RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island has identified and targeted runoff as one of the major
contributors to poor water quality throughout the state. As such, its goal is
to control soil erosion and stormwater runoff through efforts like the soil -
erosion control ordinance.
Technical Assistance and Legislation Helps Communities Control Runoff
In targeting runoff in its Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Plan,
Rhode Island decided to help communities prevent and control water quality
impacts from soil erosion and stormwater runoff, particularly from new
construction activities. Using section 319 funds, the Rhode Island Department
of Environmental Management's (RIDEM) NPS Pollution Management Program
developed a model ordinance and self-supporting technical assistance program
over three years to address this issue. In 1989, a multidisciplinary task force
began work on legislation to allow communities to adopt a soil erosion control
ordinance. The ordinance was prepared by the RIDEM NPS Program, with guidance
from the task force, and was adopted by the state general assembly during the
1990 session. The legislation gives communities the authority to adopt a soil
erosion ordinance. The task force also developed consistent guidelines and
conducted peer reviews for best management practices to control soil erosion
and stormwater runoff.
In 1990 and 1991, the Rhode Island conservation districts used section 319
funds to hire a full-time engineer. The engineer provided technical assistance
to communities by consulting with community officials and builders, reviewing
soil erosion and stormwater runoff plans, and making site visits before,
during, and after construction. The district engineer also advised communities
and builders when other environmental regulatory approval from federal and
state programs would be needed.
The district engineer has visited all communities at least once to meet and
educate local officials about the need to adopt the ordinance. The conservation
districts also hold a yearly training program for municipal officials and
private consultants on how to develop and implement soil erosion and stormwater
runoff plans.
Initially, the conservation districts used approximately $130,000 of
section 319 funds for seed money to pay the initial salary for a district
engineer, while developing a fee structure for localities to pay for the
technical assistance. As of 1993, the conservation districts had established
cooperative agreements with 20 of Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns, enabling
the financially self-sufficient program to provide necessary and beneficial
technical services throughout the state. Although the localities have no way to
quantify specific water quality improvements, they believe that their water
quality has improved as a result of this program.
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