] ORDER THEREON -2- 

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WHEREAS, on May 16, 2007, Plaintiff California Sportfishing Protection 

Alliance (“CSPA”) provided Defendant Trench Plate Rental Company with a Notice 

of Violations and Intent to File Suit (“Notice”) under Clean Water Act §505, 33 

U.S.C. §1365. 

WHEREAS, on August 10, 2007 CSPA filed its Complaint against Trench 

Plate Rental Company in this court, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance v. 

Trench Plate Rental Co. Case No. C-07-4130-CRB. Said Complaint incorporates by 

reference all of the allegations contained in CSPA’s Notice. 

WHEREAS, CSPA and Trench Plate Rental, through their authorized 

representatives and without either adjudication of CSPA’s claims or admission by 

Trench Plate Rental of any alleged violation or other wrongdoing, have chosen to 

resolve in full by way of settlement the allegations of CSPA as set forth in the Notice 

and Complaint, thereby avoiding the costs and uncertainties of further litigation. A 

copy of the [Proposed] Consent Agreement entered into by and between CSPA and 

Trench Plate Rental is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference. 

WHEREAS, the parties submitted the Settlement Agreement via certified mail, 

return receipt requested, to the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice and the 

45-day review period set forth at 40 C.F.R. § 135.5 has completed. On February 13, 

2008, the U.S. Department of Justice filed its letter expressing no objection to the 

proposed agreement with this Court. 

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED and agreed to by and 

between the parties that CSPA’s claims, as set forth in the Notice and Complaint, be 

dismissed with prejudice pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(2). The 

parties respectfully request an order from this Court dismissing such claims with 

prejudice. In accordance with paragraphs 16 and 17 of the Consent Agreement, the 

parties also request that this Court retain and have jurisdiction over the Parties with 

respect to disputes arising under the agreement. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 2 of 37
STIPULATION FOR DISMISSAL; CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

[PROPOSED] ORDER THEREON -3- 

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Date: February 13, 2008 LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW L. PACKARD 

 /s/ Michael P. Lynes 

 Michael P. Lynes 

 Attorneys for Plaintiff 

CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING 

PROTECTION ALLIANCE 

Date: February 13, 2008 DONGELL LAWRENCE FINNEY LLP 

/s/ Jason M. Booth 

Jason M. Booth 

Attorneys for Defendant 

TRENCH PLATE RENTAL COMPANY 

[Electronically signed with counsel’s authorization] 

[PROPOSED] ORDER 

Good cause appearing, and the parties having stipulated and agreed, 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff California Sportfishing Protection 

Alliance’s claims against Trench Plate Rental Company as set forth in the Notice and 

Complaint filed in Case No. C-07-4130-CRB, are hereby dismissed with prejudice. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Court shall retain and have jurisdiction 

over the Parties with respect to disputes arising under the agreement attached to the 

parties’ Stipulation to Dismiss as Exhibit A. 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated:____________ ________________________________ 

Hon. Charles R. Breyer, United States District 

Court Judge

Feb. 15, 2008

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORN

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A

IT IS SO ORDERED

Judge Charles R. Breyer

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 3 of 37
EXHIBIT A 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 4 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 1 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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ANDREW L. PACKARD (Cal. Bar No. 168690) 

MICHAEL P. LYNES (Cal. Bar No. 230462) 

Law Offices of Andrew L. Packard 

319 Pleasant Street 

Petaluma, CA 94952 

Tel. (707) 763-7227 

Fax. (707) 763-9227 

Email: andrew@packardlawoffices.com 

MICHAEL R. LOZEAU (Cal. Bar No. 143892) 

Law Office of Michael R. Lozeau 

1516 Oak Street, Suite 216 

Alameda, CA 94501 

Tel: (510) 749-9102 

Fax: (510) 749-9103 

E-mail: mrlozeau@lozeaulaw.com 

Attorneys for Plaintiff California Sportfishing Protection Alliance 

JASON BOOTH (Cal Bar No. 143437) 

Dongell Lawrence Finney LLP 

707 Wilshire Blvd., 45 Floor 

Los Angeles, CA 9001 

Tel: (213) 943-6100 

Fax: (213) 943-6101 

Email: jbooth@dfllawyers.com 

Attorneys for Defendant Trench Plate Rental Company 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING 

PROTECTION ALLIANCE, a non-profit 

corporation; 

 Plaintiff, 

 vs. 

TRENCH PLATE RENTAL COMPANY, a 

corporation;

 Defendant. 

Case No. C-07-4130-CRB 

[PROPOSED] CONSENT AGREEMENT 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 5 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 1 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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CONSENT AGREEMENT

 This CONSENT AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) is entered into between the 

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (“CSPA”) and Trench Plate Rental Company 

(“TPR”) (collectively, the “CONSENTING PARTIES”) with respect to the following facts 

and objectives: 

RECITALS

 WHEREAS, CSPA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit corporation organized 

under the laws of the State of California, dedicated to the protection, enhancement, and 

restoration of the rivers, creeks, and tributaries of the San Joaquin River and SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta and the San Francisco Bay. Bill Jennings is the Chairperson of CSPA 

and a member of CSPA; 

 WHEREAS, TPR is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of 

California that owns and operates a heavy equipment rental facility at 530 Garcia Ave., 

Pittsburg, California (the “Facility”) pursuant to State Water Resources Control Board 

Water Quality Order No. 97-03-DWQ, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

General Permit No. CAS000001, Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Storm 

Water Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities (hereinafter, 

the “General Permit”). A map of the Facility is attached hereto as Exhibit A and 

incorporated by reference; 

 WHEREAS, on May 16, 2007, CSPA provided TPR a Notice of Violation and 

Intent to File Suit (“60-Day Notice Letter”) under Section 505 of the Federal Water 

Pollution Control Act (the “Act” or “Clean Water Act”), 33 U.S.C. § 1365, a true and 

correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated by reference; 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 6 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 2 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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 WHEREAS, on August 10, 2007, CSPA filed its Complaint in the United States 

District Court for the Northern District of California against the TPR (California 

Sportfishing Protection Alliance v. Trench Plate Rental Co. Case No. C074130); 

 WHEREAS, TPR denies any and all of CSPA’s claims in its 60-Day Notice Letter 

and Complaint; 

 WHEREAS, CSPA and TPR, through their authorized representatives and without 

either adjudication of CSPA’s claims or admission by TPR of any alleged violation or 

other wrongdoing, have chosen to resolve in full CSPA’s allegations in the 60-Day Notice 

Letter and Complaint through settlement and avoid the cost and uncertainties of further 

litigation; and 

 WHEREAS, CSPA and TPR have agreed that it is in their mutual interest to enter 

into this AGREEMENT setting forth the terms and conditions appropriate to resolving 

CSPA’s allegations set forth in the 60-Day Notice Letter and Complaint. 

 NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and 

sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, CSPA and TPR hereby agree as follows: 

EFFECTIVE DATE

1. The term “Effective Date,” as used in this AGREEMENT, shall mean the 

last date on which the signature of a party to this AGREEMENT is executed. 

COMMITMENTS OF CSPA

2. Stipulation to Dismiss and [Proposed] Order. Within ten (10) calendar days 

of the expiration of the Agencies’ review period specified in Paragraph 10 below, CSPA 

shall file a Stipulation to Dismiss and [Proposed] Order thereon pursuant to Federal Rule of 

Civil Procedure 41(a)(2) with the United States District Court for the Northern District of 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 7 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 3 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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California (“District Court”), with this AGREEMENT attached and incorporated by 

reference, specifying that CSPA is dismissing all claims in CSPA’s Complaint. Consistent 

with Paragraphs 24 and 25 herein, the Stipulation to Dismiss and [Proposed] Order shall 

state that the District Court will maintain jurisdiction through September 1, 2009, for 

purposes of resolving any disputes between the CONSENTING PARTIES with respect to 

any provision of this AGREEMENT. If the District Court chooses not to enter the Order, 

this AGREEMENT shall be null and void. 

COMMITMENTS OF TRENCH PLATE RENTAL

3. Compliance with General Permit. TPR agrees to operate the Facility in 

compliance with the applicable requirements of the General Permit and Clean Water Act. 

4. MITIGATION PAYMENT. In recognition of the good-faith efforts by TPR 

to comply with all aspects of the General Permit and the Clean Water Act, and in lieu of 

payment by TPR of any penalties, which may have been assessed in this action if it had 

proceeded to trial, TPR agrees to pay the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) to 

the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment (“Rose Foundation”) for the 

sole purpose of providing grants to environmentally beneficial projects within the San 

Joaquin River and Sacramento River basins, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (“Delta”), 

and the San Francisco Bay, relating to water quality improvements in those areas, provided 

that the Rose Foundation agrees that it will not use or grant any funds provided by TPR to 

engage in political lobbying activity. TPR shall make payment of twenty thousand dollars 

($20,000) to the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment not later than 30-

days from the entry of the order dismissing CSPA’s Complaint. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 8 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 4 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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5. Implemented Storm Water Controls. TPR shall maintain in good 

working order all storm water collection and treatment systems installed as of the Effective 

Date, including but not limited to, existing housekeeping measures. Since the service of 

the 60-Day Notice, TPR has implemented the following additional stormwater 

management and housekeeping measures: 

a. Installed an absorbent “sock” within the storm drain located at 

Outfall No. 1 (See Site Map, attached hereto as Exhibit A); 

b. Installed straw bales and straw waddles around storm drain/Outfall 

No. 1 (to allow for water detention and settlement, and thereby 

reduce discharge of suspended solids); 

c. Installed rock plates at the main driveway entrance (i.e. the western 

driveway used by the company trucks and heavy equipment) to 

reduce the tracking of materials onto or off of the Facility; 

d. Installed rock plates at the separation between asphalt and unpaved 

portions of yard; 

e. Closed the storm drain outfall located in welding area (Outfall No. 

2); 

f. Captured and disposed of water falling into the welding area which 

surrounds Outfall No. 2 (see site map); 

g. Installed a cover over the scrap metal storage area; 

h. Performed extensive clean up and removal of debris, scrap metal, 

and sediment from around materials storage areas, including regular 

use of street sweeper over the entire paved area; 

i. Removed all slide rail product from northwest wall (and performed 

thorough cleaning and sweeping of area); 

j. Reconfigured materials storage areas to reduce possible discharge of 

suspended solids or metals in storm water; and 

k. Installed straw bales and waddles at Outfall No. 3 (southeast corner 

of Facility) to prevent or reduce discharge of suspended solids from 

Outfall No. 3. 

These additional BMPs have been or will be incorporated into TPR’s Storm Water 

Pollution Prevention Plan (“SWPPP”). 

6. Additional Protections. TPR shall take the following actions to improve 

the storm water pollution prevention measures at the Facility: 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 9 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 5 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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a. TPR agrees to install, not later than February 1, 2008, additional 

straw bales and waddles around Outfall No. 1. TPR shall replace 

individual straw bales and/or waddles as needed to assure their 

continued effectiveness in preventing suspended materials from 

reaching the storm drains. 

b. TPR agrees to regularly replace the absorbent sock located inside the 

storm drain entrance at Outfall No. 1. 

c. TPR agrees to regularly remove accumulated sediment from the 

asphalt covered portions of the Facility and redistribute them on the 

unpaved portions of the Facility, including removal of accumulated 

sediment following all significant rain events which lead to 

discharge from Outfall No. 1 or potential discharge for Outfall No. 

1. 

d. TPR agrees to sweep all paved areas using a mechanical sweeper in 

the Facility at least 4 times per month 

e. TPR agrees to keep the drain located inside the welding area (Outfall 

No. 2) blocked and capture all storm water entering the welding 

area. TPR will arrange for capture and appropriate disposal of all 

storm water entering the welding area (see attached site map) and 

prevent intermingling of storm water with water captured in the 

welding area 

These additional BMPs shall be incorporated into the SWPPP, and the Site Map will be 

updated, by February 1, 2008. 

7. Monitoring. TPR agrees to perform the monitoring described herein during 

the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 rainy seasons: 

a. TPR shall sample its 3 outfalls during two (2) storm events that 

result in discharge consistent with the requirements and protocols set 

forth in the General Permit. If, however, the first sampling event of 

the season shows a level of any pollutant in storm water from an 

outfall in exceedence of EPA’s parameter benchmark values (see 65 

Fed.Reg. 64767, Table 3 (Oct. 2000)), TPR agrees to take a followup sample of storm water from that outfall on the first qualifying 

storm event thereafter that such outfall discharges storm water. Such 

follow-up sample shall be in addition to the second storm water 

sample required by the General Permit. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 10 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 6 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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b. Storm water samples shall be sent to a qualified laboratory 

accredited by the State of California and analyzed for pH, total 

suspended solids, specific conductivity, and oil and grease, as 

required by the General Permit. 

c. In addition, TPR agrees to collect and analyze samples collected 

after the Effective Date during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 wet 

seasons for copper, iron, manganese, and zinc (“Additional 

Parameters”). If the average level of a particular Additional 

Parameter in two storm water samples taken from the same 

discharge point at the Facility for two consecutive storm events does 

not exceed the applicable EPA Benchmark Value TPR may cease 

testing for the particular Additional Parameter pursuant to this 

Agreement. However, this Agreement does not otherwise affect 

TPR’s monitoring obligations under the General Permit or 

applicable law. 

d. TPR further agrees to provide CSPA with copies of all analytical 

reports of storm water samples collected during the term of this 

Agreement within seven (7) days of receiving such reports from the 

analytical laboratory. 

e. For each significant rain event occurring during the 2007-2008 or 

2008-2009 wet seasons during regularly scheduled operating hours, 

TPR shall conduct visual observations of the perimeter fence and 

maintain a log describing any discharges from the Facility. 

8. Meet and Confer Regarding Exceedence of Levels of Potential Concern. 

If analytical results of storm water samples taken by TPR during the 2007-2008 or the 

2008-2009 rainy seasons indicate that storm water discharges from the Facility exceed the 

EPA Benchmark Values as set forth in Table 3 of 65 Fed.Reg. 64767 (2000), TPR agrees 

to take additional feasible measures aimed at reducing pollutants in the Facility’s storm 

water to levels at or below the Benchmark levels. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 11 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 7 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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a. Action Plan. While preparing its Annual Report to be submitted to 

the Regional Board as required by Section B.14 of the General 

Industrial Storm Water Permit, TPR agrees to review all monitoring 

data related to storm water (including storm water samples and 

visual observations of discharges) gathered at the site during the 

previous Wet Season and any correspondence from CSPA regarding 

the results of storm water sampling analysis. Based on the available 

data and comments, TPR will consider revised or additional BMPs 

necessary to achieve BAT/BCT at the Facility and draft an Action 

Plan to implement any revised or additional BMPs deemed by TPR 

to be necessary. The Action Plan will describe revised or additional 

BMPs and provide an estimated timeline for the revision or 

implementation of these BMPs. TPR will provide a copy of the 

Action Plan to CSPA. CSPA may review and comment on the 

Action Plan and suggest recommended BMPs that it believes are 

appropriate. Upon request by CSPA, TPR agrees to meet and confer 

in good faith regarding the contents of the Action Plan and CSPA’s 

recommendations. 

9. Fees, Costs, and Expenses. As reimbursement for CSPA’s investigative, 

expert and attorneys’ fees and costs, TPR shall pay CSPA the sum of fifteen thousand 

dollars ($15,000.00). TPR will also pay three thousand dollars ($3,000) to cover the cost 

of future meet and confer efforts regarding ongoing compliance at the Facility, including 

the review of storm water sampling results, annual reports, and any Action Plans generated 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 12 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 8 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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pursuant to Paragrah 8(a). Payment of attorneys’ fees and monitoring costs shall be made 

by TPR within fifteen (15) calendar days of the District Court’s entry of the Order 

dismissing the action described in Paragraph 2 of this AGREEMENT. Payment by TPR to 

CSPA shall be made in the form of a single check payable to “Law Offices of Andrew 

Packard, Attorney Client Trust Account,” and shall constitute full payment for all costs of 

litigation, including investigative, expert and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by CSPA 

that have or could have been claimed in connection with CSPA’s claims, up to and 

including, the Effective Date of this AGREEMENT. 

10. Review by Federal Agencies. TPR shall submit this AGREEMENT to the 

U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (hereinafter, the “Agencies”) via certified 

mail, return receipt requested, within five (5) days after the Effective Date of this 

AGREEMENT for review consistent with 40 C.F.R. § 135.5. The Agencies’ review period 

expires forty-five (45) days after receipt of the AGREEMENT by both Agencies, as 

evidenced by the return receipts, copies of which shall be provided to CSPA upon receipt 

by TPR. In the event that the Agencies comment negatively on the provisions of this 

AGREEMENT, CSPA and TPR agree to meet and confer to attempt to resolve the issue(s) 

raised by the Agencies. If CSPA and TPR are unable to resolve any issue(s) raised by the 

Agencies in their comments, CSPA and TPR agree to expeditiously seek a settlement 

conference with the Magistrate Judge assigned to the Complaint in this matter to resolve 

the issue(s). 

NO ADMISSION OR FINDING

11. Neither this AGREEMENT nor any payment pursuant to the AGREEMENT 

shall constitute evidence or be construed as a finding, adjudication, or acknowledgment of 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 13 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 9 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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any fact, law or liability, nor shall it be construed as an admission of violation of any law, 

rule or regulation. However, this AGREEMENT and/or any payment pursuant to the 

AGREEMENT may constitute evidence in actions seeking compliance with this 

AGREEMENT. 

MUTUAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND 

COVENANT NOT TO SUE

12. In consideration of the above, and except as otherwise provided by this 

AGREEMENT, the CONSENTING PARTIES hereby forever and fully release each other 

and their respective successors, assigns, officers, agents, employees, and all persons, firms 

and corporations having an interest in them, from any and all claims and demands of any 

kind, nature, or description whatsoever, and from any and all liabilities, damages, injuries, 

actions or causes of action, either at law or in equity, which the CONSENTING PARTIES 

have against each other arising from CSPA’s allegations and claims as set forth in the 60-

Day Notice Letter and Complaint, up to and including, the Termination Date of this 

AGREEMENT. 

13. The CONSENTING PARTIES acknowledge that they are familiar with 

section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides: 

A general release does not extend to claims which the 

creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the 

time of executing the release, which if known by him must 

have materially affected his settlement with the debtor. 

The CONSENTING PARTIES hereby waive and relinquish any rights or benefits they 

may have under California Civil Code section 1542 with respect to any other claims 

against each other arising from, or related to, the allegations and claims as set forth in the 

60-Day Notice Letter and Complaint, up to and including, the Termination Date of this 

AGREEMENT. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 14 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 10 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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14. For the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 1, 

2009, CSPA agrees that neither CSPA, its officers, executive staff, members of its 

governing board nor any organization under the control of CSPA, its officers, executive 

staff, or members of its governing board, will file any lawsuit against TPR seeking relief 

for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act or violations of the General Permit. CSPA 

further agrees that, beginning on the Effective Date and ending on September 1, 2009, 

CSPA will not support other lawsuits, by providing financial assistance, personnel time or 

other affirmative actions, against TPR that may be proposed by other groups or individuals 

who would rely upon the citizen suit provision of the Clean Water Act to challenge TPR’s 

compliance with the Clean Water Act or the General Permit. 

TERMINATION DATE OF AGREEMENT

15. This AGREEMENT shall terminate on September 1, 2009. 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

16. Except as specifically noted herein, any disputes with respect to any of the 

provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be resolved through the following procedure. The 

CONSENTING PARTIES agree to first meet and confer to resolve any dispute arising 

under this AGREEMENT. In the event that such disputes cannot be resolved through this 

meet and confer process, the CONSENTING PARTIES agree to request a settlement 

meeting before the Magistrate Judge assigned to this action. In the event that the 

CONSENTING PARTIES cannot resolve the dispute by the conclusion of the settlement 

meeting with the Magistrate Judge, the CONSENTING PARTIES agree to submit the 

dispute via motion to the Magistrate Judge. 

Case 3:07-cv-04130-CRB Document 23 Filed 02/19/08 Page 15 of 37
[PROPOSED] Consent Agreement 11 CASE NO. C-07-4130-CRB 

 

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17. In resolving any dispute arising from this AGREEMENT, the Magistrate 

Judge shall have discretion to award attorneys’ fees and costs to either party. The relevant 

provisions of the then-applicable Clean Water Act and Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of 

Civil Procedure shall govern the allocation of fees and costs in connection with the 

resolution of any disputes before the Magistrate Judge. The Magistrate Judge shall award 

relief limited to compliance orders and awards of attorneys’ fees and costs, subject to 

proof. The CONSENTING PARTIES agree to file any waivers necessary for the 

Magistrate Judge to preside over any settlement conference and motion practice. 

BREACH OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

18. Impossibility of Performance. Where implementation of the actions set 

forth in this AGREEMENT, within the deadlines set forth in those paragraphs, becomes 

impossible, despite the timely good faith efforts of the CONSENTING PARTIES, the party 

who is unable to comply shall notify the other in writing within seven (7) days of the date 

that the failure becomes apparent, and shall describe the reason for the non-performance. 

The CONSENTING PARTIES agree to meet and confer in good faith concerning the nonperformance and, where the CONSENTING PARTIES concur that the non-performance 

was or is impossible, despite the timely good faith efforts of one of the COSENTING 

PARTIES, new performance deadlines shall be established. In the event that the 

CONSENTING PARTIES cannot timely agree upon the terms of such a stipulation, either 

of the CONSENTING PARTIES shall have the right to invoke the dispute resolution 

procedure described herein. 

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GENERAL PROVISIONS

19. Construction. The language in all parts of this AGREEMENT shall be 

construed according to its plain and ordinary meaning, except as to those terms defined by 

law, in the General Permit, Clean Water Act or specifically herein. 

20. Choice of Law. This AGREEMENT shall be governed by the laws of the 

United States, and where applicable, the laws of the State of California. 

21. Severability. In the event that any provision, section, or sentence of this 

AGREEMENT is held by a court to be unenforceable, the validity of the enforceable 

provisions shall not be adversely affected. 

22. Correspondence. All notices required herein or any other correspondence 

pertaining to this AGREEMENT shall be sent by regular, certified, or overnight mail as 

follows: 

If to CSPA:

Bill Jennings, Chairman 

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance 

3536 Rainier Road 

Stockton, CA 95204 

Tel: (209) 464-5067 

deltakeep@aol.com 

And to: 

Andrew L. Packard 

Michael Lynes 

Law Offices of Andrew L. Packard 

319 Pleasant Street 

Petaluma, CA 94952 

Tel: (707) 763-7227 

andrew@packardlawoffices.com 

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If to TPR: 

Al Huggans 

Jodie White 

Trench Plate Rental Co. 

530 Garcia Avenue 

Pittsburg, PA 94565-4901 

Tel: (925) 432-9120 

And to: 

Jason M. Booth 

Dongell Lawrence Finney LLP 

707 Wilshire Boulevard, 45th Floor 

Los Angeles, CA 90017 

Tel: (213) 943-6100 

jbooth@dlflawyers.com 

Notifications of communications shall be deemed submitted on the date that they are emailed, postmarked and sent by first-class mail or deposited with an overnight 

mail/delivery service. Any change of address or addresses shall be communicated in the 

manner described above for giving notices. 

23. Counterparts. This AGREEMENT may be executed in any number of 

counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one original document. Telecopied, 

scanned (pdf), and/or facsimiled copies of original signature shall be deemed to be 

originally executed counterparts of this AGREEMENT. 

24. Assignment. Subject only to the express restrictions contained in this 

AGREEMENT, all of the rights, duties and obligations contained in this AGREEMENT 

shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the CONSENTING PARTIES, and their 

successors and assigns. 

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EXHIBIT A 

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EXHIBIT B 

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