Our Water Resources area provides comprehensive legal advice, covering all industries and projects that require this vital resource in all jurisdictions where the Firm has a presence, but with special emphasis on Chile and Peru. This has allowed us to advise both local and international companies, from the widest range of productive sectors, as well as the corresponding specialized governmental bodies.
Given the trajectory of our team, which includes recognized lawyers that combine experience in the public and private sectors, we have participated in the most diverse and complex projects that have been executed in the region. Our advice covers all stages of project development, from strategic planning and design, asset acquisition, evaluation and construction, operation, and up to the closing phase, in all productive sectors (mining, power generation, agriculture, sanitation, fisheries, industrial plants of all types, real estate projects, desalination plants, fish farming, etc.).
We have extensive experience in the preparation, processing and obtaining of all types of authorizations and permits related to water resources. In Chile, before the General Directorate of Water, as well as before other State administration agencies, such as the Superintendence of Sanitary Services, Environmental Assessment Service, Superintendence of the Environment, Municipalities, Directorate of Hydraulic Works, National Commission of Irrigation, among others. On the other hand, in Peru, we provide advice in obtaining the enabling titles under the jurisdiction of the National Water Authority, General Directorate of Health, Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Production, Regional Governments, Municipalities, among others.
The work we develop is integrated with multidisciplinary teams in highly complex technical matters, normally related to the preparation and processing of environmental impact studies, management and use of water, sanctioning procedures, compliance programs, among others.
On the other hand, given the complexities that arise in relation to the use of water resources, we advise our clients in the solution of all kinds of conflicts, being forerunners in the creation and implementation of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. We support in the negotiation and subscription of instruments that regulate the management and shared use of water at the level of basins, aquifers and water distribution systems. We also have a unique experience in the formation and management of Water User Organizations, such as Water Watchdog Boards and Water Communities.
We advise our clients in sanctioning procedures, both administrative and judicial. In consideration of the risks and contingencies that they present, the advice covers early stages of diagnosis, design of compliance strategies, and defense in inspection and sanctioning procedures.
We also support our clients in strategic planning and management of water resources, asset purchase and sale processes, search for water supply sources, preparation of early warning plans, compliance audits, operation manuals, among others.
Likewise, given the knowledge and experience of our team, we frequently participate in the debate, discussion and/or advice in the elaboration of new normative bodies, bills, regulations, circulars, and other acts, both at governmental level and through the most important associations in each of the countries where we operate.
Finally, an advantage of our regional practice is the constant interaction between our water experts from all the jurisdictions where we have presence, allowing us not only to anticipate local regulatory changes (which may follow some trend already proven in the region, sharing the experience among different locations) but also the high regulatory understanding of water in Latin America, which enables us to explain, accompany and adapt local businesses to their expansion throughout our continent.
