Holland & Hart represented Compass Minerals, a leading global provider of essential minerals, in negotiating the terms of a recently finalized, groundbreaking Voluntary Agreement (Agreement) with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) outlining water and land conservation commitments Compass Minerals has made toward the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake (Lake). The Agreement allows Compass Minerals to contribute to the restoration of Lake levels over time and ensure future predictability in its water and land use.
The Agreement includes significant commitments by Compass Minerals, including:
- Progressive water consumption caps on Compass Minerals’ production water rights based on annual Lake elevation levels.
- Permanent donation of certain water rights (approximately 201,000 acre-feet) for use by the State of Utah for Lake conservation, preservation, and enhancement.
- Relinquishment of nearly 65,000 acres of leasehold, to be withdrawn from mineral leasing.
Holland & Hart’s in-depth knowledge of Compass Minerals’ operations, combined with our understanding of local legal and policy issues, helped Compass Minerals secure terms that will further both the sustainability of its operations and the long-term protection of the Lake.
House Bill 453 (H.B.453), “Great Salt Lake Revisions,” passed with bipartisan support during the 2024 Utah legislative session, established statutory authority for FSSL and operators like Compass Minerals to enter into arrangements like the Agreement. Holland & Hart worked with Compass Minerals during the legislative session onward to negotiate the first model agreement under H.B. 453 with FFSL.
For more information, please see Compass Minerals’ press release.
The Holland & Hart transaction team was led by environmental partner Ashley Peck, with assistance from Nathan Runyan, Melissa Reynolds, and Jody Williams.
Holland & Hart has a deep understanding of the business, regulatory, and environmental challenges facing critical mineral producers with operations and properties throughout the United States and the world. Known for building strategies that protect and further clients’ interests, we help at all stages of project development and operation in environmental and natural resource matters, including strategies to protect current and future water rights. From rulemaking and legislative advocacy, to compliance counseling, to navigating complex permit approval processes, Holland & Hart delivers innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges.