Facts

Orange County Coastkeeper filed suit against the City of San Juan Capistrano and Blenheim Facility Management LLC, the owners and/or operators of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano, and the Arizona Crossing that runs through San Juan Creek, in relation to the pollution of San Juan Creek.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Coastkeeper contended that defendants operated the Riding Park and Arizona Crossing in violation of the Clean Water Act. Specifically, Coastkeeper contended that defendants did not obtain permits relating to animal feeding, storm sewer systems, dredge and fill activities and did not obtain water quality certification. Coastkeeper contended that defendants discharged horse manure and bedding, trash, and fertilizers into the creek among other things.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied the contentions.

The City of San Juan Capistrano contended that it did not discharge pollutants into San Juan Creek in violation of the Clean Water Act or any other law.

Result

The parties reached a settlement agreement. Defendants agreed to obtain water quality permits, implement employee training programs to comply with applicable water laws, remove unpermitted materials from the creek, and restore the San Juan Creek bank. Additionally, the city will pay $1 million to fund projects that will benefit the San Juan Creek watershed. Lastly, the city will pay Coastkeeper $1.9 million in expert and attorney fees.