The People of the State of California, ex rel, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board, and Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region v. Shadow Light Ranch LLC; The Hills LLC; Joshua Sweet; Bohdan Curran, individually and dba Curran Equipment; and Does 1 through 30, inclusive
Published: Aug. 16, 2024 | Result Date: Dec. 13, 2023 | Filing Date: Oct. 30, 2020 |Case number: CV2001113 Settlement – $1,750,000
Judge
Court
Humboldt County Superior Court
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Justin T. Buller
(California Attorney General's Office)
Defendant
Paul V. Gallegos
(Gallegos Law Firm)
Facts
Shadow Light Ranch LLC is owned by cannabis cultivator, Joshua Sweet. After an investigation by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and others revealed evidence of environmental violations, the investigating entities sued Shadow Light, Sweet and others, through the Attorney General, for, among others, injunctive relief to halt violations of Water Code provisions.
Contentions
PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that defendants destroyed wetland habitat and stream channels; converted oak woodland to grow cannabis; and failed to work with state entities to satisfy permitting requirements.
DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all material allegations.
Result
The parties settled. Defendants agreed to pay $1.75 million. If defendants restore the damaged areas through removing unauthorized reservoirs and rehabilitating streams and damaged wetlands by 2026, $1 million will be suspended.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390