Code Section

1052.  

(a) The diversion or use of water subject to this division other than as authorized in this division is a trespass.

(b) (1) An action for the issuance of injunctive relief as may be warranted by way of temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, may be brought by the Attorney General on behalf of the board, or in the Attorney General’s independent capacity in the name of the people of the State of California, where the diversion or use of water is threatened, is occurring, or has occurred.

(2) (A) A civil action for a violation under this section resulting from unlicensed cannabis cultivation may also be brought by a city attorney or county counsel, upon approval of the board, in the name of the people of the State of California.

(B) A city attorney or county counsel shall inform and coordinate with the board as to the investigation of potential violations of this section related to unlicensed cannabis cultivation. Unless the board withholds its approval within 21 days after the local jurisdiction provides notice of its intent to file, the local jurisdiction may deem the board’s silence as approval.

(c) A person or entity committing a trespass as defined in this section may be liable in an amount not to exceed the following:

(1) If the unauthorized diversion or use occurs in a critically dry year immediately preceded by two or more consecutive below normal, dry, or critically dry years, or during a period for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions, the sum of the following:

(A) One thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the trespass occurs.

(B) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each acre-foot of water diverted or used in excess of that diverter’s water rights.

(2) If the unauthorized diversion or use is not described by paragraph (1), five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the unauthorized diversion or use occurs.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), up to three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) for each day in which the unauthorized diversion or use for unlicensed cannabis cultivation occurs.

(d) Civil liability for a violation of this section may be imposed by the superior court or the board as follows:

(1) The superior court may impose civil liability in an action brought by the Attorney General, upon request of the board, to impose, assess, and recover any sums pursuant to subdivision (c). In determining the appropriate amount, the court shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation occurs, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator.

(2) The superior court may impose civil liability in an action for a violation under this section resulting from unlicensed cannabis cultivation brought by a city attorney or county counsel to impose, assess, and recover any sums pursuant to subdivision (c). In determining the appropriate amount, the court shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, whether the violation was intentional or committed knowingly, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation has occurred, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator. The court shall make its findings on the record.

(3) The board may impose civil liability in accordance with Section 1055.

(e) (1) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, funds recovered in an action pursuant to this section shall be used to proportionally reimburse the Attorney General, city attorney, county counsel, and the board for costs of bringing the action, including reasonable attorney’s fees, and of investigating the violation and supporting the prosecution of the action.

(2) Except for reimbursements to the Attorney General, city attorney, or county counsel, as specified in paragraph (1), all funds recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Water Rights Fund established pursuant to Section 1550.

(f) The remedies prescribed in this section are cumulative and not alternative.