Client Successes

Team of BB&K Attorneys Help Draft Agreement to Boost Freshwater Supply on Island

Despite being surrounded by water, Catalina Island residents were critically short on freshwater as a result of California’s historic drought. Best Best & Krieger LLP was pleased to represent the City of Avalon in drafting an agreement with Southern California Edison that allowed the joint purchase of an additional desalination unit that could potentially delay or avert 50 percent water rationing on the Island. The plant is scheduled to go online Dec. 7.

A team of BB&K attorneys, including Scott Campbell, who serves as city attorney for Avalon, Shawn Hagerty, whose practice focuses on water supply and quality, and business attorney Glen Price advised Avalon in the formation of this mutually beneficial agreement with SCE. The agreement allows SCE to continue to pursue other water resources, which is important to ensure the Island’s water supply. In addition, the BB&K attorneys helped the two entities craft an agreement that encouraged joint participation in state and federal funding options. The attorneys also advised on environmental issues concerning the disposal of brine from the plant’s operation.

Watch media coverage of the unit’s grand opening:

• “Catalina Island Fights Drought with New Desalination Plant,” (abc7.com)
• “Catalina Island Aims to Avoid More Water Rationing with New Desalination Plant,” (89.3KPCC)
• “Drought-Dry Island Looks to Ocean for More Drinking Water,” (nbclosangeles.com)