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Rinke Noonan Law Firm

Environmental Law

Scales Of Justice In A Wheat Field

Dedicated attorneys with Integrity.

We’re those people.

At Rinke Noonan, we are proud to be a recognized leader in environmental law, offering legal counsel to clients across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Our attorneys represent a broad spectrum of clients, including watershed districts, county governments, agribusinesses, farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, helping them navigate a broad spectrum of complex and ever-evolving water, drainage, and environmental regulations.

With decades of experience and a deep understanding of environmental law, our team is equipped to handle a wide range of environmental legal matters. We regularly advise on:

  • Drainage and watercourse management
  • Wetland conservation, compliance, and mitigation
  • Water quality and regulatory compliance
  • Stormwater management and runoff control
  • Solid waste disposal and regulation
  • Land acquisitions and property development
  • Land reclamation and environmental remediation
  • Landfill permitting and management
  • Underground storage tank compliance and remediation

We offer comprehensive legal support throughout every stage of the process—whether you’re seeking compliance guidance, managing zoning changes, applying for permits, defending against enforcement actions, or pursuing appeals and litigation. From large-scale projects to more localized initiatives, Rinke Noonan is committed to providing clear, strategic advice that ensures compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws, while helping clients achieve their business and development goals.

Our firm’s combination of practical experience and in-depth understanding of environmental regulations makes us a trusted partner for clients across the region, committed to achieving optimal outcomes in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL Law Key Concepts

Water Law & Drainage

In water law, there is no substitute for experience and Rinke Noonan Law Firm is recognized regionally for its experience in this area. As the enforcement of water laws and regulations draws closer scrutiny from public agencies and private organizations, our attorneys can guide you in accomplishing your goals while balancing environmental considerations, to minimize the cost and risk of errors. We represent local government units, landowners, and developers on a variety of water law issues ranging from major litigation in state and federal court, to compliance and defense of water regulations. We regularly appear on behalf of clients before state agencies in Minnesota (the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, and the Pollution Control Agency) and North Dakota (Department of Water Resources and Department of Environmental Quality), and federal agencies (the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service).

Environmental Compliance & Pollution Control

For the past several decades, our lawyers have represented local government units, businesses, landowners, and developers in understanding and navigating an ever-increasing and complex array of environmental regulations at the state and local level. The upcoming decades will see even more change in environmental regulation as older laws become obsolete and as regional and national environmental concerns find their way to the forefront of environmental policy dialogue. Throughout our history, we have anticipated this growth and change. We remain on the leading edge of environmental policy and representation and are regionally recognized for our experience in dealing with environmental compliance and pollution control issues. Whether planning, making decisions, or being threatened with agency enforcement or litigation, Rinke Noonan Law firm offers experienced legal services advising businesses on air, water, and soil pollution regulations, including compliance with the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and state and local regulations, and on compliance with laws governing hazardous materials including CERCLA and RCRA.

Zoning & Land Use

Rinke Noonan represents landowners, businesses, and developers who want to cooperate with government to arrive at a successful development project. Our clients with land development needs include grocers, farmers, banks, residential and commercial developers, housing authorities and tax credit developers. Our attorneys assist in navigating and understanding state and local subdivision, environmental, zoning and development regulations. Land developers can expect our attorneys to solve a variety of problems related to land use and conditional use permits.

Environmental Impact Assessment & Litigation

Rinke Noonan Law Firm has a deep bench of attorneys with experience guiding clients through environmental review processes, including compliance with state-specific laws like the Minnesota Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Rights Act, and federal statutes like the National Environmental Policy Act. Working closely with technical consultants, we provide guidance on preparing or challenging Impact Statements and Assessments, evaluating environmental considerations, navigating public hearings, addressing or raising community concerns, responding to environmental advocacy groups, and representing clients in legal challenges related to defense of projects or ensuring project compliance.

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