Alfred Smith, Chair of Nossaman's Water Practice Group, is a recognized expert in water and environmental law. A graduate of the Harvard Law School, he has secured more than $500 million worth of contamination settlements in favor of his clients.
He is a trusted advisor on matters involving water rights, contamination remediation, groundwater adjudications, water transfers, recycled water, desalination, conjunctive use, climate change, and environmental regulatory compliance. Mr. Smith has also developed water supply assessments and environmental impact reports for a wide range of residential and commercial developments.
Mr. Smith has successfully litigated at all levels. His accomplishments include helping negotiate one of California's largest water contamination mitigation settlements in favor of his clients and winning a unanimous decision from the U.S. Supreme Court.
He is an appointed member of the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) Legal Affairs Committee. He was listed as one of Los Angeles's Top 100 Lawyers in 2009 by the Los Angeles Business Journal and was named a "Super Lawyer" in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 by Los Angeles magazine.
Representative Work
Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. Special counsel to the Watermaster on all aspects of operation and management of the vast San Gabriel Groundwater Basin. Successfully negotiated the landmark $350 million settlement with eight companies responsible for contaminating the Basin's water supplies.
Castaic Lake Water Agency, Newhall County Water District, Valencia Water Company, and Santa Clarita Water Company. Represented four water agencies in a federal action to force a clean up of perchlorate contamination in the Santa Clarita Valley. Obtained summary judgment against defendants establishing their liability for clean up costs in a decision reported at 272 F.Supp.2d 1053 (2003). The settlement agreement provided the agencies with an estimated $100 million dollars for clean up.
Association of California Water Agencies ("ACWA"). Represented ACWA, the National Association of Water Companies, the California Water Association, the California State Association of Counties and several other parties before the United States Supreme Court in U.S. v. Atlantic Research, a CERCLA cost recovery action. Obtained a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court in favor of these clients.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Successfully represented client regarding dispute with regional water supplier regarding potential water transfers. Participated in regulatory proceedings and development of legal strategy. Engaged in mediation with other parties resulting in a $13.5 million settlement for client.
City of Ontario. Representing the City with respect to water rights, recycled water and contamination issues in the Chino Basin. Represented the City in the development of the Chino Basin desalination facilities which treat and produce 14 million gallons of water per day. Also advising the City on the Phase 3 expansion of the desalter facilities, an estimated $130 million project that will provide 10.5 million gallons of water per day for 1.5 million people.
Upper Los Angeles River Area (ULARA) Watermaster. Special counsel to the Watermaster on the full range of water issues relating to the ULARA, which provides approximately 15 percent of the City of Los Angeles' total water supply needs. Successfully represented the Watermaster in litigation concerning chromium VI contamination in the San Fernando Valley and in preventing the waste of water valued at over $10 million.
Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company. Served on the appellate team that successfully litigated water rights in the Mojave River System before the California Supreme Court. Advised client in the preparation of its Urban Water Management Plan and SB 610 water supply assessments for major commercial developments.
Sativa Los Angeles County Water District. General Counsel advising on Proposition 218, the Brown Act, water rights, environmental issues, local agency formation commission (LAFCO) and other issues. Advising the District on contracts, financing and permitting issues in connection with major system and facilities improvements.
City of Santa Monica. Served as water rights counsel to the City in groundwater litigation involving MTBE contamination in the Charnock Basin. Matter settled favorably for the client.
Cities of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande and the Oceano Community Services District. Representing several water purveyors in complex water rights litigation involving over 700 parties. Advising on implementation of settlement after successfully negotiating settlement terms favorable to the clients.
Standard Pacific Homes. Assisted client with land use entitlements, environmental due diligence and SB 221 water supply assessments for large residential developments.
Southern California Edison. Advised client on its water rights associated with the successful sale of its 26 hydroelectric plants throughout California. Reviewed documentation from as early as 1887, including contracts, notices of appropriation and judgments relating to water rights associated with each project.