Hazel Ocampo

Experience: Defense of Government Agency Enforcement: Defended Fortune 500 food manufacturer in Southern California in an investigatory action by state agency due to allegedly high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) impacting the San Diego Bay, necessitating technical analysis to distinguish contaminants among various potential sources including potential remedial action.; Reduced multimillion-dollar penalties in Regional Water Quality Control Board administrative enforcement actions targeting private companies and developers for alleged violations of Waste Discharge Requirements.; Represented Fortune 500 Company in action alleging marine sediment contamination in San Diego Bay due to PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals.; Reduced hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential penalties for asbestos-related violations in enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD).; Represented dry cleaner facilities in enforcement action by the San Diego Department of Environmental Health (DEH) regarding alleged contamination of soil/groundwater due to volatile organic compounds (VOC's) including Perchloroethylene (perc).; Defended electronics recycling company in enforcement action by the Department of Toxic Substances Control regarding alleged violations of California Hazardous Waste laws.; Represented private ranch owner regarding regarding an un-permitted stream alteration in a multi-agency action involving the California Attorney General, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.; Permitting: Represented the largest U.S. producer of blue-green algae securing various operational permits after a 20+ year operation, negotiated for zero penalties associated with prior uses, and achieved approvals for facility expansion.; Secured operational permits for major beef processing facility, including a full regulatory compliance plan to commence operations, resulting in record-breaking opening date.; Secured development permits for national housing developers including Clean Water Act Sec. 401 Certification, Sec. 404 NWP Authorization and Streambed Alteration Agreement under the California Fish and Game Code.; Governmental Investigations: Represented natural gas and electricity provider involved in joint investigation by various California District Attorneys for alleged violations of California's Unfair Competition Law, resulting in no enforcement and zero penalties.; Represented after-market vehicle parts manufacturers and dealers in enforcement action by the United States Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.; Advised major telecommunications companies regarding compliance with California Hazardous Waste laws, and in formal investigation by the California Attorney General.; Represented major manufacturer of grooming products in third-party investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), opposing proposed merger of two competitors who threatened to dominate the market.; Compliance Counseling: Represented FDA-regulated organic vitamin supplement manufacturer with respect to product compliance issues.; Created regulatory roadmap and compliance plan for Research and Development facility seeking to obtain federal, state, and local authorizations to produce biofuels, including the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).; Represented FDA-regulated company with global operations involved in the production of algin and biogum used in food and cosmetic products.; Secured FDA approvals for Latin American medical device company seeking to sell products in the U.S.; Counseled corporate entities on imports, exports, and agricultural product compliance.; Advised Japanese manufacturing companies regarding complex regulations applicable to unique safety products proposed for sale in the U.S.; Litigation: Defended former aeronautic facility in toxic tort class action involving mobile home park owners and former elementary school students claiming that solvents including trichloroethylene (TCE) used in manufacturing allegedly contaminated groundwater beneath a school and homes leading to unsafe indoor air concentrations. Claims included allegations of cancer and other health issues. Settlement was reached in federal court resulting in dismissal with prejudice.; Defended former manufacturing facility in litigation involving claims for property damage due to groundwater contamination involving significant cleanup costs. The case settled.; Defended Southern California based quarry operator in litigation involving allegations of toxic air contamination due to fine particulate matter allegedly causing health risks.; Defended multimillion-dollar CERCLA suit against automotive parts recycler by proving de minimis contribution.; Defended Proposition 65 actions involving product manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.; The above representations were handled by Ms. Ocampo prior to her joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.; Clerkships and Fellowships: Law Clerk, White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), 2010; Law Clerk, California Environmental Protection Agency, 2010; Law Clerk, Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2009; Executive Fellow, Cal/EPA, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2007-2008