In 1986, John Reaves represented Super Plating, Inc. in downtown San Diego’s first contamination litigation. Issues included federal Superfund and state environmental claims, insurance defense and coverage issues, unlawful detainer, criminal charges, and bankruptcy. He also handled brownsfield matters for Shell Oil and BB Fuels. In the early 1990s, he tried a Superfund case against the U.S. Navy in which the Navy was found liable for its transport of paints (loaded with lead) to a junkyard in Paradise Hills in the 1920s. Soon thereafter, Reaves handled insurance litigation for E-Z Serve Petroleum Marketing Company of California seeking defense and coverage for contaminated sites in three states as well as defended E-Z Serve in contamination cases in California.
A good portion of Reaves’ practice has involved litigation, disputes, due diligence, indemnities, business problems, lease issues, insurance claims, regulatory compliance, and a myriad of other issues arising out of contaminated properties.
His clients have included oil companies, electroplaters, dry cleaners, electronic businesses, auto repair shops, gas stations, shopping centers, churches, property owners, small businesses, landlords, tenants, and individuals.
Reaves has also addressed other types of environmental matters such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), water issues, stormwater discharge, land use, habitat, endangered species, air emissions, toxic exposures, Prop 65, asbestos, lead, mold, underground tanks, underground tank cleanup fund, code compliance, environmental crimes, and compliance with governmental orders. He has represented clients before various governmental agencies such as Environmental Protection Agency, Cal-OSHA, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, County Departments of Environmental Health, and Board of Equalization.
Reaves is also prepared to handle issues concerning solar, wind, and other renewables; false advertising claims based on false “green” claims; climate change and AB 32 matters; other emerging issues in our complex environment.