Rhode Island State Unit
Office of Ecosystem Protection
Fiscal Years 1998-1999
September 1999
SEPA
New England Office
RHODE ISLAND
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
1
An Inventory of EPA's Ongoing Programs, Regulatory Framework,
Grants, Initiatives, and Resources Relevant to the Citizenry
of the State of Rhode Island
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Photo courtesy of
Rhode Island Tourism Division
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
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“Sailing Rhode Island”
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Greetings! September 1999
President Clinton’s “re-inventing government” initiative asked federal government agencies to find
ways to streamline services, cut costs and better serve our customers. We believe we achieved this goal
as a result of our regional reorganization efforts and at the same time, adhere to our mandate of
protecting human health and the environment through our continuing efforts to bnng environmental
protection to the citizenry of Rhode Island.
As a result of our reorganization, the coordination of all Rhode Island state programs and multimedia
issues are now located in one area - the Rhode Island State Program Unit here at EPA Region I, New
England. As the Director of the Rhode Island State Program, 1 am pleased to present one of many
efforts underway in Rhode Island - our Rhode Island Resource Directory . The primary purpose of this
Directory is to help all of our partners and the public improve their understanding of EPA supported
activities, and hopefully become a more effective agency. Some highlights of this document are:
Special Places. In addition to the important baseline environmental work that we do in Rhode
Island, protection of ecosystems is one of our primary goals. To achieve these goals, we have brought
the resources of the federal government to restore a damaged ecosystem or protection of a threatened
system which is ecologically important. Working with our federal partners, state and local
governments, business, industry and environmental organizations, we have identified three special
places in Rhode Island to concentrate EPA staff, programs and federal financial resources: Pawcatuck
Watershed, Providence Urban Area, and Upper Narragansett Bay - Woonasquatucket River. Fact
sheets describing these efforts start at page 87.
Grant Information. In response to the many questions we have received from our Rhode Island
citizens, this information provides a view of every EPA program affecting Rhode Island and lists
every active grant awarded up through mid-1999. Please note that these funding amounts are
approximate. In 1998 alone EPA grant awards to Rhode Island totaled $35,742,663.
Throughout this directory, we have tried to provide enough information to inform Rhode Island citizens
without overwhelming them. In every subject area, EPA andlor state contacts are identified and ready
to provide additional information. In all cases, we have tried to explain WHAT the EPA activity is,
WHY we are doing it (the environmental benefit), WI-IERE in the state it is happening and HOW
MUCH it costs Please note the information at “How to use this Directory” located at the Program
Directory Index on page 4 to maximize its use. We intend to update this Directory every two years and
if you want to get on our mailing list to receive future updated editions and to also offer comments
about it, please fill in the form located at the end of this publication. Additional information about
environmental programs in EPA-New England is also available at our web site: www.epa gov/regionO 1
and also toll free within New England at our Customer Call Center at 1-888-372-7341
Robert E Mendoza, Director
Rhode Island State Program
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - New England Region
Office of Ecosystem Protection - Rhode Island State Unit
Name Title / Area of Expertise Phone
Robert E. Mendoza Director, Rhode Island State Office (617) 918-1591
Marie DiCesare Environmental Protection Assistant (617) 918-1590
Robert E. Adler Saugatucket River Coordinator / Coastal Ponds (617) 918-1396
Wood-Pawcatuck Rivers Coordinator
Hunt / Potowomut RiversCoordinator
Sole Source Aquifer Coordinator
Al Basile TMDL and CWAP Coordinator (617) 918-1599
Runnins River Coordinator
Beverly Fletcher RCRA Program Coordinator (617) 918-1395
Melvm Peter Holmes Wetlands Program Coordinator (617) 918-1397
Johanna Hunter Blackstone-Woonasquatucket River Navigator (617) 918-1041
Ellie Kwong SDWA Program Coordinator (617) 918-1592
Narragansett Tnbe Coordinator
Stafford Pond Coordinator
Scituate Reservoir Watershed Coordinator
Margherita Pryor Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Coordinator (617) 918-1597
Non-Point Source Program Coordinator
Urban Rivers Team
Kristi Noel Rea Providence City Manager (617) 918-1595
Urban Environmental Initiative
Woonasquatucket River Watershed
Emanuel Souza Air and Groundwater Program Coordinator (617) 918-1594
Source Water Assessment Program Coordinator
David B. Turin Water Quality Program Coordinator (617) 918-1598
Alison Walsh Smart Growth Specialist for RI, MA and CT (617) 918-1593
Al Ku’ahi Wong Outreach Coordinator I RI Resource Directory (617) 918-1596
Consumer Awareness Award Program
Environmental Educator Award Program
Fax Number (617) 918-2064
Email for EPA Staff : lastname (dot) firstname ( dot epa.gov (e g., wong.al epa.gov)
Mailing address : U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region I - New England
One Congress Street - CR1
Boston, MA 02114-2023
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RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Greetings from the Rhode Island State Program Director 1
EPA Rhode Island State Unit Staff 2
Table of Contents 3
PROGRAM DIRECTORY
Program Directory Index 4 - 7
“How to use this Directory” 4
Program Directory 8 - 76
EPA GRANTS
1998 Grants in Rhode Island 77 - 82
1999 Grants in Rhode Island 83 - 86
RI SPECIAL PLACES
Pawcatuck River 87 - 88
Providence Urban Area 89 - 90
Upper Narragansett Bay and Urban Rivers 91 - 92
EPA RESOURCES
EPA-NE Customer Call Center 93
EPA-NE Library 93
Regional Organizational Chart 94
Mailing List I Comments Form 95
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Farmland, Rhode Island
Photo courtesy of
Rhode island Tourism Division
Rhode island Economic Development Corporation
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PROGRAM DIRECTORY INDEX
How To Use This Directory
To find the information you seek refer to the page number listed for the categories below. Many
of the programs in this Directory are listed under the major environmental acts to show where the
funding authority comes from. As an example, the Wetlands Program is shown in the Clean
Water Act section and not listed alphabetically in the “W” categories. Therefore, always refer to
this Program Directory Index to find where your topic is located.
SUBJECT PAGE#
Air-see CleanAzrAct 10
Acid Rain Program - see CleanAir Act 12
American Heritage Rivers Program 8
Asbestos Program - see Toxic Substance Control Act 71
Brownfields Program - see Superfund 67
Center for Environmental Industry & Technology 10
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign - see EnergyStar/Greenlights Program 34
Clean Air Act 10
Clean Water Act 15
Clean Water Action Plan - see Clean Water Act 16
Clean Water State Revolving Fund - see Clean Water Act 18
Climate Wise Program- see EnergyStar/Greenlights Program 34
Coastal Zone Act & Reauthorization Amendment 30
Combined Sewer Overflows - see Clean Water Act 18
(see ct/so Enforcement, page 35)
Community Based Environmental Protection 31
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act - see Superfund 66
Drinking Water Program - see Safe Drinking Water Act 57
Drinking Water Outreach - see Safe Drinking Water Act 59
Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund - see Safe Drinking Water Act 59
Emergency Planning & Community Right-To-Know 32
EnergyStar/Greenlights Partnership Programs and U.S Climate Action
Plan Voluntary Money Saving Energy Efficiency Programs 33
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program 34
Environmental Education Grants Program 37
Environmental Justice Small Grants and Pollution Prevention Grants 37
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act 38
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SUBJECT PAGE #
Government Performance and Results Act 40
Ground Water Protection Program - see Safe Drinking Water Act 60
Grow Smart Rhode Island Program - see Sustainable Development 70
Indoor Environments Program - See Clean AirAct 13
Industrial Toxins Project - see Pollution Prevention Act 50
Jobs Through Recycling Program - see RCRA 54
Lead Program 40
(see also TSCA, page 7], Environmental Justice (STE.J), page 38, UEJ, page 73)
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Program - see RCRA 55
Mercury Program 42
(see also Enforcement, page 36)
Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program 43
Narragansett Bay Estuary Program - see Clean Water Act 20
National Environmental Performance Partnership System 44
National Environmental Policy Act 45
National Estuary Program - see Clean Water Act 19
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - see Clean Water Act 20
National Pretreatment Program - see Clean Waler Act 21
New England Environmental Assistance Team 46
New England Federal Partners for Natural Resources 47
Newport Marine Facilities Terminal - see National Environmental Policy Act 45
Non-Point Source Pollution Program - see Clean Water Act 23
Oil Spill Program 49
Ozone - see Clean Air Act 10
Partners for Change 49
Pawcatuck River - see RI “Special Places”fact sheet 87
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership
see New England Federal Partners for Natural Resources 47
Performance Partnership Agreements - see NEPPS 44
Performance Partnership Grants - see NEPPS 44
Pesticide Program - see FIFRA 39
Pollution Prevention Act (P2) 49
Pollution Prevention Permitting Pilot Projects 50
Polychiorinated Biphenyls - see TSCA 70
Pretreatment - see Clean Water Act 21
Project XL 50
Providence River and Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project
see National Environmental Policy Act 46
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SUBJECT PAGE #
Providence Urban Area - see RI “Special Places”fact sheet 89
Quonset Point Port Development - see National Environmental Policy Act 46
Radon - see TSCA 72
Regional Geographic Initiative Grants - see RlResource Protection Project 57
Research Library for RCRA - see Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 55
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 51
State Program Authorization 53
Corrective Action 53
Information Management 53
Hazardous Waste Permits 54
Solid Waste 54
Rhode Island Resource Protection Project 56
Safe Drinking Water Act 57
Sludge Program - see Clean Water Act 24
Smart Growth Initiative 65
Solid Waste Program - see Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 54
Source Water Assessment Program - see Safe Drinking Water Act 61
StarTrack Program 65
State Revolving Fund - see Clean Water Act, Clean Water SRF 18
(see also Safe Drinking Water Act, Drinking Water SRF, page 59)
State and Tribal Environmental Justice Grants - see Environmental Justice 38
Storm Water Program - see Clean Water Act 24
(see also Enforcement, page 36)
Superfund Program 66
Brownfie lds 67
Emergency Response 68
Remedial Sites (NPL) 68
Removal Sites 69
Superfund Reform Initiatives 69
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act - see Superfund 66
Sustainable Development Grant Program 70
Title V Operating Permit Program - see Clean Air Act 13
Total Maximum Daily Loads - see Clean Water Act 25
Toxic Release Inventory - see EPCRA 32
Toxic Substance Control Act 70
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SUBJECT PACE #
Transportation - see National Environmental Policy Act 45
(see also Clean Air Act, page 10)
Underground Injection Control Program - see Safe Drinking Water Act 61
Underground Storage Tanks Program - see RCRA 55
Unified Watershed Assessment - see Clean Water Act 17
Upper Narragansett Bay and Urban Rivers Initiative
see RI “Special Places”fact sheet 91
Urban Bus Retrofitting Program - see Clean Air Act 13
Urban Environmental Initiative Program 72
Urban Rivers Initiative 74
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program - see Clean Air Act 14
Waste Program - see Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 51
Wastewi$e - see Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 56
Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency - see Safe Drinking Water Act 52
Water Quality Grants Program - see Clean Water Act 26
Water Quality Standards - see Clean Water Act 27
Water Quality Planning Program - see Clean Water Act 26
Watershed Approach 75
Welihead Protection Program - see Safe Drinking Water Act 63
Wetlands Program - see Clean Water Act 27
Woonasquatucket River - see American Heritage Rivers Program 8
(see also Urban Rivers Initiative, page 74, and RI “Special Places “fact sheet, page 9])
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RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE DIRECTORY
AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERS PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Johanna Hunter, (617) 918-1041
A. General Description
President Clinton signed an executive order establishing the American Heritage Rivers
Initiative, a new program to help communities restore and revitalize waters and waterfronts.
More than ever before, Americans are looking toward our rivers as a source for improving
community life The American Heritage Rivers Initiative will integrate the economic,
environmental and historic preservation programs and services of federal agencies to benefit
communities engaged in efforts to protect their rivers. The American Heritage Rivers Initiative:
U has designated fourteen rivers as American Heritage Rivers in July 1998,
U supports the local community’s goals for that river or river stretch;
U helps to cut red tape and provide focused federal support to designated rivers and
U helps to develop additional information for the use of all river communities.
Through the American Heritage Rivers web site, valuable information about our nation’s
rivers is easily available to everyone. Information organized geographically on flood events,
population change, road network, condition of water resources and partnerships already at
work in the area are available. Customized maps and environmental and educational
assessment models are also available. The address of the web site is:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/heritage/rivers.htm l
B. Blackstone and Woonasquatucket River - American Heritage Rivers in Rhode Island
Blackstone- Woonasquataucket River Navigator: Johanna Hunter, (617) 918-1041
Woonasquatuckel River Contact: Jane B. Sherman, The Providence Plan,(401) 455-8880
Blackstone River Contact: Michael Creasey, Blacksione Valley Heritage Corridor
Commission, (401) 762-0250
General Description
The Blackstone River in Massachusetts and Rhode Island the Woonasquatucket River in Rhode
Island flow through 26 communities with more than 1 million people before merging to flow
into Providence Harbor, and then into the head of Narrangansett Bay. Descendants of the
Nipmuc, Wampanoag and Narragansett tribes that inhabited the area at the time of the first
white settlers still live there today
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American Heritage Rivers Program - continued
Historic sites along the 46-mile-long Blackstone and the 14-mile-long Woonasquatucket tell the
story of the region’s transition from pristine forest to agriculture to early industry. Dozens of
dams harnessed the river’s power to fuel the factories that made the area a birthplace of the
American Industrial Revolution. The river-front cities of Worcester and Providence are two of
the three largest cities in New England. Heavy industrial use of the rivers left a legacy of
pollution and abandoned waterfronts Recent cleanup and restoration efforts, however, have
improved water quality and reclaimed historical areas and buildings More than 5,000 buildings
in the region are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and thousands more are
eligible for listing. Dams built along the rivers helped create marshes and wetlands, which have
made the region a major flyway for migrating waterfowl. The watershed is home to more than
60 endangered and threatened species, including the blue-spotted salamander and the eastern
box turtle, and its forests contain extensive old-growth stands. The 26 communities along the
rivers have undertaken a variety of efforts over the past two decades to improve water quality,
restore historic districts, and revitalize local economies. Designation as an American Heritage
River will help integrate ongoing and future activities, allowing the communities to pool
resources and work in concert to realize their visions for the Blackstone and Woonasquatucket
Rivers
Meetings have been held with agency and community representatives on both the Blackstone
Woonasquatucket rivers The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has been
identified as the sponsoring Federal agency that hired a River Navigator. The Blackstone-
Woonasquatucket River Navigator will respect the partnership of the rivers, while representing
the rivers equally and helping to develop a partnership among the many interests involved with
this American Heritage River designation.
The coordination of federal assistance is being provided by the New England Federal Partners
for Natural Resources, an interagency committee comprised of the U.S. Department of the
Army (Corps of Engineers), U S. Department of Agriculture (Cooperative Extension, Forest
Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service), U S. Department of Commerce (National
Marine Fisheries Service), U S Department of Interior (National Park Service, Service, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Geological Survey), U.S. EPA, and U.S. Department of Transportation
(Federal Highway Administration).
A general Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted and reviewed by each river’s
American Heritage River Committee It will be signed by all participating Federal agencies and
representatives of both rivers. A signing ceremony was held on July 19, 999.
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CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
EPA CEIT Contact: Carol Kilbride (617) 918-1831
CEIT Information Center: (800) 575- 2EIT
A. General Description
The Center for Environmental Industry and Technology (CEIT) acts as a catalyst for bringing
new environmental technologies to the marketplace and addressing the concerns of New
England’s envirotech industry CEIT focuses its resources on five problem areas facing the
envirotech industry: access to state and federal programs, access to technology demonstration
sites and testing, assistance in dealing with regulatory and institutional barriers, access to capital
and access to export opportunities.
B. CEIT Program in Rhode Island
With increasing national concern over storm water pollutants, and the need to comply with state
and local water quality mandates in Rhode Island, planners, engineers and local decision-makers
need access to the most current information on what technologies are available to help with
meeting water resource protection goals. EPA New England’s Center for Environmental
Industry and Technology (CEIT) sponsored an “Innovative Storm Water Technologies Trade
Show” on May 25, 1999 to showcase new and innovative devices for treating storm water The
show featured a mix of vendor presentations and product displays. providing an opportunity
to view new systems, discuss specific site problems with vendors, and obtain information on
product cost and performance. Additional exhibitors included a range of manufacturers and
suppliers of storm water and erosion control materials that support these innovative
installations. The trade show was held on May 25, 1999 at the Rhode Island Convention
Center. On September 28, 1999, CEIT will be sponsoring a trade show for
Innovative/Alternative on-site wastewater treatment and disposal technologies at the RI
Convention Center This event will feature a day of presentations and exhibits of new and
innovative systems and components for treating on-site wastewater. For more information
about this and other upcoming events, call the CEIT Hothne at 1-800-575-2348
CLEAN AIR ACT
EPA RI Contact: Emanuel Souza, (617) 918-1594
RIDEM Contact: Steve Majkut, (401) 222-2808, ext. 7010
EPA-NE Mobil Sources Hotline: (800) 821-1237
I. General Description
The Clean Air Act (CAA) and The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 seek to protect human
health and the environment from emissions that pollute ambient, or outdoor, air. To ensure that
air quality in all areas of the US meets certain federally mandated minimum standards, it assigns
primary responsibility to the States. The Act deems areas not meeting the standards as non-
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Clean Air Act - continued
attainment and requires them to implement specific air pollution controls. It establishes a
comprehensive permit system for all sources. Other provisions address ozone depleting
substances, acid rain, air toxins, enforcement, clean air research, disadvantaged business
concerns, and employment transition and assistance.
New Clean Air Standards
EPA’s new air quality standards are the first update in 20 years for ozone (smog) and the first
in ten years for particulate matter (soot). The updated standards, a major step forward in public
health protection, will protect 125 million Americans, including 35 million children, from the
health hazards of air pollution. Central to updated standards is an implementation package that
provides a flexible, common sense and cost-effective means for communities and businesses
to be able to achieve clean air EPA’s implementation package has four basic features
1. Continue progress by keeping current ozone standards and plans in place until they are
achieved and not disrupting progress currently being made;
2. Provide new tools for areas to address regional sources of pollution;
3. Classifying areas that achieve early reductions as “transitional” areas to avoid potentially
burdensome planning of pollution reduction requirements, and;
4 Initiate a new round of review of the particulate matter science, to be completed before areas
are designated as non-attainment and before any pollution controls would be required.
II. Clean Air Status in Rhode Island
Air quality concerns in Rhode Island remain largely due to the failure of Rhode Island to attain
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. EPA New England is
working with the State so they can come into compliance with the standards. On July 16, 1997,
the air quality standards for ozone (smog) and particulate matter (soot) were revised. On
December 17, 1998, EPA proposed revocation of the 1 hour standard for ozone in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is still classified as non-attainment for the 1 hour ozone standard until final rule
making. However, Rhode Island has air quality that meets the 1 hour standard It is not clear
at this time if Rhode Island will meet the new 8 hour standard. EPA will be working with the
State on this determination and will make it’s finding by July 2000. However, it is difficult to
predict with assurance those areas, if any, which will not meet the proposed air quality standard
for fine particulate matter. The future attainment or non-attainment status of Rhode Island will
depend on the monitored levels of air pollutants over the next few years
Impact of New Standards on Areas of Rhode Island
At this time it appears that there may be no change in Rhode Island’s ozone area designations.
Since ozone is a regional problem, Rhode Island will continue to pursue the abatement of
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Clean Air Act - continued
interstate upwind sources of ozone and ozone precursors by working with the Ozone Transport
Commission (OTC) and other Clean Air Act authorities.
It is difficult to predict with assurance those areas, if any, which will not meet the new air
quality standards for fine particulate matter. To address the issue of the new standards for fine
particulates, Rhode Island will be working with EPA to begin the establishment of a monitoring
network. Data from these monitoring stations will be used to determine whether Rhode Island
is in attainment for the new particulate matter standards.
III. Programs and Initiatives to Achieve Clean Air in Rhode Island
The following programs and initiatives are directed to maintaining and improving clean air in
Rhode Islan& Acid Rain Program, Construction Permit Program, Indoor Environments
Program, Title V Operating Permit Program, Urban Bus Retrofitting Program, and the Vehicle
Inspection and Maintenance Program. A brief description follows:
Acid Rain Program
General Description - Title IV of the Clean air Act describes the Acid Rain Program. This
program uses market forces to encourage utilities to reduce their sulfur dioxide emissions.
Utilities must install continuous emission monitors, and hold one “allowance” for each ton of
sulfur dioxide they emit. Utilities are given allowances based on their emissions during 1985-
1987. Allowances may be bought, sold, or traded, so if a utility can reduce emissions enough,
they must buy allowances. The program will also require reduction sin the emission of nitrogen
oxides. In 2000, Manchester Street Station in Providence will be in the program They have
already obtained a Phase II Permit. Newer facilities, such as the gas-fired plant in Tiverton, will
also be affected. 1995 was the first year of compliance under the allowance system for the
larger utilities in the program. The units affected by the program reduced their sulfur dioxide
emissions by over five million tons since 1980, nationwide. None of the affected units are in
Rhode Island.
Construction Permit Program
General Description - Rhode Island’s construction permitting program is designed to ensure that
economic growth will occur in harmony with the preservation of existing air resources. Under
the program, Rhode Island carefully reviews major new sources or modifications of air pollution
to ensure compliance with the applicable National Ambient Air Quality standard, air quality
increments and control requirements. In brief, the permitting program requires sources to install
emission controls that minimize pollutants and to perform an air quality analysis to demonstrate
these pollutants do not violate emission standards For larger sources or modifications, the
program also provides opportunities for public comment.
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Clean Air Act - continued
Indoor Environments Program
General Description
The Regional goals for the Indoor Environments Program are to reduce the public health risk
from indoor air exposures to environmental pollutants, concentrating on the vulnerable
populations of children Risk reduction activities are now focused on limiting children’s
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and other asthmagens, which are environmental
factors that cause or aggravate asthma, in their homes and schools
The risk reduction activities are accomplished by promoting education, awareness and adoption
of control measures that promote healthy indoor environments. EPA has developed a large
number of fact sheets, manuals and training programs to broadly disseminate information on
common pollutants and methods to reduce and control exposures Most of the information is
can available free to the public and can be ordered through calling the Indoor Air Quality
Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318.
In order to actively promote a comprehensive environmental approach in schools, EPA
recommends that schools establish environmental teams to implement “Indoor Air Quality
Tools for Schools Action Kit” which lays out actions that schools can follow to prevent and
resolve problems. EPA has developed a broad group of partners who have assisted in
developing the indoor air quality information, such as the American Lung Association, the
National Congress of Parents and Teachers Association, the National Education Association and
the American Federation of Teachers, as well as the Association of School Business Officials
In Rhode Island, the Regional program is working closely with the Rhode Island Committee
on Occupational Health and Safety and the Rhode Island Hospital’s Depart of Pediatrics to
promote environmental concerns in schools to reduce indoor asthmagens.
Title V Operating Permit Program
General Description - The purpose of the operating program is to put in one place all of the
requirements concerning air emissions that apply to affected sources. When fully in place, these
permits will ensure that sources are not being subjected to conflicting requirements and that all
parties have a clear understanding of those requirements. Rhode Island’s federally approved
program is expected to have permitted all affected sources by July 2001 with 60% of the
sources permitted by July 1999, which account for 80% of the air emissions from Title V
sources. EPA will be reviewing some of the permits submitted to the state
Urban Bus Retrofitting Program
General Description - On April 23, 1993, EPA finalized the Urban Bus Retrofit/Rebuild
Program (40 CFR 85 1401) which is intended to reduce the ambient levels of particulate matter
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Urban Bus Retrofitting Program (Clean Air Act) - continued
(PM) in urban areas. The program is limited to 1993 and earlier model year urban buses
operating in metropolitan areas with 1980 populations of 750,000 or more, whose engines are
rebuilt or replaced after January 1, 1995. Operators of the affected buses are required to choose
between two compliance options: Program One sets PM emissions requirements for each urban
bus engine in an operator’s fleet which is rebuilt or replaced, Program Two is a fleet averaging
program that establishes specific annual target levels for average PM emissions from urban
buses in an operator’s fleet. A key aspect of the program is the certification of retrofit/rebuild
equipment To meet either of the two compliance options, operators of the affected buses must
use equipment which has been certified by EPA The enforcement of this program will insure
that PM emissions are reduced in the cities in New England covered by the program. PM has
been identified as a probable human carcinogen. High levels of exposure also cause increased
frequency of bronchitis, asthma attacks and respiratory infections Environmental impacts of PM
include reduced visibility and deterioration of buildings (see also Enforcement, page 35)
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
General Description - Rhode Island is targeting vehicles, the largest local source of emissions
generating ozone and has designed and received legislative approval for an enhanced statewide
vehicle inspection and maintenance (I&M) program. Rhode Island has begun the process of
implementing the I&M program which is a decentralized testing and repair initiative combining
safety and emissions inspections for automobiles every other year. The I&M program is
expected to start in late 1999 To do the new emissions test, a car is rolled onto a treadmill. A
hose is attached to the exhaust pipe and connected to a machine. After starting the engine, the
mechanic follows instructions from the computer and accelerates the engine through various
speeds. After the test is over, a printout from the computer lists the levels of hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide in the exhaust. Emission limits are geared
to the specifications of each car. Cars that do not pass the test will be required to fix their cars
to meet the emission limits.
Emission Reduction of Ozone Precursors
EPA continues to play a leadership role in the ozone mapping project, a project to ensure that
daily ozone information is made available to weather forecasters. EPA Region I will review and
take action upon RI’s 15% and 9% Rate of Progress plans when it is submitted. These plans are
being submitted in response to EPA partial disapproval of RI’s earlier 15% plan and are
expected to be submitted to EPA in early 1999. EPA will review RI’s NO budget rule as a
State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision when the state submits it for implementation of the
1994 Ozone Transport Commission Memorandum of Understanding.
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Clean Air Act - continued
Air Toxics - MACT
EPA will continue to coordinate with the state on proposed MACT standard, including
providing feedback to EPA Headquarters on any concerns the state has regarding a proposed
MACI. EPA continues to coordinate with the state on outreach efforts for any final MACI
standards.
IV. EPA Clean Air Grants - See Grants, pages 77 & 83
CLEAN WATER ACT
EPA RI Contact: Dave Turin, (617) 918-1598
RID EM Contact: Alicia Good, (401) 222-3961, ext. 7214
General Description
The Federal Clean Water Act (“CWA”), 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. , establishes a national goal of
restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters
in a manner that provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and
recreation in and on the water. These “designated” uses are often characterized by the shorthand
expression, “fishable / swimmable.” The CWA also preserves the rights of states to plan the
development and use (including restoration, preservation, and enhancement) of its land and
water resources.
To meet these general goals, each state is required to adopt water quality standards that include
these designated uses and water quality criteria that support these uses. In addition, States are
required to adopt an anti-degradation policy that protect current “existing” uses whether
designated or not. The CWA also institutes federal permits to control discharges of pollutants
and fill material to wetlands and navigable waters, and other programs to prevent non-point
(overland or sheet flow) sources of water pollution, clean up lakes, protect ground waters, and
restore estuaries of national significance. Each of these programs are supported by regulations
and policies developed by EPA and the states.
H. Rhode Island’s Clean Water Status
In general, water quality in Rhode Island has improved significantly over the past 10 years.
Investments in the control of point (end of pipe) sources of pollution has paid off, however,
non-point sources of pollution (urban runoff and failing ISDS’s) are contributory to water
quality degradation in certain portions of the state.
Bacterial contamination has resulted in an increase of 19% of shellfish beds (5759 acres) that
have been temporarily or permanently closed since 1990
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Rhode Island’s Clean Water Status (Clean Water Act) - continued
A second concern is nutrient enrichment to the leading pollution problem in lakes and ponds
Excessive nutrients can lead to low dissolve oxygen conditions. Nutrients are also a concern
in the Upper Narragansett Bay. About 2500 lakes, 75 river miles and 16.3 square miles of
estuarine waters assessed show elevated nutrients.
A third water quality priority for the state is toxics in surface waters and sediments. To date,
limited resources prevent routine monitoring for toxics in surface waters, a concern in the Upper
Bay and the state’s urban rivers
There is a need for additional data to obtain a complete picture of the state’s surface water
resources. For example, water quality of 46% of the state’s river miles and 25% of the lake
cares have not been assessed to determine if these waters meet the state’s water quality goals
For those waters assessed, 78% of the state’s lakes, 52% of the rivers and 31% of the estuarine
waters meet federal and state quality standards.
Specifically surface waters in Rhode Island that have been identified as not meeting standards
include 27 estuarine acres (46,981 square miles) 40 river segments (217 miles), and 32 lakes
(2,471 acres). Thirty-one % of shell-fishable acres are closed permanently or conditionally.
III. Programs and Initiatives to Achieve Clean Water in Rhode Island
The following programs and initiatives are directed to maintaining and improving water quality
in Rhode Island. Clean Water Action Plan, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Combined
Sewer Overflows, National Estuary Program, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System,
National Pretreatment Program, Non-Point Source Pollution Program, Storm Water I Sludge
Program, Total Maximum Daily Loads, Water Quality Planning Program, Water Quality
Standards and the Wetlands Program.
Clean Water Action Plan
EPA RI Contact: Al Basile, (617) 918-1599
A. General Description
The Clean Water Action Plan (CWAP) as announced by President Clinton during his 1998
State of the Union Address is a major new clean water initiative designed to support the
restoration and protection of the nation’s water resources. The Action Plan builds on the
solid foundation of existing clean water programs and proposes new actions to strengthen
restoration and protection efforts In implementing the Action Plan and its 111 action items,
the EPA and other federal agencies will:
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Clean Water Action Plan (Clean Water Act) - continued
I support locally led partnerships that include a broad array of federal agencies, states,
tribes, communities, businesses, and citizens to meet clean water and public health
goals;
0 increase financial and technical assistance to states, tribes, local governments, farmers
and others;
LI help states and tribes restore and sustain the health of aquatic systems on a watershed
basis.
B. CWAP Implementation in Rhode Island
Major Clean Water Action Plan Activities in Rhode Island.
Unified Watershed Assessments - The State of Rhode Island in cooperation with other
government agencies and the public have characterized the States five major watersheds
(USGS 8-digit hydrologic units) into one of four categories:
Category I Watersheds in need of restorationS Blackstone, Narragansett and
Pawcatuck-Wood
Category II Watersheds needing preventive action to sustain water quality.
Quinebaug and Cape Cod
Category III Watersheds with pristine/sensitive aquatic system conditions administered
by federal, state, or tribal governments: No basins listed
Category IV Watersheds with insufficient data to make an assessment: No basins listed
Watershed Restoration Priorities - The State of Rhode Island in cooperation with other
government agencies and the public have compiled a listing of watershed restoration
priorities. The core elements of these priorities are to identify specific Category I
watersheds that are most in need of restoration, beginning 1999-2000, and to coordinate
with existing restoration priorities including but not limited to those established by the Total
Maximum Daily Load process (Section 303(d) CWA). The priority listing includes water
bodies scheduled for TMDL development, water bodies which require additional monitoring
prior to TMDL development, and targeted areas for agricultural best management practices.
Watershed Restoration Action Strategies - The State of Rhode Island in cooperation with
other government agencies and the public are currently developing Watershed Restoration
Action Strategies for watersheds that are most in need of restoration A core component of
this process is the development of a “Total Maximum Daily Load” (TMDL). The TMDL
sets the pollution reduction goal for an individual water body. Once the overall reduction
goal is set, the responsibility for attaining this target is allocated among the various sources
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Clean Water Action Plan Implementation in Rhode Island (Clean Water Act) - continued
(e g, point source dischargers and other sources of pollution, including polluted runoff). An
implementation plan outlining the measures necessary to achieve the pollution reduction goal
will also be generated as part of the TMDL.
The CWAP is available for viewing on the internet Visit http //www epa gov/cleanwater
For a copy of the Catalog of Funding Sources for Watershed Protection (EPA
841-B-97-008) please call 1-800-426-4791 Major funding sources for watershed
restoration in Rhode Island (FY99) include Section 319 CWA ($660,000) and the Clean
Water Stale Revolving Fund ($10,800, 000)
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
EPA Contact: Ralph Caruso, (617) 918-1612
RI Clean Water Finance Agency Contact: Anthony Simeone, (401) 453-4430
RID EM Contact: Jo/in Manning, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7254
General Description
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program provides capitalization grants to the
State in support of its State Revolving Loan Fund program. The State, in turn, provides low
interest loans to its communities for water quality improvement projects. These projects include
the planning, design, and construction of traditional and non-traditional pollution control
projects, including onsite disposal systems.
Combined Sewer Overflows
EPA RI Contact: Dave Turin, (617) 918-1598
RIDEM Contact: Angelo Liberti, (401) 222-6820, Ext. 7225
A. General Description
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) are overflows from sewers that carnes both sewerage
and storm water runoff In dry weather, the entire sewage flow goes to a wastewater
treatment plant During heavy rains, the high volume of storm-water may cause sewers to
overflow. When this happens, mixtures of storm water and untreated sewerage may flow
into rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans, etc Though treated somewhat differently, certain
storm water discharges and combined sewer overflows (CSO’s), discharges that are
triggered by rainfall in communities where sanitary sewers and storm water systems are
combined in single pipes, are also treated as point sources for purposes of permitting under
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
B. CSO Program Implementation in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has two combined sewer overflow systems. the City of Newport and the
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CSO Program Implementation in Rhode Island (Clean Water Act) - continued
Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) system which together serves the cities of
Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Lincoln, Cumberland, Jolmston, North Providence,
and parts of Smithfield, Cranston, and East Providence
The NBC system, with roughly 76 combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that annually
discharge about 2.2 billion gallons, is the largest CSO system in Region I. On July 12,
1999, DEM approved NBC’s revised concept design plan to address its CSOs The plan
proposes 3 phases of construction to be implemented over approximately 20 years at a cost
of approximately $389 million. Preliminary designs for Phase 1, with a cost estimate of
$165 million are due April 15, 2000. Phase I consists of construction of 3 tunnels, capable
of storing approximately 60 million gallons of overflow until it can be treated; upgrades at
NBC’s Bucklin Point wastewater treatment facility to increased treatment capacity; and
elimination of 23 overflow locations Phases 2 and 3, which include additional sewerage
system storage and treatment improvements, will be implemented or revised as appropriate
to meet applicable state and federal CSO control requirements.
The Newport sewerage system contains 2 CSOs. at Washington St. and Wellington Ave
While CSO controls have been in place for these overflows for a number of years,
additional studies are underway regarding the need to upgrade a microstrainer device at
Wellington Ave
National Estuary Program
EPA RI Contact: Margherita Pryor, (617) 918-1597
RIDEM Contact: Richard Ribb, (401) 222-7200 Ext. 7271
RIDEM Contact: Dr. Christopher Deacutis, (401) 222-7200 Ext. 7270
A. General Description
Estuaries and other coastal and marine waters are critical national resources threatened
relentlessly by pollution, habitat loss, coastal development, and resource conflicts.
Recognizing that traditional pollution control programs alone can’t address these complex
issues, Congress in 1987 established the National Estuary Program (NEP) to provide a
greater focus for coastal protection and to demonstrate practical, innovative approaches
for protecting estuaries and their living resources. Since then, 28 estuaries of national
significance have been accepted into the program.
The NEP is unique in that substantive public involvement and consensus decision-making
are built into its planning process. Its structure provides a continuing forum to equalize
discussion and decision-making in water quality management and to give all stakeholders
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National Estuary Program (Clean Water Act)- continued
opportunity to participate as equal partners in setting priorities, planning, and implementation.
This collaborative, consensus-based approach enables local, state and federal agencies, interest
group representatives, specific stakeholders, and the general public to make decisions about the
future of their estuaries through the development of Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plans (CCMPs) Each CCMP serves as a blueprint for action to restore the estuary
by identifying and recommending local solutions within a watershed or other geographic
framework.
B. NEP Implementation in Rhode Island - Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
Narragansett Bay was one of only four estuaries first targeted for special study by
Congress in 1984, in 1987, it became one of the original NEP sites, and the Narragansett
Bay Estuary Program was one of the first programs to complete and begin implementing
a CCMP. Currently, the program is housed within the Department of Environmental
Management, where its core mission is to offer a bay-wide, watershed-based perspective
for Narragansett Bay and to serve as a center for collaborative protection and restoration
efforts. This approach involves building strong working relationships with municipalities,
non-governmental organizations, and other partners, as well as introducing critical
planning and assessment tools to a wide community of users. Since the CCMP was
completed in 1993, the program has worked with partners to address the most pressing
priority needs for Narragansett Bay as a whole: identifying. critical habitat and
restoring/protecting valuable natural resources, understanding and managing nutrient
impacts on the Bay; developing a comprehensive, bay-wide monitoring strategy; and
coordinating and providing technical assistance to communities. EPA and Rhode Island
provided millions of dollars to support the development of a CCMP for the Bay. Since
the management plan was completed in 1993, EPA has continued to provide about
$300,000 annually to support staff and to offer “seed” funding for implementation projects
with other partners. The staff has successfully leveraged these funds to bring in close to
a million dollars in collaborative projects.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
EPA RI Contact: David Turin, (617) 918-1598
RIDEM Contact: Angelo Liberti, (401) 222-6820, Ext. 7225
Al Basile (617) 918-1599, TMDL Coordinator
Thelma Hamilton, (617) 918-1615, Storm Water/Sludge Coordinator
Hotline Number: National Small Flows Clearinghouse: 1-800-624-8301
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (Clean Water Act) - continued
A. General Description
Under the CWA and its implementing regulations, it is illegal to discharge pollutants
without a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System or NPDES permit. Since 1984
EPA has authorized RI to administer the NPDES program for direct or point source
discharges into RI waters, Consistent with EPA administered programs, the Rhode Island
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (RI PDES) imposes discharge limits based best
available or practicable technology as defined in federal regulations for each type of waste
discharger. For example, “technology based” standards for municipal dischargers require
the removal of at least 85% of conventional pollutants and specify the concentrations of
these pollutants that can be discharged Similarly metal finishers, paper manufacturers and
other specific types of discharges have technology based effluent limits imposed on them
Where these limits are not sufficient to meet State water quality criteria because of low
dilution of the discharge or multiple sources of the same pollutant, more stringent “water
quality based” limits are imposed to protect the existing and designated uses in the receiving
waters Though treated somewhat differently, certain storm water discharges and combined
sewer overflows (“CSOs”), discharges that are triggered by rainfall in communities where
sanitary sewers and storm water systems are combined in single pipes, are also treated as
point sources for purposes of permitting under NPDES.
B. NPDES Implementation in Rhode Island
Since 1984 EPA has authorized RI to administer the NPDES program for direct or point
source discharges into RI waters. Consistent with EPA administered programs, the RI
PDES imposes discharge limits based best available o(practicable technology as defined
in federal regulations for each type of waste discharger. For example, “technology based”
standards for municipal dischargers require the removal of at least 85% of conventional
pollutants and specify the concentrations of these pollutants that can be discharged.
Similarly, metal finishers, paper manufacturers and other specific types of discharges have
technology based effluent limits imposed on them Where these limits are not sufficient to
meet State water quality criteria because of low dilution of the discharge or multiple sources
of the same pollutant, more stringent “water quality based” limits are imposed to protect the
existing and designated uses in the receiving waters
National Pretreatment Program
EPA Contact: Jay Piinpare, (617) 918-1531
RID EM Contact: Bob DiSaia, (401) 222-6519, x7228
A. General Description
The National Pretreatment Program was established by Congress to control discharges of
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National Pretreatment Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
non-domestic wastes (e.g., industrial) to sewage treatment plants, commonly referred to as
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) Industrial processes use and generate toxic and
hazardous pollutants which are discharged to POTWs. While sewage treatment plants are
designed to treat the conventional pollutants that are contained in sanitary wastewater
discharged by homes, offices, and stores, POTWs are not generally designed to treat toxic
metals and organic pollutants that are often discharged by industries into the sewer system.
“Pretreatment” is therefore the treatment of industrial wastewater at the industrial facility
itself before the wastewater is discharged into a local sewer system.
As established under the Clean Water Act, the National Pretreatment Program is designed
to protect POTWs, its workers, and the environment from the detrimental impacts that may
occur when toxic and sometimes concentrated conventional pollutants are discharged into
sewer systems. This protection is achieved by regulating the non-domestic users of POTWs,
usually called industrial users (lUs) or indirect dischargers, since the industrial waste
stream flows first into public sewer systems and is then later discharged to waters of the
United States by the POTW.
The National Pretreatment Program requires the cooperation of Federal, State, and Local
governments to effectively control the discharges of industrial users. The government entity
that primarily implements pretreatment controls on industrial dischargers is usually the local
municipality through its approved pretreatment program Any POTW with a wastewater
design flow of greater than 5 MGD, or that receives wastewater from non-domestic sources
which may pass through or interfere with the POTW’s operations is required to establish a
Pretreatment Program. Therefore, the municipality, through its POTW, has the primary
responsibility to control the industrial wastes that are entering its sewer system. EPA in turn
oversees the implementation of the local pretreatment program through the performance of
Pretreatment Compliance Inspections and Pretreatment Program Audits.
B. Pretreatment Program Implementation In Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island has received delegation from EPA to oversee the implementations
of the local pretreatment program. Local pretreatment programs required to submit
documents to EPA for approval/denial in accordance with the National Pretreatment
Program, instead submit all documents to the State. There are currently 15 approved
pretreatment programs consisting of 291 SignifIcant Industrial Users (SIUs) The list below
shows the programs and indicates the current number of SIU’s the POTW regulates.
POT W:#SIU
Bristol: 9 NBC-Field’s Point: 92 Warren: 3
Cranston. 24 Newport: 0 Warwick: 9
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National Pretreatment Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
East Greenwich: 2 RIEDC: 8 West Warwick 13
East Providence: 10 Smithfield: 10 Westerly: 3
NBC-Bucklin Point: 60 South Kingstown. 5 Woonsocket. 23
Non-Point Source Pollution Program
EPA RI Contact: Margherita Pryor, (617) 918-1597
RIDEM Contact: Jim Riordan, (401) 222-3434 ext. 4421
A. General Description
Although the United States has made significant progress during the last 25 years in
controlling pollution from point sources of industries and sewage treatment plants, non-
point source pollution (NPS) has now become the main reason that approximately 40%
of surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not clean enough to meet basic uses such as
fishing and swimming. NPS pollution occurs when rainfall, snow melt, or irrigation runs
over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes,
and coastal waters or introduces them into groundwater. NPS pollution also includes
harmful physical changes to stream channels and their associated aquatic habitats. The
most common NPS pollutants are pathogens (bacteria/viruses) from failing septic systems
and soils, contaminants, and nutrients that storm water runoff picks up as it flows
overland to rivers and streams from agricultural land and other treated open spaces, urban
and suburban development, marinas, construction sites, roads, and bridges Typical NPS
contaminants include pesticides, salts, oil, grease, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals
Recognizing that non-point source pollution was becoming the nation’s largest source of
water quality problems, Congress in 1987 established the national non-point source
program in the Clean Water Act amendments of that year. Under Section 319 of the Act,
states, territories, and tribes with approved programs apply for and receive grants from
EPA to implement non-point source pollution controls. A nation-wide formula is applied
to determine how much funding each state or tribe will receive each year. Also, each
state or tribe is required to provide a 40% non-federal dollar match to support the
program.
B. NPS Program Implementation in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s NPS program is housed in the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management (RIDEM). Under Section 319, each state must have an approved non-point
source management plan in place in order to remain eligible for federal non-point source
grants. Rhode Island’s plan was updated, revised, and approved in 1995, and is now
incorporated in the State Guide Plan. Primary pollutant sources addressed in the plan
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NPS Program Implementation in Rhode Island (Clean Water Act) - continued
include failing septic systems; residential and commercial fertilizer application;
agricultural operations, including forestry; urban and suburban storm water runoff;
underground discharges, including those from storage tanks; marinas; landfills and surface
mining activities; and destruction of riparian habitat.
Rhode Island recently adopted a new approach for selecting NPS projects by soliciting
proposals for 319 grants from a broad range of potential applicants, including
municipalities, towns, conservation districts and cooperative extension services, watershed
associations, land trusts, planning groups, university departments, secondary schools, and
other nonprofit organizations. The intent is to use NPS funds more quickly and effectively
for remediation and restoration projects in three primary areas: onsite wastewater
management; strategies for watershed restoration; and implementation of watershed
restoration strategies
The annual federal 319 grant to Rhode Island typically amounts to more than $600,000.
Thanks to substantial increases provided through the federal Clean Water Action Plan (see
discussion of CWAP, page, 16) almost $1 million will be available in 1999 for projects to
prevent, control, or reduce NPS pollution or to restore watersheds and/or bodies of water
harmed or endangered by such pollution.
Storm Water / Sludge Program
EPA Contact: Thelma Hamilton, (617) 918-1615,
RIDEM Contact: Angelo Liberti, (401) 222-6519, Ext. 7225
A. General Description
The storm water management program was established under the authority of Section 402(p)
of the Clean Water Act The program is made up of two phases. Phase I was established
in 1990 It regulates large and medium municipal separate storm sewer systems, storm
water discharges associated with industrial activity; storm water discharges identified as
cause violations to water quality; and storm water discharges which have established
effluent limitations contained in a permit issued prior to 1987. All discharges subject to the
Phase I program are regulated with an NPDES permit, either a general permit or an
individual permit The Phase II program will be published final in October 1999 Phase II
will cover small municipal separate storm sewer systems; construction projects down to one
acre, and established a no exposure incentive for Phase I industries. The overall objective
of the storm water program is to eliminate / minimize the discharge of pollutants to waters
of the United States from storm water run off.
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Storm Water / Sludge Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
B. Storm Water Program Implementation in Rhode Island
The storm water program is part of an NPDES permit program. The state of Rhode Island
has a delegated NPDES program which includes the storm water program. The state has
developed general permits to address the types of discharges which are subject to the
program. Once Phase II is final, the state will be required to modify their current program
to address the additional discharges covered by the Phase II program. The program
modification should be completed by October 2001. (see also Enforcement, page 36)
Total Maximum Daily Loads
EPA RI Contact: Al Basile, (617) 918-1599
RIDEM Contact: Wayne Jenkins, (401) 222-6820, Ext. 7272
A. General Description
In accordance with Section 3 03(d) of the Clean Water Act, the States are required to develop
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for all water bodies that are not meeting water
quality standards. A TMDL establishes the maximum amount of a pollutant that may be
introduced into a water body while still ensuring attainment and maintenance of water
quality standards. A TMDL must also specify load allocations among both point and non-
point sources of pollution. This process is intended to protect all waters from excessive
pollutant loading, regardless of sources. The process of establishing TMDLs, as outlined in
section 303(d) is an integral part of the Clean Water Act’s surface water quality
management requirements. Specifically, States are required to
1. develop lists of all waters where existing pollution controls for point and non-point
sources are not or are not expected to meet all applicable water quality standards, and
for which TMDLs are unestablished;
2. prioritize and set schedules for establishing TMDLs for listed waters; and
3 establish TMDLs for all listed waters.
States have the primary responsibility for implementing the TMDL process. EPA reviews
and approves both the States prioritized list of waters needing TMDLs (3 03(d) list) and the
established TMDLs Public participation is encouraged throughout the TMDL process. The
public must be given an opportunity to review and comment on the States 303(d) list and
the TMDLs.
B. TMDL Program Implementation in Rhode Island
During 1998, the State of Rhode Island finalized its list of impaired waters (303(d)). In
developing this list, the State used all existing and readily available information pertaining
to the condition of the State’s surface waters This data was generated by monitoring
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TMDL Program Implementation in Rhode Island (Clean Water Act) - continued
programs carried out by government agencies, universities, and volunteer monitoring groups.
Each water body on the 303(d) list has been given a priority ranking and a time schedule for
TMDL development. Presently, Rhode Island, other government agencies, and the public are
in the process of developing TMDLs for a number of impaired waters.
Water Quality Grants Program
In carrying out the provisions of the Clean Water Act as stated in § 104, the Regional
Administrator is authorized to make grants to state water pollution control agencies, interstate
agencies, other public or non- profit private agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals
for purposes of promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations,
experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent,
prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Water quality grants are used to support
special projects and demonstrations which promote a holistic water resource management
approach The Watershed Protection Approach to environmental improvement continue to be
a priority for EPA - New England. § I 04(b(3) water quality funds are to be provided for
innovative demonstration projects such as those related to urban wet weather discharges on a
watershed basis that promote the development or implementation of statewide watershed
approaches in the NPDES program (including storm water, CSOs, SSO, pretreatment and bio-
solids programs) or other innovative voluntary approaches for meeting program goals and
alternative ways to measure the effectiveness of the point source program
Water Quality Planning Program
EPA RI Contact: Dave Turin, (617) 918-1598
RIDEM Contact: Connie Carey, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7239
A. General Description
RIDEM’s Water Quality Planning Program supports a diverse array of the State’s water
quality management activities. These include development of its water quality standards
(see “CWA,” above); support for CWA §401 water quality certification to assure
consistency of federal permitting and licensing decisions with State water quality standards;
administering and planning sampling programs; preparing water quality assessments, such
as its 305(b) report on the state of the State’s water and its 303(d) list, a compilation of
waters that will not meet water quality standards without the imposition of special control
measures (see “NPDES,” above), and waste- load allocations and TMDLs (“Total Maximum
Daily Loads”), the studies that the State conducts to identifS’ additional controls that will be
necessary to bring 303(d) listed waters into compliance with water quality standards.
Together, these efforts direct the State water quality programs and help assure progress
achieving the goals and objectives of the CWA.
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Water Ouality Planning Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
B. Water Quality Planning Implementation in Rhode Island
RI’s water quality planning staff have the primary responsibility of assuring that State water
quality standards are revised on a regular basis and kept consistent with federal regulations.
RI’s water quality program also includes ongoing data-gathering to support development
of the State’s 305(b) Report and the site-specific data necessary to develop TMDLs for
waters listed on the State’s 303(d) list of waters that don’t meet applicable water quality
standards.
Water Quality Standards
EPA RI Contact: Dave Turin, (617) 918-1598
RIDEM Contact: Connie Carey, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7239
A. General Description
To meet the general goals of the Clean Water Act (see Clean Water Act, above), each state
is required to adopt water quality standards (WQS) that must include 3 basic elements: 1)
designated uses consistent with supporting the “fishable/swimmable use goals of the CWA,
2) numeric and narrative water quality criteria that support these uses; and, 3) an “anti-deg-
radation” policy to maintain current existing uses whether they are designated or not The
CWA requires that standards be reviewed at least every three years. Revised standards must
be submitted to the EPA for approval.
B. Water Quality Standards Implementation in Rhode Island
RI’s current WQS were adopted following a lengthy revision process on 8/6/97 and
amended 3/25/99 As the state’s primary tool for implementing the goals of the CWA, all
permits, licenses and water quality certifications issued by the State should be consistent
with the State WQSs
Wetlands Program
EPA RI Contact: Melvin Peter Holmes, (617) 918-1397
RIDEM General Program Contact: Carol Murphy, (401) 222-4700, Ext. 7208
RIDEM Permitting Contact: Marty Wencelc, (401) 222-6820, Ext. 7403
A. General Description
Increasing urbanization of landscape poses a cumulative threat to the values and functions
of wetlands. Additionally, many wetland systems have been degraded by past activities
including un-permitted alterations or failure to adhere to permit conditions. New strategies
are needed to facilitate wetland restoration by reducing cumulative small losses, losses due
to large public projects, reduce non-compliance and promote
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Wetlands Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
voluntary action to better protect vital wetland resources. Rhode Island has been among the
nation’s leaders in adopting wetland protection laws, and in recent years, the state has
reduced the authorized losses of wetlands to a minimum. RIDEM has regulatory
jurisdiction over freshwater wetlands while the Coastal Resources Management Council
(CRMC) had jurisdiction over coastal wetlands.
B. Wetland Program Implementation in Rhode Island
Permit Review
It is expected that over the next year EPA will review more than 200 wetlands permits, will
attend more than 50 site visits, and will submit numerous comments to the Army Corps of
Engineers in accordance with the 404 Federal Regulations. Federal resource agencies
helped develop and implement a state wide Programmatic General Permit (PGP) program
in the State of Rhode Island. The intent of the PGP was to replaced the environmentally
destructive nationwide permit program with a more rational approach. The intent of the
POP is to improve the federal wetland program by simplifying some of the program’s
complexity while providing for more effective resource protection. EPA will continue to
encourage early coordination efforts with other federal agencies on permit projects in order
to streamline the permit evaluation process, while pursuing effective environmental
protection of wetlands and other aquatic resources.
Enforcement Support
Information on RI wetland violations will be documented and forwarded to the Army Corps
of Engineers, RIDEM and CRMC. Other routine activities that will be conducted by EPA
include: responding to information requests, site visits, mailing of’intend to fill” letters, on-
site verbal requests asking persons filling or dredging wetlands without a federal permit to
cease and desist their work until they contact the Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to
enforcement support, wetlands educational outreach will continue to be incorporated with
enforcement support activities Wetlands brochures, wetland hotline phone numbers,
suggestions of local resources, and verbal descriptive wetlands information will be offered
to the public whenever possible and whenever appropriate.
Wetland Restoration / Mitigation
The RIDEM has been working to promote wetland protection and habitat restoration
initiatives. The state has been making an effort to enhance wetland protection programs to
achieve consistency with several federal core program elements and is currently proposing
a series of wetland bills to the state legislature for improved state wetland protection to
foster habitat restoration activities in the coastal and inland environments. The state has
mapped critical coastal habitats in the coastal ponds region, collaborated with the habitat
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Wetlands Program (Clean Water Act) - continued
restoration advisory committee and continues salt marsh restoration initiatives at sites
identified in the Narraganset Bay Estuary program.
Education and Outreach
EPA will focus on important wetland resources in Rhode Island with an upcoming “Vernal
Pool” Recognition and Awareness Initiative.
Wetland Grants
EPA administers a wetland grant program which has provided financial assistance to the
State of Rhode Island, tribal and local governments in their wetlands protection,
management and restoration efforts. Grant funds have been used to develop new wetland
programs or refine existing wetland programs. Wetland grant funds are directed toward
activities that result in demonstratable progress in improving wetland programs. The goal
of the grant program is to ensure that Rhode Island’s important wetland resources will be
identified and protected in the future. The grant program offers an opportunity for
communities to assess and identify different scenarios for the protection of wetland
resources as they update local comprehensive plans. For EPA it is an opportunity to
implement elements of our “Smart Growth Action Plan”. The plan is designed to achieve
sustainable economic development, a healthy environment, and a high quality of life for
New Englanders. The wetlands grants are a tool to develop strategies to protect wetland
resources and to implement local measures to direct development activity away from these
important local resources. In 1999 EPA made $175,000 directly available to the State,
local governments, and tribes for wetland protection. State/tribal agencies, interstate
/intertribal entities and association, and local governmental agencies and associations are
eligible to receive grant funds Wetland related agencies include, but are not limited to
water quality agencies, planning offices/commissions; departments of transportation, fish
and wildlife or natural resources, agriculture, and forestry; coastal zone management
agencies, park and recreation agencies; non-point source or storm water agencies, and other
state, local government wetland related agencies. Local government entities include, but
are not limited to city , and regional government agencies including the Rhode Island State
conservation Districts and the University of Rhode Island. All wetland grant funds that
EPA awards is through a competitive process. (see also Enforcement page 36)
IV. EPA Clean Water Act Grants
See Grants, pages 77 and 83
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COASTAL ZONE ACT REAUTHORIZATION AMENDMENTS
EPA RI Contact: Margherita Pryor, (617) 918-1597
RIDEM Contact: Jim Riordan, (401) 222-3 91, Ext. 4421
Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Contact: Laura Miguel, (401) 222-2476
I. General Description
Non-point source pollution (NPS) is a significant portion of the threats to coastal waters. It
occurs when rainfall, snow melt, or irngation runs over land or through the ground, picks up
pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters or introduces them into
groundwater. NPS pollution also includes harmful physical changes to stream channels and
their associated aquatic habitats The most common NPS pollutants are pathogens
(bacterialviruses) from failing septic systems and soils, contaminants, and nutrients that storm
water runoff picks up as it flows overland to rivers and streams from agricultural land and other
treated open spaces, urban and suburban development, marinas, construction sites, roads, and
bridges Typical NPS contaminants include pesticides, salts, oil, grease, toxic chemicals, and
heavy metals.
In 1990, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) to
tackle the NPS pollution problem in coastal waters Part of these amendments was a new
section (Section 6217) requiring states and territories with approved Coastal Zone Management
(CZM) programs to develop Coastal Non-point Pollution Control Programs These programs
must be jointly approved by EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The intent is to build on existing Clean Water Act section 319 non-point source
management programs and the coastal zone management programs approved under section 306
of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Section 6217 for the first time has brought together the
land use management expertise of state coastal zone management agencies and the water quality
expertise of the state 319 agencies to enhance efforts to manage activities and land uses that
degrade coastal waters and habitats.
II. CZARA Program Status
In 1995, Rhode Island submitted its coastal non-point program to EPA and NOAA for joint
review and approval. The program was conditionally approved in 1997 and is expected to be
fully approved by December 1999. Full implementation of management measures is understood
to be along-term process, taking as long as 15 years However, Rhode Island must submit a
5-year plan describing the first phase of activities and listing interim milestones and benchmarks
to be achieved by 2003
III. Programs and Initiatives
Under Section 6217, Rhode Island must describe how and what kinds of non-point source
pollution controls, called management measures, it will implement to address five major
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Programs and Initiatives (Coastal Zone Management Act) - continued
categories of non-point pollution: agriculture, forestry, urban (including new development,
septic tanks, roads, bridges, and highways), marinas and recreational boating, and hydro
modification. The state must also describe how it will promote the protection and restoration
of wetlands and riparian areas as treatment systems to control pollution arising from the five
major NPS categories listed above. If these measures do not achieve the expected
improvements within a certain period of time, the state must undertake additional measures to
address remaining water quality problems. Although most of the measures rely on
implementation through state-wide programs, local governments and communities also play an
important role The state is expected to provide substantial technical assistance to them, as well
as to ensure meaningfl.il opportunities for public participation throughout the process
IV. CZARA Grants
In addition to working with the state to provide technical assistance to local communities, the
federal government also provides funding to help implement the coastal non-point program.
This funding comes as part of the overall annual grants to the state under EPA’s 319 program
and NOAA’s CZM program. The annual federal 319 grant to Rhode Island typically amounts
to more than $600,000 Funding from NOAA to Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources
Management Council to implement the state’s overall coastal zone management program
usually amounts to between $800,000 and $900,000 annually, of which about $60,000 is
earmarked specifically to implement Section 6217 Thanks to substantial increases provided
through the federal Clean Water Action Plan (see discussion of CWAP, page, 16) almost $1
million will be available in 1999 for projects to prevent, control, or reduce non-point source
pollution or to restore watersheds and/or bodies of water harmed or endangered by such
pollution.
COMMUNITY BASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
EPA Contacts: Deborah Harstedt, (617) 918-1085
General Description
Community-based environmental protection (CBEP) is EPA’s term for a holistic and collaborative
approach to environmental protection. CBEP brings together public and private stakeholders within
a place or community to identify environmental concerns, set priorities, and implement
comprehensive solutions Examples of community based projects in Rhode Island are.
1. Narragansett Bay Estuary Program - see Clean Water Act, page 20
2 Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership - see NE Federal Part ners..., page 47
3. Urban Rivers Initiative - seepage 74
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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT
EPA Contacts:Dwight Peavey (617) 918-1829, Len Wallace (617) 918-1835,
Ray DiNardo, (617) 918-1804
RI Contacts :
EPCRA, Section 313, TRI: Karen Slattery, RI DEM, (401) 222-2808, Ext. 7030
EPCRA,Section 311&312, Tier 2 Reporting: Patrice Cavaretta, RiDept of
Labor & Training, (401) 457-1829
EPCRA, Section 302, Emergency Planning: Jo/in Aucolt, RJSERC, Governor’s
Office of Emergency Management, (401) 946-9996
EPA EPCR4 Holline: (800) 424-9346, TDD (800) 553-7672 (Monday-Friday, 9am - 6pm EST)
General Description
Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also know as SARA Title III,
was enacted in 1986 and designed to promote emergency planning and preparedness at both the state
and local level It provides citizens, local government and local responders with information about
the potential hazards in their community EPCRA requires the use of emergency planning and
designates state and local government as recipient of information regarding certain chemicals used
in the community. EPCRA has four major components:
1. Emergency Planning (Sections 30 1-303)
2 Emergency Release Notification (Section 304)
3. Community Right-To-Know Reporting (Sections 311-3 12)
4. Toxic Release Inventory Reporting (Section 313)
The goal of the EPCRA team is to assist state and local government to reduce the threat of chemical
accidents, prevent pollution, and to increase public awareness of hazardous chemicals that are stored
and released in their communities To achieve this, the team works with a wide range of state and
local agencies as well as industry, environmental groups and the public. The team has a wide range
of resources available to them including the following
The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI): a computerized data base on the releases and transfer of toxic
chemicals from manufacturing facilities On Earth Day 97, President Clinton announced the addition
of hundreds of industrial facilities to the list of those that must report toxic releases. Seven industry
sectors will be reporting for 1998 by July 1, 1999 including electric utilities, coal and metals mining
and commercial hazardous waste treatment
Tier 2 is a free software program that allows a facility to electronically report its yearly EPCRA
Section 311 &3 12 Chemical Inventory reports. The EPCRA team provides training and technical
assistance for the Tier 2 software. The EPCRA Team maintains a New England database of Tier 2
reports.
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Emergency Planning And Community Right-To-Know Act - continued
CAMEO, Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations, is a software system for EPCRA
planning, responding, and mitigation of chemical accidents CAMEO has twelve modules and two
self-contained programs of which one is MARPLOT, an electronic geographic mapping software
tool. The EPCRA Teams provides training and technical assistance for CAMEO.
The “One Plan’, also know as Integrated Contingency Planning (ICP), allows a facility to comply
multiple federal planning requirements by consolidating them into one functional emergency
response plan. The EPCRA Team provides training, technical assistance and review of “One Plans”
For more detailed information and Internet access to all aspects of EPCRA and EPCRA related
tools, you can access the EPCRA Team a! http //www epa gov/regional/steward/emerplan/
ENERGYSTAR / GREENLIGHTS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS & U.S. CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN VOLUNTARY, MONEY-SAVING, ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
THAT REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS AND CONVENTIONAL, REGULATED AIR
EMISSIONS
EPA Region I Contact: Norman Willard (617) 918-1812
To//free number: 1-888-STAR YES / Website: www.epa.gov/energystar
EnergvStar Buildings/Green Lights Partnership Programs
These programs encourage municipalities, states, companies, business and trade groups, hospitals,
utilities, schools, not-for-profit and other organizations to reduce energy use, save money, and
prevent pollution through available, off-the-shelf energy efficient technologies, products, equipment
and services. EPA provides free, extensive technical support, planning, costing and savings
calculating software products, procurement and purchasing tool kits, training workshops, financing
advice, an extensive on-line database of thousands of EnergyStar conforming energy efficient
products and equipment, and valuable public recognition for participants. Participants, now
numbering in the thousands, through investments in energy efficiency, achieve savings of 30-60%
and earn internal rates of return of 22% at a minimum and often higher, and are saving billions of
dollars every year. In addition to end users, EPA works with manufacturers to produce all kinds of
more energy efficient products that can earn and bear the EnergyStar logo Individual buildings can
earn an EnergyStar Label for Buildings. EnergyStar Homes and a wide range of EnergyStar home
products and equipment that helps individuals reduce energy costs. The EnergyStar Small Business
program provides free technical assistance and support to small business and organizations - those
having 100,000 or less square footage facilities - Participants learn about determining their energy
needs, ways to purchase energy efficient products and services that save money, reduce energy use
and help the environment. Case studies, an awards program, an interactive website, and networking
are features of this program.
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EnergyStar Buildings/Green Lights Partnership Programs - continued
Climate Wise Pro2ram
EPA Region I contact: Norman Willard (617) 918-1812
Toll free number: 1-800-459-WISE
Website: epa.gov/climatewise
This program provides free technical assistance service for companies to create their own menu own
cost-saving action plan, obtain free energy audits and technical support, a software toolkit for
estimating energy savings, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and planning projects. Companies
set their own energy reduction goals, through measures that they choose to save money, reduce
greenhouse gas and conventional air emissions, conserve water, network with other business
participants, and receive public recognition Climate Wise also offers a Business-to-Business
Program, a Peer Exchange Program and on-going technology and measure-oriented technical
workshops.
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
EPA Region I contact: Norman Willard (617) 918-1812
ICL El/Cities for Climate Protection Campaign Contact: Nancy Skinner (510) 540-8843
websites: wwiv. iclei. org/us and www.epa.gov/globalwarming
This campaign receives EPA and foundation support in encouraging local governments and regional
organizations think globally and act locally. CCP helps local governments implement policies and
measures that reduce global warming pollution, improve air quality and enhance communities.
Participating cities and counties assesses their own energy use and develop action plans to reduce
community-wide emissions and save money. CCP governments find that increasing energy
efficiency and decreasing fossil fuel consumption to be cost effective, good sense strategies that
tackle a host of other local problems, enhance community quality of life and sustainability. The
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is the international organization
that administers the program ICLEI offers software and other tools to make the tasks easy, along
with training workshops, information, grant funding and other assistance.
ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAM
EPA Enforcement Contact: Sam Silverman, Co-Manager (617) 918-1 731
EPA Enforcement Contact: Ken Moraff, Co-Manager, (617) 918-1 721
EPA Industrial Sector Contact: Roy Crystal (617) 918-1 745
Tips and Complaints Hotline: 1-888-372-7341
General Description
EPA’s enforcement program emphasizes strategic targeting of inspection and enforcement activities
to achieve environmental results. The program focuses resources on industrial sectors with non-
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Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program - continued
compliance problems, urban areas whose populations face environmental and public health risks,
and statute specific priorities to support EPA’s national compliance agenda. EPA’s compliance
efforts in New England and particularly in Rhode Island address a wide range of environmental
problems. An exhaustive list is obviously beyond the scope of this summary, but some of our most
significant areas of concern in 1999 include:
Chemical Emergency Preparedness: EPA-New England has created a team approach to evaluate
the spill and emergency hazard potential of facilities. Our first priority is preventing hazards by
requiring that all at-risk facilities have risk management plans, and are prepared to respond to
chemical accidents. We will also invest in building state capacity to deal with these issues.
Clean Air Act Compliance: Because everyone must breathe the same air, EPA-New England has
targeted compliance with the Clean Air Act to safeguard the health of our citizens Efforts in Rhode
Island include both a focus on heavily polluted older urban and industrial sites as well as preventing
currently clean areas from becoming environmentally degraded.
Climate Change: The region is completing a global climate change agenda which includes the
greening of New England federal facilities, outreach and education for the public, and collaboration
with New England states and businesses.
CSOs/SSOs: Urban wet weather issues are a top priority for EPA-New England. Both “combined
sewer overflows” (CSOs-overflows from systems designed to convey both sanitary sewage and
storm water) and “sanitary sewer overflows” (SSOs-overflows from systems designed to convey
only sanitary sewage) cause severe environmental problems. In cooperation with the State of Rhode
Island, we are aggressively pursuing the implementation of CSO control projects We are also
investigating the extent of the SSO problem, and will work with the State and with watershed
associations to identify potential SSOs for enforcement actions
Drinking Water: Under the drinking water program, our priorities for 1998 and 1999 are drinking
water disinfection, including enforcement of the Surface Water Treatment Rule and the Total
Coliform rule, and compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. Because lead exposure is a national
and regional priority, enforcement of this rule is based on risk to sensitive populations.
Hazardous Waste; Risks caused by improper handing of hazardous waste, especially in the
Woonasquatucket River, is a high priority, as is compliance by public agencies, waste generators and
transportation facilities. Air emissions or organic compounds and risks in urban/environmental
justice areas are also key initiatives.
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Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program - continued
Mercury Reduction in Hospitals: Mercury is a toxic and persistent pollutant that is recently
receiving much attention. EPA-New England has challenged New England medical facilities to lead
the nation in eliminating mercury and/or mercury-containing waste by 2003 EPA is partnering with
facilities that voluntarily reduce mercury under this program
Sprawl: Wise steps to control urban sprawl is another Regional priority, involving both our
enforcement and compliance assistance programs. This includes encouraging enforcement
settlements that contain environmental projects that help to limit or counteract the effects of sprawl.
To do this, we are developing partnerships with such organizations as The Nature Conservancy, the
Trust for Public Land, and the Audubon Society to identify wetlands, habitats, and other areas
needing remediation andlor protection from over-development. We are also integrating sprawl
issues into our efforts to reduce the use of greenhouse gases in local communities (land use and
transportation planning are relevant to both issues).
Storm Water: In targeting areas that we believe cause serious environmental impacts, storm water
enforcement is a top priority for 1999. We are complementing this with compliance assistance and
pollution prevention activities
Urban Bus Initiative: Large cities, such as Providence, must have diesel bus fleets retrofitted with
emissions control equipment to reduce PM and Nitrogen Oxides EPA New England will be
targeting urban areas to evaluate compliance with these emissions control requirements.
Urban Environmental Issues: In 1999, the Office of Environmental Stewardship’s Urban Team
(a multi-media team which uses both enforcement and compliance assistance tools) is focusing on
environmental problems in Providence and two other urban areas in New England. Activities
continued from 1998 include prevention and remediation of accidental releases, a focus on the auto
repair sector, and enforcement of environmental laws in the fish processing industry. New priorities
for 1999 include initiatives designed to protect the Woonasquatucket watershed and enforcement of
leaking underground tanks.
Wetlands: Stemming the loss of New England’s wetlands is a key environmental priority We
receive many tips and complaints from the public and from other governmental agencies, and many
of these lead to enforcement cases designed to restore filled wetlands or mitigate the environmental
harm caused by wetlands violations. We are also working to identify what causes significant
wetland losses, so that we can develop strategic enforcement and compliance assistance approaches.
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Kristen Conroy, (617) 918-1069
General Description
The FY98 Environmental Education Grants Program’s(EEG) applications were listed in the Federal
Register in August of 1997 due in November 1997 About half of the grant dollars awarded to the
region will be $5,000 or less. Individual grants do not exceed $25,000. The total for all of New
England was $200,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANTS PROGRAM, EJ SMALL GRANTS, EJ
POLLUTION PREVENTION GRANTS AND STATE AND TRIBAL ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE GRANTS
EPA EJ Grants Program Manager: Ronnie Harrington (617) 918-1703
EPA EJ Coordinator: Dr. Ngozi Oleru (617) 918-1120
EPA EJHoIline: (800) 962-6215
A. General Description
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its 1992 report, Environmental Equity:
Reducing Risk for all Communities, found that people of color and low income communities
experience higher exposure to toxic pollutants than the general public The Environmental
Justice movement (EJ) has focused attention on the need to more actively ensure equitable
environmental protection for all, and to empower those most often disenfranchised from the
decision making process - the poor and people of color. Pollution prevention (P2) can play a
central role in reducing environmental risks while promoting public involvement and
environmental benefits
The EJ Pollution Prevention Grants and EJ Small Grants request for proposals are announced
in the Federal Register and placed on the EPA website. The Region conducts a mass mailing
and provides notice of the opportunity to apply for grant dollars to community based grassroots
organizations, tribes, schools and other non profit organizations. The Region also conducts
workshops and conference calls to inform the community of application requirements and
deadlines. The State and Tribal Environmental Justice Program request for proposals is also
published in the Federal Register and each of the States and Tribes in this Region are provided
a copy of the guidance by EPA New England and encouraged to apply for grant funding.
B. Types of EJ Grants
At present, there are three (3) grant programs being administered in Region I.
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG
EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice began a small grants program for funding of
environmental justice projects in FY ‘94. This year, $100,000 is available to each Region to
support Superfund related projects. Grantees can receive up to $20,000 in EJSG funding. An
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Environmental Justice Grants Programs - continued
additional $100,000 is available for funding non-superfund related projects with $40,000
specifically allocated to public health projects. The non-superfiind grantees can receive up to
$15,000 The application deadline for FY ‘99 funding was March 8, 1999.
Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention Grants Program (EJP2 )
The EJP2 Program receives its funding from the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances (OPPTS) which established the EJP2 Program in FY ‘95. Grantees in this program
can receive up to $100,000. The Agency strongly encourages cooperative efforts between
communities, business, industry, and government to address common pollution prevention
goals. For FY ‘99 approximately $750,000 is available for funding. The application deadline
for FY ‘99 funding is August 12, 1999
State & Tribal Environmental Justice (STEJ) Grants Program
Funding for this program was established in FY ‘98 from EPA’s Office of Environmental
Justice Grantees can receive up to $100,000 in STEJ funding to address environmental justice
issues. This is a competitive process open to States and Federally recognized tribes. $500,000
is available nationally for FY ‘99. The application deadline for FY ‘99 was February 26, 1999.
The purpose of these programs is to provide financial assistance to tribal communities, schools,
governments, community-based organizations and other nonprofit organizations to identify and
assess pollution sources as well as to devise strategies for improvements to the environment
through environmental awareness efforts and training programs. Activities funded to date by
the EJSG and EJP2 programs include childhood lead poisoning prevention, management of
pediatric asthma, water quality and pesticide issues in rural communities, fish contamination
in subsistence populations, radon testing in low income homes, pollution prevention
demonstration projects at local businesses and youth education programs including urban
gardening. Projects funded under the STEJ program have been for similar activities; however
on a broader scale.
FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT
EPA FIFRA Contact: Man’ Rosenstein, (617) 918-1631
EPA C/i’, GW, 1PM, FQPA Contact: Rob Koethe, (617) 918-1634
EPA Grants, WP, Registration Contact: Andy Triolo, (617) 918-1634
EPA Enforcement, Imports, Section 7 Reporting Contact: Wayne Toland, (617) 918-1852
RI DEM Contact: Elizabeth Lopes-Duguay, (401) 222-2781, ext. 4510
National Pesticide Telecommunication Network: 1-800-858-7378
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Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act - continued
General Description
The two major statutes under which EPA regulates pesticides are the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), both of which were amended in August, 1996 by the Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA). Under FIFRA, EPA regulates the production, sale, distribution and use of all pesticide
products in the United States FIFRA requires EPA to register pesticides for use in the United
States and prescribes labeling and other regulatory requirements to prevent unreasonable
adverse effects on human health or the environment. Under FFDCA, EPA establishes
tolerances (maximum legally permissible levels) for pesticide residues in food. FQPA, which
Congress unanimously passed in 1996, requires the EPA to consider new factors when it makes
pesticide regulatory decisions and represents landmark pesticide food safety legislation.
II. FIFRA Status in Rhode Island
There are approximately 400 farms in RI which produce a variety of crops The Division of
Agriculture licenses approximately 1500 pesticide applicators. It is expected that improved pest
management practices together with the use of less risky pesticides will provide better
protections to food and minimize the risk to public health and the environment.
III. FIFRA Programs and Initiatives in Rhode Island
Pesticide Program
Most FIFRA-related activities (e g., pesticide enforcement, certification of restricted use
pesticides applicators) have been delegated to the states through cooperative agreements with
the EPA States cannot change the pesticide label but they may be more restrictive than EPA
in their pesticide regulations. The goal of the Rhode Island pesticide program is to prevent
adverse effects on human health and the environment by regulating the use, application,
distribution, sale, labeling, storage, transportation and disposal of pesticides.
The major priority of the State’s pesticide program is to train and certify both commercial and
private applicators of restricted-use pesticides and to enforce use provisions of both the State
and Federal pesticide laws. The State’s pesticide program also educates homeowners on proper
pesticide use and the potential risks to human health and the environment from the misuse of
pesticides Improper pesticide application can result in contamination of water resources, crops,
and food supply, and injury to agricultural workers, applicators or residents
IV. EPA FIFRA Grants
See Grants, pages 77 & 83
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GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT (GPRA)
EPA Contact: Margherita Pryor, (617) 918-1596
General Description
The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) for the first time sets up a framework to hold
government agencies accountable not only for its actions (was money spent properly, were projects
completed on schedule), but also for the outcomes of its actions (what results did programs achieve,
did they meet their goals). This approach asks government to show citizens what products, services,
or conditions they are getting from the use of public funds; how the use of public funds benefits their
lives or addresses issues they care about; and how efficiently and effectively the funds were used.
To carry out this radical change in the way programs are managed, GPRA requires each federal
agency to:
U define long-term general goals (i.e., state basic expectations about what it wants to achieve),
U set specific annual performance measures (i.e., targets that provide measurable, tangible levels
of accomplishment against which the public can assess an agency’s performance); and
U report annually on performance against the performance goals.
Under GPRA, EPA has established ten long-term goals for environmental and human health .
1. clean air;
2 clean and safe water;
3 safe food;
4. preventing pollution and reducing risk in communities, homes, workplaces, and ecosystems,
5. better waste management, restoration of contaminated waste sites, and emergency response;
6. reduction of global and cross-border environmental risks,
7. expansion of Americans’ right to know about their environment;
8. sound science, improved understanding of environmental risk, and greater innovation to address
environmental problems;
9. credible deterrent to pollution and greater compliance with the law; and
10 effective management.
These 10 goals and associated performance measures help define EPA’s priorities for working with
Rhode Island and for showing progress towards clear improvement in the state’s environmental
conditions and resources.
LEAD PROGRAM
EPA Contact: (617) Jim Bryson, (617) 918-1524
National Hotline: 1-800-532-3394 (Hearing Impaired: 1-800-526-5456)
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Lead Program - continued
A. General Description
Lead, a soft bluish-white, dense metallic element, is a common industrial material. Lead and
its compounds have been used in items ranging from paints and varnishes, to pesticides. When
it is consumed, lead can be poisonous. For example, it may be fatal for children who ingest
dried paint tainted with lead
B. Lead Programs in Rhode Island
As part of the Performance Partnership Agreement, the Rhode Island Department of Health and
the EPA are jointly enforcing the regulatory requirements of lead under the Toxic Substance
Control Act. The Lead Licensure and Certification Program (Lead L&C Program) has been
created The Lead L&C Program is guided by the mission of preventing childhood lead
poisoning The program aims to achieve the following in order to reach its goal:
1. Create regulatory standards and work practices that are protective of public health.
2 Promote a viable private sector for conducting environmental lead inspections and lead
hazard reduction activities.
3. Ensure the availability of adequate training.
4. Coordinate and cooperate with regulated community, advocacy groups, and the general
public.
Keep It Clean Campaign
The RI Department Of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is a participant
in the Keep ii Clean Campaign with the New England Lead Coordinating Committee,
(NELCC). NELCC is collaboration of government agencies and non-profit groups throughout
New England that are concerned about lead poisoning.
The Keep It Clean Campaign was designed to inform do-it-yourself home renovators,
contractors, and those who employ contractors about the risk of lead poisoning in children and
adults during the renovation and repainting of older homes. The Department of Public Health
goal was that no child will be poisoned this season because their parents didn’t know the safe
ways to paint or remodel.
Staff at The RI Department of Health distributed lead-safe painting brochures to “The Right
Stuff’ posters and “Keep It Clean shelf talkers” to seven Rhode Island hardware stores, and
trained staff in about safe renovation practices to pass on to their customers
As part of a major public education campaign to support TSCA 406 B Pre-Renovation Lead
Information Rule effective June 1, 1999 which instructs contractors who disturb more that 2
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Keep It Clean Campaign (Lead Program) - continued
square feet of lead paint surface to give notice to affected parties, and to also support the New
England Lead Coordinating Committee (NELCC) “Keep It Clean Campaign” to educate
homeowners about safe renovation, EPA provided the Rhode Island Department of Health’s
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with financial support and materials for a booth
at the Southeastern New England Home Show in Providence, which was held in March 1999.
Safe Lead Housing Task Force
See Urban Environment Initiative, page 72 for description
MERCURY PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Jeri Weiss, (617) 918-1568
RI DEM Contact: Ron Gagnon, (401) 222-6822, Ext 7500
A. General Description
Mercury, a naturally occurring element move through our environment as a result of both
natural and human activities. It is also a dangerous persistent, bio-accumulative toxic
contaminant that accumulates in living tissue. Most of the mercury that contaminates our New
England landscape is from air emissions that are subsequently deposited on land and in fresh
water Fish advisories warning sensitive populations tolimit their consumption of contaminated
fresh water fish have been issued in 40 states, including Rhode Island The sensitive
populations of concern include, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.
Mercury is a neuro-toxic that effects children’s development.
B. Mercury Programs in Rhode Island
On June 8, 1998, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, including the
Governor of Rhode Island signed a Mercury Resolution and adopted a Mercury Action Plan.
The mercury action plan has a goal for virtual elimination of the discharge of anthropogenic
mercury into the environment There are over 40 specific actions to achieve this goal; they
includes strategic monitoring, source reduction and safe waste management, and public
education and outreach. EPA is implementing a host of regulatory control programs to reduce
the emissions of mercury from municipal waste incinerators--the largest source of mercury
emissions in the northeast- and other sources such as medical waste incinerators. It is expected
that over the next three years these programs will result in decreased mercury emissions of
ninety percent from 1995 levels. Last August EPA signed a memorandum of understanding
with the American Hospital Association on reducing mercury emissions from this sector. RI
is working with their hospitals to implement this MOU and reduce emissions from hospitals.
(see also Enforcement, page 36)
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METAL FINISHING STRATEGIC GOALS PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Mark Mahoney, (617) 918-1842
RI DEM Contact: Richard Enander, (401) 222-6680
NBC Contact: Jim McCaughey, (401) 222-6680
A. General Description
The Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program (SGP) is national partnership of the metal
finishing industry, EPA, state and local governments and environmental groups Under the
program, metal finishers agree to meet ambitious and measurable environmental goals by 2002.
EPA and the other agencies agree to reinvent various programs to assist the metal finishers in
reaching the goals Rhode Island is one of six SGP pilot regions in the country because it has
a major metal finishing industry and because RI Department of Environmental Management (RI
DEM), Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), Save the Bay and Rhode Island Council of
Electroplater (RICE) are active participants.
B. Metal Finishing SGP Projects Implementation in Rhode Island
I. Metal Finishing Project Goal 2000 - a regulatory flexibility project with the Narragansett
Bay Commission (NBC) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(RIDEM).
2. NBC Initiative of Clean-Pollution Prevention - links onsite pollution prevention assessment
with compliance assessment and offers enforcement relief for certain types of violations
3. NBC Compliance Assistance - provides the tools and training necessary to improve overall
environmental compliance of metal finishers.
4 Brownfields Prevention - RIDEM has developed material that provides critical information
to metal finishing firms that wish to withdraw from the industry and transfer their property
to new uses
5. New Evaporator Policy - RIDEM is leading an effort to implement an innovative policy that
encourages technology to conserve water and prevent pollution.
Environmental Management Systems
In 1999, the Narragansett Bay Commission will begin a two-year project to focus on activities
associated with assisting NBC’s regulated industrial community with establishing
Environmental Management Systems (EMS). NBC will develop and present EMS workshops
designed to demonstrate the benefits of developing EMS programs and to assist small to
medium size companies, with little environmental resources, to develop appropriately sized
EMS programs for their companies. Focus will be made on developing EMS programs that can
be expanded upon and developed fully over time NBC also plans to measure and document
the existing environmental performance of participating companies and will continue to monitor
their performance throughout the project period NBC will work with at least four small to
medium size companies and four large companies to develop successful EMS programs over
a two year period.
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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP SYSTEM AND
PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
EPA Contact: Kairina Kipp (617) 918-1082
RI DEM Contact: Janet Keller, (401) 222-3434 Ext. 4400
RI DOH Contact: Walter Combs, (401) 222-3118
General Description
The National Environmental Performance Partnership System (NEPPS) began as ajoint agreement
between the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to replace media-specific grant commitments (air, water, waste) with more flexible
multimedia Performance Partnership Agreements (PPA) thatjudge success on environmental results
as well as on program activities. This evolving compact emphasizes.
0 Increased use of environmental goals and indicators;
0 focus on environmental results;
0 place-based environmental protection,
0 frequent consultation with stakeholders and the general public on priorities;
0 flexibility to deal with the many widely distributed sources of non-point and small source
pollution while maintaining adequate control over end-of-pipe and large sources; and
0 strengthened enforcement.
Performance Partnership Agreements in Rhode Island
In the spring of 1998, EPA and RIDEM signed the second PPA between the two agencies. The PPA
for RI Department of Environmental Management and EPA, New England, represents a work plan
for the full range of cooperative state/federal environmental programs under RIDEM’s jurisdiction
It also describes all of RIDEM’s non-federal programs, as well, in order to present a comprehensive
work plan for RI. The PPA incorporates the separate categorical grants for the §105 Air Program,
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Program, the Underground Storage Tank
Program, the various Superfund grants, the State Revolving Fund, and the §604(b) Water Quality
Planning Program, and it includes a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) for all eligible water
programs
A second PPA was signed between the RI Department of Health and EPA New England in fiscal
year 1998 Together, better results can be achieved by continuing to develop a more integrated
approach than was possible under EPA categorical grants, and by testing the usefulness of different
strategies to improve environmental protection and public health in Rhode Island. The parties
commit to working together to overcome barriers to achieve these objectives. The PPA’s do
integrate programs and priorities among EPA, RIDEM and RIDOH.
Performance Partnership Agreement and Performance Partnership Grants
The Performance Partnership Agreement incorporates several Performance Partnership Grants.
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National Environmental Performance Partnership System - continued
These include the Air Program, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Program, the
Underground Storage Tank Program, the Leaking Underground Storage Program, Pollution
Prevention Incentive Grants, Pesticide Program Grants (PPG’s), and all Clean Water Act Programs.
These PPG’s allow RIDEM to combine two or more separate grants allowing for more programmatic
flexibility. This approach allows the state to focus on the highest priority environmental issues
provided the state can demonstrate accountability by achieving direct environmental results.
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
EPA Contact: Betsy Higgins, (617) 918-1051, Timothy Timmerman, (617) 918-1025
A. General Description
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), signed into law on January 1, 1970,
establishes national environmental policy and goals for the protection, maintenance, and
enhancement of the environment and it provides a process for implementing these goals within
the federal agencies.
Under NEPA, Title I §102, all federal agencies are required to prepare detailed statements
assessing the environmental impact of and alternatives to major federal actions that significantly
affect the environment. These statements are commonly referred to as environmental impact
statements (EISs). § 102 also requires federal agencies to lend appropriate support to initiatives
and programs designed to anticipate and prevent a decline in the quality of mankind t s world
environment.
In general, the degree to which EPA gets involved in attempting to modify a proposed project
depends on the level of environmental impacts, the ability and willingness of the proposing
federal agency to mitigate those impacts, and the level of responsibility EPA has over the type
of impact at issue.
B. NEPA Implementation in Rhode Island
EPA New England has reviewed a wide variety of Rhode Island projects under NEPA. Recent
examples include the Freight Rail Improvement Project; the Rhode Island Environmental
Management District Highway Access Improvements Project; Siting of the Newport Marine
Facilities and pre-filing / scoping level coordination for the Quonset! Davisville Port Proposal.
Several of these projects are described below:
Newport Marine Facilities Terminal
EPA reviewed a proposal by the RI Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration to improve passenger water transportation service in the Newport area. The
proposal included the addition of connections to water transportation modes by providing berths
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National Environmental Policy Act - continued
on Aquidneck Island for high speed commuter ferries, island ferries, cruise ships and tenders,
water buses and/or water taxis. Land based improvements considered include associated
passenger waiting/ticketing areas, staging and designated curb areas for multiple passenger
vehicles, provisions for service access to vessels, and automobile parking. According to the
Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the proposed marine facilities will improve inter-modal
passenger transportation services on a year-round basis for Providence commuters while also
supporting tourism and reducing summertime congestion on the island roadway network. As
a result of the information generated in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements
the Federal Highway Administration and Rhode Island Department of Transportation were able
to select a proposal to successfully improve passenger transportation services that will result in
minimal impacts to the environment. EPA’s NEPA review of the Newport Marine Facilities
Terminal project was completed in 1998.
Ouonset Point Port Development
Since early June, 1998 the EPA has been actively involved in a stakeholders process established
by the Governor of Rhode Island to consider issues associated with the potential development
of an inter-modal container port at the Quonset/Davisville site on Narragansett Bay. The
stakeholders process considered many environmental, economic and social issues associated
with the development of a port, landside facilities and the establishment of a deep draft channel.
During the stakeholders process EPA expressed concerns about the project’s potential for
significant impacts to the environment and continues working in conjunction with other state
and federal agencies to actively identify issues that will need to be addressed in the EIS and
during the review of the proposal under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The EIS for the
project will be prepared by the Corps of Engineers The stakeholders process finished in March,
1999
Providence River and Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project
The Federal Dredging project entails dredging and disposal of 4 million cubic yards of sediment
from a 16 8 mile long channel. Over a quarter of the sediment is considered unsuitable for ocean
disposal without management to reduce environmental impacts. EPA has participated as a
member of a technical advisory committee during the development of the Draft EIS for the
project. EPA reviewed the Draft EIS with particular emphasis on the evaluation of impacts
associated with various disposal options for the dredge material. EPA continues to offer advice
to the Corps about the proper scope of analysis for the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS) the Corp will prepare for the dredging and disposal activities The Corps plans to issue
the FEIS sometime in the year 2000.
NEW ENGLAND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE TEAM
EPA Contact: Mark Mahoney, (617) 918-1842 and Mary Dever, (617) 918-1717
EPA Hotline: 1-888-372-7341
A. General Description
The New England Environmental Assistance Team (NEEAT) is an assistance program which
provides companies and small municipalities in New England with the information they need
to fulfill their environmental responsibilities The team is working on the following industries:
automotive repair and refinishing; electronics/computers; metal finishing; wood coatings;
technical and trade schools; and municipalities.
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New England Environmental Assistance Team - continued
B. NEEAT Implementation in Rhode Island
NEEAT is involved with the Metal Finishing Project Goals 2000.
NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL PARTNERS FOR NATURAL RESOURCES
EPA Contact: Trish Garrigan (617) 918-1583
A. General Description
This partnership, formed in 1995, was a pilot program to foster and promote efficiency in
carrying out natural resource responsibilities and activities in the New England region. The
Partners will work together with states, tribes, local governments, local people, and others
toward a more integrated and comprehensive approach to the management, conservation,
restoration, and protection of New England’s resources.
The following federal agencies have agreed to work together to more efficiently and effectively
deliver programs and assistance based on public participation: US Department of the Army
(Corps of Engineers), US Dept. of Agriculture (Cooperative Extension, Forest Service, Natural
Resource Conservation Service), US Dept. of Commerce (National Marine Fisheries Service),
Economic Development Administration, US Department oflnterior(National Park Service, Fish
& Wildlife Service, Geological Survey), US EPA, US Dept. of Transportation (Federal Highway
Administration), and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
B. New England Federal Partners for Natural Resources in Rhode Island
One of the first projects worked on by the Partners was the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership.
This is a locally led effort in which the Partners have made an effort to provide assistance. See
the following description
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership
EPA RI Contact: Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
General Description
The Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership in southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern
Connecticut was organized in 1996 in response to requests of people and organizations in the
watershed. It is a group of watershed towns, local groups and agencies working together to
preserve environmental quality and promote economic vitality in the watershed. The
Partnership seeks to bring watershed interests together to collectively address environmental
and related issues People of all interests have expressed deep concerns about the future of both
water quality and water quantity for drinking water and streams, the fast pace of development
and tourism in the region, the loss of rural character and agriculture, inconsistent zoning,
inadequate collaboration between towns and between states, as well as other issues Key
organizations like the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and the Southern Rhode Island
Conservation District havejoined with the agencies in the Partnership to collaboratively support
watershed management to ensure that the high quality of rural life is preserved long into the
future
Programs and Initiatives for the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership
The Partnership has undertaken a series of selected projects that are engaging the public,
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Programs and Initiatives for the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership - continued
municipal officials, agricultural and water resource interests. A subcommittee oversees each
effort, which include the following strategies and projects now being supported:
1. Strategic Planning to engage and assist local officials and boards to improve their capacity
for making informed decisions which affect natural resources and related economic values.
Planning is underway with the Washington County Regional Planning Council who
requested Partnership assistance to address two issues in particular: (1) protecting ground
water as drinking resource, and (2) protecting the character of rural landscape.
2. Public Outreach to improve awareness and understanding of the watershed and its features,
to improve the public’s ability to take action, to improve participation in the Partnership,
and to raise funds for needed assistance and activities The Partnership published and
distributed thousands of the Pawcatuck Watershed Report (available from participating
Partners) to libraries, town halls, Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association members,
Conservation District members, agencies, and others Through agency programs, or grants,
organizations in the Partnership are developing an assortment of media presentations and
road shows. A slide show, video and public service announcements are under preparation
or in planning Other outreach media being considered include a newsletter, web site and
other means of communication A watershed festival was first held last year, and the
second annual festival is being organized.
3. Technical Assistance to local interests to improve community decision-making is being
provided The Technical Advisory Groups (TAG) is assessing the quality of information
being used in an Environmental Impact Statement being written by CTDOT for a proposed
transportation project (auto, bus, rail) to handle traffic generated by Tribal gaming
facilities
4. Water Resource Assessment to evaluate ground water and surface conditions and the
impacts of people’s use on water quality and quantity. A pilot is underway in the Queen
River sub-watershed to evaluate assessment techniques and to determine impacts of
irrigation water withdrawals on river flows and riverine habitats
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership Implementation in Rhode Island
The Partnership has been evolving for two-and-a-half years into its current form; consisting of
a main ‘coordinating’ committee (as opposed to a ‘steering’ committee) with several
sub-committees. It seeks to assist communities and state/federal decision making around
non-point source issues, protecting critical habitat, and planning to preserve the rural ‘country’
character of the watershed.
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership 1997-1999 Grants
In 1997, EPA New England funded $128,000 to the Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership. It
sponsored a watershed coordinator and nine community-based watershed resource protection
projects EPA’s 1998 national grant program to support community sustainable development
efforts awarded $50,000 to the Rural Lands Coalition!RI Department of Environmental
Management to develop flexible zoning and other techniques to improve the tools available to
RI communities to manage growth RIDEM has also directed Section 319 funds from EPA to
this sustainable grant. Other substantial EPA New England resources have been committed to
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Pawcatuck Watershed Partnerhip - continued
the Pawcatuck in the form of technical assistance, GIS mapping, report development and
printing
OIL SPILL PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Dennisses Va/des, (617) 918-1261
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
EPA Region l’s 241:our number: (617) 223-7265
General Description
Preventing oil spills is the major focus of the Oil Spill program. Through contingency planning the
number and severity of oil spills can decrease. Some facilities are required to prepare Spill
Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans to evaluate the storage of oil and look at
ways to prevent spills from affecting waterways, developing ways to contain and control potential
spills. The Facility Response Plan has placed a greater emphasis on planning to respond to the worst
case oil spill at larger oil storage facilities who would potentially impact water. Contingency
planning through Area Contingency Planning allow facilities, state, local and federal responders to
plan for spills within a geographic area. Once a spill does occur, the response part of the Oil Spill
program goes into effect Notification of spills of oil to water are required The notification is made
to the On-Scene Coordinator who determines actions as appropriate To report oil spills and
hazardous substance releases, call EPA Region I ’s 24 hour number and/or the National Response
Center listed above
PARTNERS FOR CHANGE
EPA Contact: Peggy Bagnoli (617) 918-1828
EPA Toll Free: 1-888-EPA-REGJ
General Description
Partners For Change is an Environmental Protection Agency program that encourages any business,
municipality or organized group in New England to explore and implement responsible
environmental practices, and to get the recognition they deserve for their efforts. Partners will receive
a window decal and certificate of recognition, be listed in EPA’s annual Partners to Partners
Directory and be featured in EPA-New England press releases. Interested but don’t know where to
start? Then get the environmental pocketbook, a handy guide with tips on how to eliminate waste
and prevent pollution, suggestions on who to call for help and all you need to know to become a
Partner for Change. To get the pocketbook or for more information about the program, e-mail:
partners regionI epa gov or call 1-888-EPA-REGJ
POLLUTION PREVENTION ACT
EPA Contact: Mark Mahoney, (617) 918-1842
EPA Hotline: Wastewise 1-800-372-9473
A. General Description
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish
an Office of Pollution Prevention, develop & coordinate a pollution prevention strategy, and
develop source reduction models. In addition to authorizing date collection on pollution
prevention, the Act requires owners & operators of manufacturing facilities to report annually
on source reduction and recycling activities. Owners & operators of manufacturing facilities
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Pollution Prevention Act - continued
are required to report annually on their releases of toxic chemicals to the environment under the
Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act of1986, §313 The Pollution Prevention
Act requires that these reports include information about the facility’s efforts in source reduction
and recycling.
B. Pollution Prevention Implementation in Rhode Island
Industrial Toxins Project
A major voluntary strategy has been the Industrial Toxins Project, commonly known as the
“3 0/50 program” This program ended the week of September 15, 1996. 1300 companies
participated and achieved the goal of reducing by 757 million pounds the amount of toxic
chemicals released into the air and water. This project allowed facilities that were regulated
under the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 up to six additional years to comply if they
voluntarily reduce total emissions to all media of 17 targeted chemicals by 33% from 88 levels
by 92 and 50% by 95. The chemicals and industrial sources were identified from the Toxic
Release inventory (TRI), mandated by Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act.
TRI was the primary means to measure 3 3/5 0’s success.
EPA Pollution Prevention Grants
See Grants, pages 77 and 83
POLLUTION PREVENTION PERMITTING PILOT PROJECTS
EPA Contact: Brendan McCahil!, (617) 918-1652
General Description
The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) and three EPA regions are
launching a project to examine opportunities to promote pollution prevention through incentives
created in permits issued under Title V (the Federal Operating Permit Program) of the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990.
EPA’s overall goal is to make permit flexibility and pollution prevention a way of business, day-to-
day, in the Title V permit program. The assumption is that overall environmental quality benefits by
use of pollution prevention as a technique to reduce air emissions rather than standard end-of-pipe
pollution control which can transfer pollution from one medium to another.
PROJECT XL
EPA Contact: George Frantz, (617) 918-1833
General Description
Project XL encourages real world tests of innovative strategies that achieve cleaner and cheaper
environmental results than conventional regulatory approaches. Under the program, EPA grants
regulatory flexibility in exchange for an enforceable commitment by a regulated entity to achieve
better environmental results than would have been attained through full compliance with current
regulations EPA has set a goal of implementing fifty pilot projects nationwide in four categories:
LI XL projects for facilities;
Li XL projects for sectors;
LI XL projects for communities,
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Project XL - conlinued
U XL projects for government agencies
Proiect Selection - using a simple and flexible application process, EPA will accept and review
projects on a rolling basis. Once a project is selected, EPA’s goal is to move to implementation
within six months. Proposals will be short, approximately 10 pages in length, and must address the
following eight criteria:
1. Environmental Results
2. Cost Savings and Paperwork Reduction
3 Stakeholder Support
4 Innovative/Multi-Media Pollution Prevention
5. Transferability to other Industries or Facilities
6. Technical, Administrative, and Monetary Feasibility
7. Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation Techniques
8. Shifting of the Risk Burden that must ensure worker safety and be consistent with
environmental justice concerns
Project Implementation - EPA is taking a decentralized or “franchising” approach to the
implementation of XL projects. Individual projects should be managed by the units of government
that are best suited to address the issues raised by the project EPA will not move forward with
projects unless state and tribal regulatory agencies are full partners. Proposals developed with local
governments, environmental groups, and citizens organizations will be viewed favorably.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT
EPA RI Contact: Beverly A. Fletcher, (617) 918-1395
RIDEM Contact: Terrence Gray, (401) 222-2797, Ext. 7100
RCR4 Hot/me: (800) 424-9346, TDD (800) 553-7672 (Monday-Friday, 9am - 6pm EST)
I. General Description
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) established the Federal Program
regulating solid and hazardous waste management. RCRA actually amends earlier legislation
(the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965), but the amendments were so comprehensive that the
Act is commonly called RCRA rather than its of official title The Act defines solid and
hazardous waste, regulates generation and transportation of wastes and establishes a permit
program for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.
The Federal solid waste law has gone through four major phases The Solid Waste Disposal Act
focused on research, demonstrations, and training. It provided for sharing with the States the
cost of making surveys of waste disposal practices and problems, and of developing waste
management plans. The Resource Recovery Act of 1970 changed the whole tone of the
legislation from efficiency of disposal to concern with the reclamation of energy and materials
from solid waste. It authorized grants for demonstrating new resource recovery technology, and
required annual reports from the EPA on means of promoting recycling and reducing the
generation of waste. In a third phase, the Federal Government embarked on a more active,
regulatory role, embodied in RCRA (1976). RCRA instituted the first Federal permit program
for hazardous waste and prohibited open dumps. In a fourth phase,
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - continued
embodied in the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments on 1984, the Federal Government
attempted to prevent future cleanup problems by prohibiting land disposal of untreated
hazardous wastes, setting liner and leachate collection requirements for land disposal facilities,
setting deadlines for closure of facilities not meeting standards, and establishing corrective
action programs
EPA-NE Solid Waste Program
The goal of the solid waste program is to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” the estimated 14 million+
tons of solid waste and unknown quantities of non-hazardous and industrial wastes generated
in New England each year. The program has a number of small grants which work towards this
goal. The program priorities are to: market development for recyclables, promote source
reduction and reuse, provide technical assistance and disseminate information; create and
support government and tribal infrastructures to promote solid waste management and to
promote procurement of recycled commodities.
Rhode Island RCRA Program
Congress intended for states to assume responsibility for implementing RCRA solid and
hazardous waste programs with federal oversight. Through the state program authorization
process the state obtained approval from EPA to implement federal regulations promulgated
through 1988 The State has adopted pieces of subsequent legislation and the remainder are
implemented by EPA. Under Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 23-19 the state promulgated
regulations to administer the hazardous waste program managing the generation, transportation,
treatment, storage and disposal of waste. For FY99 EPA will provide $565,000 through the
Performance Partnership Grant to assist implementing the program The state will provide
matching funds in the amount of $1,214,885.
The State promulgated its own regulations managing solid waste generation, transportation,
storage and disposal and adopted federal regulations as well Currently is considering the
state’s request for solid waste program authorization under federal regulations. The state
regulations are:
Solid Waste Regulation No. 1, General Requirements, effective 1/97
Solid Waste Regulation No 2, Landfills, effective 1/97.
Solid Waste Regulation No 2, Landfills, effective 1/97.
Solid Waste Regulation No. 4, Incinerators and Resource Recovery Facilities, effective 1/97
Solid Waste Regulation No 5, Waste tire Storage and Recycling Facility, effective 1/97.
Solid Waste Regulation No 6, Petroleum Contaminated Soil Processing Facility, effective, 1/97
Solid Waste Regulation No 7, Facilities that Process Construction and Demolition Debris,
effective 1/97.
Solid Waste Regulation No 8, Rhode Island Solid Waste Composting Facility, effective
effective 1/97.
Rules and Regulations Governing the Generation, Transportation, Storage, Treatment,
Management and Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste in Rhode Island
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - continued
II. RCRA Status in Rhode Island
State Program Authorization
EPA RI Contact: Beverly A. Fletcher, (617) 918-1395
RI DEM Contact: Leo Hellested, (401) 222-2927, Ext. 7502
General Description
Rhode Island is authorized to implement RCRA base program as well nearly all other Federal
RCRA regulations promulgated through June 30, 1988. Each year the state expands its RCRA
authority by sending an application(s) to EPA for authorization to implement specific
regulations which would enhance the existing program. In order to expand state program
RIDEM is working on a number of applications for authorization. The state is making final
changes to the non-HSWA IV/Toxicity Characteristic Rules application for authorization and
will forward the package to EPA for approval Approval of the non-HSWA IV provisions
applied for will expand the program to include regulating certain wastes found during
ground-water monitoring, identifying and listing hazardous waste procedures and liability
determinations for waste facilities. Approval for the Toxicity Characteristic Rule will expand
the program to include regulating the criteria used to determine whether a waste is a hazardous
waste
During FY99 the State will submit draft applications for authorization for both the Universal
Waste and Corrective Action Rules. EPA will review and, if appropriate, suggest revisions.
RI DEM is developing a long range RCRA program authorization strategy. The strategy will
establish priority among RCRA rules for which the state us not authorized and schedule
deadlines for draft and final application packages for the next few years.
Corrective Action
EPA Contact: Frank Battaglia, (617) 918-1362
RIDEM Contaci: Warren Angel!, (401)222-2927 Ext. 7137
General Description
While the State is not currently authorized to implement a Corrective Action Program it does
provide assistance to EPA in carrying out the federal Corrective Action Program. However, it
intends to submit an application for authorization to EPA this Fiscal Year. The Corrective
Action program addresses RCRA facilities where past and/or present activities resulted in
releases of hazardous waste and hazardous constituents into soil, groundwater, surface water,
and/or air In accordance with the statute the federal or state program works with a facility
owner or operator to conduct an investigation and cleanup, or remediation, of the hazardous
releases. EPA is overseeing four Corrective Action sites in Rhode Island. They are.
1. Agency Realty (Carroll Prod), Wood River Junction
2. Chem Pak Corporation, Cranston
3 Ciba Geigy Corporation, Cranston
4. Northland Environmental, Inc , Providence
Information Management
EPA Contact: Lynn Han?fan, (617) 918-1644
RIDEM Contact: Terrence Gray, (401) 222-2927 Ext. 7100
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Information Management - (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) - continued
General Description
Under the provisions of RCRA the regulated community is required to report hazardous waste
management information to EPA and the States. Certain provisions of RCRA require EPA and
the states to track information generated in implementing their respective programs. EPA
compiles the information in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System
(RCRIS) and the Biennial Reporting System.
Hazardous Waste Permits
EPA Contact: Marina Cronin, (617) 918-1575
RIDEM Contact: Leo Hellesled, (401) 222-3872 Ext. 7502
General Description
Operating Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) are required to apply to the state
or EPA for a permit to manage hazardous waste. The operating permit establishes the
administrative and technical conditions under which the facility must be managed. Included
are technical standards for the design and safe operation of TSDFs.
Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities RI DEM Contact
Chem Pak Corporation, Cranston Yan Li, (401) 222-4700, Ext. 7529
Northland Environmental, Inc Providence Yan Li, (401) 222-4700, Ext. 7529
2l Century Environmental Management, Warwick Mark Dennen, (401) 222-4700, Ext.
7112
Solid Waste
EPA Contact: Mike Hill, (91 7)918-1398
RIDEM Contact: Leo Hellested, (401) 222-3872 Ext. 7502
General Description
The solid waste program promotes and encourages the environmentally sound management of
solid waste. It includes minimum federal technical standards and guidelines for state solid
waste plans.
III. Programs and Initiatives to Manage Solid and Hazardous Waste in Rhode Island
The following programs and initiatives help manage solid and hazardous waste in Rhode Island.
Climate Change Action Plan, Jobs Through Recycling Initiative (JTR), Research Library for
RCRA, Underground Storage Tank/Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program (UST1LUST),
and WasteWi$e Program. A description of these programs/initiatives follows
Climate Change Action Plan
EPA Contact: Cynthia Greene, (617) 918-1813
This program funds projects that reduce green house gases through recycling or source
reduction solid waste. (see also, Enforcement, page 35)
Jobs Through Recycling Initiative
EPA Contact: Christine Beling, (617) 918-1 792
RI DEM Contact: Thomas E. Armstrong, (401) 222-3434, Ext. 4412
General Description
The “Jobs Through Recycling “(JTR) initiative was launched by Carol Browner in 1994 under
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Jobs Through Recycling Initiative - (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) - continued
RCRA 8001 (recycling) as a way to create markets for recyclables and to create jobs in the
process. Since 1994 the initiative has funded 36 states, 5 tribes and 3 multi-states. A review
of 4 well established programs shows that for an investment of$1 million in JTR grants, over
1700 jobs were created and $290 million in capitol investment for recycling. In the second year
of the initiative, the specific Jobs Through Recycling program objectives were to encourage
innovative approaches to stimulate the development of recycling and reuse businesses that use
recyclable or reusable materials in areas of the country where there is a demonstrated absence
of local and regional markets; and contribute to economic development arid create / retain jobs
RCRA Research Library
EPA Contaclor: Fred Friedman, Research Library for RCRA, (617) 918-1807
General Description
The Library provides information, technical assistance, research and answers to solid waste
questions as well as providing information on grants and loans available for non-hazardous
waste management, recycling, source reduction, reuse and solid waste education projects The
program also has a solid waste librarian who responds to over 3200 calls per year for
information and assistance.
Underground Storage Tanks and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
EPA Contact: Kim Schweisberg, (617) 918-1307
RIDEM Contact: Bruce Calera!!, (401) 222-2797, Ext. 7115
General Description
The goal of this program is to protect public health from exposure to hazardous substances and
groundwater and other resources for present and future uses by preventing or promptly detecting
accidental releases of petroleum or hazardous substances stored in underground storage tanks.
In 1986, Congress created a petroleum Underground Storage Tank (UST) response program by
amending the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and through the Superfund
Amendments Reauthorization Act (SARA). The new provisions authorized the Federal
Government to respond to petroleum spills and leaks, creating a Leaking Underground Storage
Tank (LUST) Trust Fund The money in the fund is derived primarily from a 0.1 cent per gallon
Federal tax on motor fuels and several other petroleum products. Congress also authorized EPA
to develop regulations for the management of USTs storing petroleum and hazardous
substances
RI received state program approval in February, 1993 to operate the UST and Leaking
Underground Storage Tank (LUST) management programs under state regulations. The state
regulations were codified effective December, 1993 (4OCFR Part 282.89). The primary focus
of the UST program has been compliance assistance towards meeting the December 22, 1998
corrosion protection deadline for bare steel tanks. The program will continue it’s pollution
prevention focus in the future through compliance monitoring of leak detection equipment and
measures designed to prevent or warn of potential underground leaks
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Underground Storage Tanks Program - (Resource Conservation and Recover Act) - continued
UST / LUST Program Implementation in Rhode Island
As of December 22, 1998, there was an 83% compliance rate towards meeting the corrosion
protection deadline for bare steel tanks Approximately 500 tanks at 151 facilities are still in
need of upgrading or being closed The program is also tasked with continuing leak detection
inspections at more than 2,000 active facilities to prevent future releases of regulated
substances If a site is found with on or off-site contamination from a leaking UST, a program
manager in the LUST program is assigned. The number of LUST sites is approximately 460,
and will most likely increase as a result of the substandard tank closures occurring in response
to the December 22, 1998 deadline Approximately 75 LUST sites have been determined as
the cause of severe off-site pollution. Because these sites lie in areas where problems could
threaten Narragansett Bay, local rivers and streams, and groundwater resources, RI DEM and
EPA New England are taking steps to strengthen release prevention programs in the State to
ensure that regulated underground storage tanks no longer present a human health or
environmental hazard.
WastewiSe Program
EPA Contact: Cynthia Green, (617) 918-1813
This is a national voluntary program which encourages businesses to reduce and recycle their
wastes.
IV. EPA RCRA Grants
See Grants, pages 77, 79, 80 and 83
RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE PROTECTION PROJECT
EPA RI Contact: Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
A. General Description
The Rhode Island Resource Protection Project (RIRPP) is part of a New England-wide effort
to identify the region’s most important natural resource areas. Initiated by the state
environmental regulatory agencies, EPA-New England, and the New England Interstate Water
Pollution Control Commission, the project is a cooperative effort that is based on the
understanding that human health and welfare are dependant on healthy, functional ecosystems.
The Resource Protection Project targets the states’ most important natural resources for
attention in order to maximize the limited staffing and funding available for protecting the
natural resources that comprise these ecosystems In 1995, a workgroup convened to initiate
the Rhode Island project and it established three goals for the project:
L1 Identify “Resource Protection Areas” in RI that are in good ecological health or encompass
important natural resources
Li Facilitate the protection of critical natural resources in the identified Resource Protection
Areas by working with all appropriate parties.
Li Provide information and input to New England region-wide Resource Protection Project.
The workgroup members identified nine Resource Protection Areas which contain many of the
state’s most important natural resources:
I Block Island
2. Eastern Blackstone
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Rhode Island Resource Protection Project - continued
3. Eastern Sakonnet
4. Hunt/Potowomut
5. Moosup River! Western Blackstone
6 Narragansett Bay
7 South Coastal Ponds
8. Western Pawtuxet
9. WoodfPawcatuck
B. Resource Protection Project Implementation in Rhode Island
As the project proceeds, its participants will work to implement the project goals through
existing programs and facilitate partnerships to protect valuable resources in the identified areas
as effectively as possible. The project will not create new regulatory programs. Protection
strategies will differ for each region Implementation will not be possible without the full
involvement of local governments, state environmental and resource agencies, private
organizations, and federal agencies. Funding for this program is provided by EPA Headquarters
through their Regional Geographical Initiative Grant Program
State-Wide Small Grants Program for Resource Protection
The descriptions of the RIRPP small local grants for 1997 all occur in the Pawcatuck Watershed
while grants for 1998 occurs across the state but not in the Pawcatuck Watershed. The 1999
round of grants have been issued. (see also Local and Community Grants, pages 8])
SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT
EPA RI Contact: Ellie Kwong, (617) 918-1592
RI DOH Contact: June Swallow, (401) 222-6867
SDWA Hotline: 1-800 426-4791
General Description
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 directs the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to establish minimum national drinking water standards. These standards set
limits on the amounts of various substances sometimes found in drinking water. This means
that every public water supply in the country serving at least 15 service connections or 25 or
more people must ensure that its water meets these minimum standards. Even non-community
supplies, such as campgrounds and roadside motels with their own water supplies, are covered
by the regulations.
SDWA Amendments of 1986
In 1986, Congress passed a set of amendments that expanded the protection to be provided by
the SDWA. These amendments accelerated EPA’s regulation of contaminants, banned all
future use of lead pipe and lead solder in public drinking water systems, mandated greater
protection of ground water sources of drinking water, and streamlined enforcement procedures
to ensure that suppliers comply with the Act.
SDWA Amendments of 1996
The SDWA Amendments of 1996 established a new charter for the nation’s public drinking
water systems, States, and the Environmental Protection Agency in protecting the safety of
drinking water. Highlights of these amendments focuses on:
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Safe Drinking Water Act - continued
U Preventive approaches in source water protection, state ground water protection, capacity
development and operator certification.
U Consumer Information .
U Consumer Awareness - community water systems are to prepare an annual consumer
confidence reports about the source of their drinking water and the levels of contaminants
found in the drinking water and how these plainly worded reports are to be distributed; an
EPA hotline for consumers with more information on drinking water contaminants and
potential health effects and a bottled water consumer study
U Public Notification - the basis for EPA’s public notification regulation is altered to clarif ’
those violations requiring 24 hour notice and those that may be provided at a later date.
U Regulatory Program addresses Contaminant Selection, Standards and Regulation
Development, Arsenic, Sulfate, Radon and Disinfection Byproducts, Drinking Water
Studies and Research, Small Systems Technology, Variances and Exemptions, Monitoring,
and Enforcement
U Funding for States and Water Systems -A total of $9.6 billion is authorized in FY ’s 95-2003
for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. See page 59 for additional information.
H. Rhode Island’s Safe Drinking Water Status
To date, most of the large and medium size community water systems (CWS) have met all 1994
health-based standards Most of the non-transient and non-community water systems (NTNC)
and small CWSs with intensive technical assistance from the state, are able to meet all 1994
health-based standards. However, small CWSs and NTNCs will face difficulty in complying
with regulations promulgated under the Amendments of 1996 while complying with the existing
regulations.
NTNC’s do not have the technical or managerial expertise necessary to operate or maintain the
systems Based on 1997 compliance reports, 35(7%) public water systems out of 491 systems
were in violation of monitoring requirement(s) and 22 (38%) systems out of 491 systems
exceeded health standards Eighty-three percent of the violations occurred in very small water
systems that serve fewer than 500 people.
Based on the U.S. Census Data, approximately 97% of the population in Rhode Island are
served by public water systems. Eighty-three percent of the public water systems are small
systems which were responsible for 83% of the violations
In order to achieve the goal of providing clean and safe drinking water, EPA working with the
state needs to address issues revolving capacity development, source water protection,
monitoring, data quality and most importantly, multiple .water treatments that may potentially
have a significant impact on compliance with other drinking water standards.
It is EPA’s goal to increase compliance rate of health-based standards to 97% of the population
served by CWSs with zero waterborne disease in the State. Twenty three percent of CWSs and
NTNCs which have had a health based standard violation in the last 12 months will improve
compliance with health-based standards through the use of the Drinking Water SRF.
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Rhode Island Safe Drinking Water Status (Safe Drinking Water Act) - con linued
III. Programs and Initiatives for Safe Drinking Water in Rhode Island
The following programs and strategies are to provide safe drinking water in Rhode Island:
Drinking Water Outreach Program, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, Ground Water
Protection Program, Source Water Assessment Program, Underground Injection Control
Program, Wellhead Protection Program, and the Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency
program.
Drinking Water Outreach Programs
EPA RI Contact.’ Al Ku ‘a/u Wong, (617) 918-1596
General Description
Drinking water outreach activities include participating in Rhode Island’s Drinking Water Week
Committee (RIDWWC); coordinating with various RI drinking water organizations to promote
EPA-Region I’s Consumer Awareness Award Program and the Drinking Water Environmental
Educator Award Program; the CT/RI Rural Water Association, RI Water Works Association,
New England Water Works Association and Atlantic States Rural Water and Wastewater
Association and other drinking water partners in developing/delivering outreach programs.
Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
EPA Contact: Maria McCarthy, (617) 918-1298
RI DOH Contact: Bob Haviland, (401) 222-6867
A. General Description
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments were signed into law on August 6,
1996 One of the significant elements of this legislation was the authorization to create a
Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRLF) program to assist public water
supply systems to finance the costs of infrastructure needed to achieve or maintain
compliance with SDWA requirements and to protect public health. § 1452 has authorized
the Administrator of the US EPA to award capitalization grants to states which in turn can
provide low cost loans and other types of financial assistance to eligible systems.
The SDWA Amendments of 1996 has also established a strong emphasis on preventing
contamination problems through source water protection and enhanced water systems
management Central to this emphasis is the development of state prevention programs
including source water protection, capacity development, and operator certification States
have the option to use a portion of their capitalization grant to fund these eligible activities
(a number of various available state set-asides) as allowed in the statute The success of
these activities will act to safeguard the DRSWLF funds that are loaned for improving
system compliance and public health. The DRSRLF is fundamentally a state program
Each state will have considerable flexibility to determine the design of its program and to
direct funding toward its most pressing compliance and public health protection needs Only
minimal federal requirements will be imposed.
The SDWA Amendments of 1996 authorized $559 million for FY94 and $1 billion per
fiscal year from 1995 through 2003 for such grants Funds appropriated for the FY97
DWSRLF were $ 1.275 billion Funds available to the states from the FY97 appropriations
has been allotted according to the formula used for distribution Public Water Supply
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Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (Safe Drinking Water Act) - continued
Supervision (PWSS) grants under § 1443 in FY95 Funds available to states from FY98
appropriations and beyond will be allotted according to a formula that reflects the proportional
share of each state’s needs identified in the most recent “needs survey” conducted pursuant
to 1452(h) In each case, the minimum proportionate share established in the formula will be
one percent of the funds available for allotment to the states.
B. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Implementation in Rhode Island
On December 19, 1997, EPA awarded a partial grant of the requested $2,260,584 to the
State of Rhode Island, in particular, to Clean Water Finance Committee on behalf of the
Department of Health The funds will be partitioned into the following:
U The DWSRF Administrative set-aside (up to 4% of capitalization allocation).
U The State Program Management set-aside (up to 10% of capitalization allocation).
U The Small Systems Technical Assistance set-aside (up to 2% of capitalization
allocation).
U The Local Assistance and other State Programs set-aside (up to 15% of capitalization
allocation).
Ground Water Protection Program
EPA Contact: Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
RIDEM Contact: Ernie Panciera, (401) 222-4700, Ext. 7603
A. General Description
The Ground Water Protection Program (GWP) is authorized under RIDEM ‘Rules and
Regulations for Groundwater Quality.’ Protection is also embodied in the rules and
regulations and program initiatives of other RIDEM programs, such as the Underground
Storage Tank program, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank program, the Underground
Injection Control Program, Ground Water Discharge Program, Pesticides Program,
Individual Sewage Discharge System program, Solid and Hazardous Waste programs, etc.
The ground water program’s ‘Rules and Regulations for Groundwater Quality’ includes
rules for the Wellhead Protection program, the Groundwater Classification System,
Groundwater Quality Standards and Preventative Action Limits, Groundwater Remediation
requirements, Groundwater Quality Certification, and Monitoring Well requirements
Paramount to ground water protection and Remediation is the groundwater classification of
the all RI ground waters. The classification and standards specify the quality that ground
waters are to attain for their designated uses Such as GAA is specified for where ground
waters are of good quality and should be maintained for drinking water purposes, while GB
areas are occur in urban locations and waste site areas where it is undesirable to use ground
water for drinking water supply without treatment (See Wellhead Protection Program also).
The Office of Water Resources also reviews actions affecting ground water and issues Water
Quality Certifications to insure compliance with water quality classification standards.
Ground water protection is also a key interest of EPA and RIDEM Watershed activities of
the Office of Water Resources The RIDEM, EPA and other organizations are developing
a state-wide Watershed Approach. The approach would spell out a sequence of actions to
assess environmental qualities of watersheds, to monitor key indicators and to develop
action plans and restoration measures, and the means to implement protection management.
Since ground water is a source of drinking water for 29 of Rhode Island’s 39 towns, its
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Ground Water Protection Program (Safe Drinking Water Act) - continued
protection is a critical concern for those communities.
Principally, the groundwater quality program requirements are integrated throughout
RIDEM programs, initiatives and their regulations. The Classification rule prohibits many
actions, activities and facilities which are inconsistent with maintaining the assigned ground
water classification and standards in the regulations
The Watershed Approach and Source Water Protection are two programs which will focus
on managing human activities to protect ground water and surface water environments,
stream and upland habitats, and the qualities of life. These programs seek a
community-based approach with the collaboration of local municipal officials, regional,
state and federal agencies, and organizations to serve as stewards for the watershed’s natural
resources and culture. Many of today’s threats to water quality are not well regulated and
mostly reflect the influence of land use activity, which is governed at the local level.
Providing the resources and tools that community officials need to support wise land use
decisions is a primary interest of these programs (see a/so, We//head Protection Program,
page, 63).
B. Ground Water Protection Program Implementation in Rhode Island
The Ground Water program is on going and is fundamental to all related RIDEM program
and EPA programs
Source Water Assessment Program
EPA RI Contact: Emanuel Souza, (617) 918-1594
RIDEM Contact: Clay Commons, (401) 222-3436
A. General Description
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires states to establish and implement Source
Water Assessment Plans (SWAPs). The SWAP requires the State to identify the areas that
are a source of public drinking water, assess public water system’s susceptibility to
contamination, and inform the public of the results. Through source water assessments and
consumer right-to-know reports, States and public water systems will inform the public
about their drinking water, and can then engage consumers, States, and upstream neighbors
in partnerships to do what needs to be done in treatment or prevention.
B. SWAP Implementation in Rhode Island
The State submitted a SWAP to EPA in February, 1999. EPA has until November, 1999
to approve RI’s program.
Underground Injection Control
EPA RI Contact: Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
A. General Description
The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act as amended in 1986, Title VII “Safety of Public Water
Systems”; Part C “Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDW)”;
§1421-1426 contains the Underground Injection Control (UIC) “Program Statutory
Authority. EPA has promulgated a series of UIC regulations (40 CFR Parts 144-148) under
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Underground Injection Control (Safe Drinking Water Act) - continued
this authority to control the subsurface injection of fluids through wells to protect
Underground Sources of drinking water. The UIC program regulates injection of wastes
through five classes of wells. The first four classes are prohibited in Rhode Island, including
wells to discharge hazardous wastes, fluids for oil and gas production or mineral extraction.
Only Class V-Shallow Wells can be permitted for the injection of non-hazardous waste.
Owners or operators of injection wells are prohibited from allowing the movement of fluid
containing any contaminant into underground sources of drinking water, if a contaminant
may cause a violation of any primary drinking water regulation in 40 CFR Part 141, or may
otherwise adversely affect human health.
Rhode Island, like the otherNew England States, were delegated primacy to implement their
UIC Programs in the mid 1980’s Rhode Island receives approximately $45,000 per year for
program administration RI’s UIC program regulates Class V well types that include wells,
leach fields, leaching pits, leaching trenches, dry wells and cesspools. Non-residential
wastewater disposal systems that are not connected to a sewer system that discharges to
surface water, discharge their wastewater into the ground through shallow wells - injection
type wells Class V discharge effluents that are of concern include chemical wastes, process
wastewater, treated and untreated sewage, storm water, waste water, floor drainage, spills
drainage, etc. Many of these can be susceptible for containing hazardous substances. Any
Class V well used to inject a RCRA hazardous waste is reclassified as a prohibited Class IV
well and must be closed.
Programs and Strategies for UIC
Current Regional Activities - RI, like the other New England states, focus their UIC
program activities to protect drinking water and surface water resources. Their goal is to
eliminate all unauthorized UIC discharges and minimize the impact of Class V Wells on
drinking water supplies Rhode Island coordinates its UIC program with other state efforts
to identify and close potentially harmful Class V wells. All New England states plan or
have active cooperative programs with their State Board of Plumbers to revise plumbing
codes that require construction of floor drains that discharge to Class V wells. EPA and the
States provide UIC related education, technical assistance and outreach to local governments
and regulated businesses. The States provide businesses with P2 outreach materials that
encourage contaminant source reduction, recycling, waste treatment and prevention of
contaminant release. The NE States actively focus State UIC outreach and education and
inspection, permitting and enforcement efforts to support Well Head Protection, Public
Water Supply Source Water Protection and Watershed Protection
B. UIC Program Implementation in Rhode Island. RIDEM has:
1 initiated a statewide inventory of facilities that may potentially have UIC disposal
systems;
2. continued Rhode Island Wellhead Protection UIC Enforcement Initiative Project;
continued work with previously identified facilities with UIC disposal systems , so that
they may obtain approval or permanently abandon existing UIC disposal systems;
3 provided outreach to towns regarding development of WHPA UIC inventories;
4. coordinated evaluation of state storm water disposal regulation with other DEM
regulatory programs;
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Underground Injection Control (Safe Drinking Water Act) - continued
5. coordinated with the RIDEM Office of Water Resources Standards Section to make
improvements to the groundwater discharge permitting program;
6. met with municipal officials to discuss BMP development for storm water drainage
systems and discussed storm water and UIC regulatory program requirements.
EPA-NE also coordinated on development of Performance Partnership Agreement and
Performance Partnership Grant for Underground Injection Control Program Elements.
Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency
EPA Contact: Barbara Mcgonagle, (617) 918-1608
General Description
The Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficient Program (WAVE) is an innovative EPA program
designed to focus national attention on the value of water and the need for efficient use of this
important natural resource The WAVE Program encourages hotels and motels, through
voluntary partnership agreements with EPA, to implement and install water saving techniques
and equipment. Under this voluntary, non-regulatory program, hotel and motel facilities will
be upgraded with water efficient procedures and equipment wherever it is profitable and
practical to do so With this program, multiple national benefits can be produced.
Wellhead Protection Program
EPA Contact: Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
RI DEM Contact: Ernie Panciera, (401) 222-2234, Ext. 7603
A. General Description (from the recent RI Wellhead Protection Biennial Report)
Ground water is extremely valuable to the State of Rhode Island. Two-thirds of Rhode
Island communities rely in whole or to a great degree on ground water resources for their
drinking water supplies. Twelve communities derive 41 their drinking water from ground
water sources through water supply wells It makes sense to prevent its contamination.
The RI Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) is one of the programs that Rhode Island
relies on to protect ground water resources to maintain safe drinking water supplies. This
program was required of states by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986, and RI DEM
developed RI’s current program. Most of the State’s ground water is of good to excellent
quality. The nature of RI’s ground water resources and geologic nature makes them
vulnerable to contamination. Conditions such as a high water table, unconfined permeable
soils, and fractured bedrock may allow pollutants to be easily transported. The number of
sites at which persistent ground water contamination has been confirmed continues to grow
and now exceeds 450. Chemical contamination data from public wells indicates
approximately 15 - 20 % of public wells tested for volatile organic compounds have
reported a positive detection.
Taking steps to prevent contamination of ground water is the best method to preserving
drinking water supply quality now and into the future. The RI WHPP, established in 1990,
seeks to protect those ground water resources contributing water to public wells in the state.
Wellhead Protection program requirements were first incorporated into the RIDEM
Groundwater Quality Regulations in July 1993, and most recently in the May 1995
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Wellhead Protection Program (Safe Drinking Water Act) - continued
regulations It applies to all public wells and focuses on the portion of the aquifer known as the
‘wellhead protection area (WHPA)’ All WHPAs were delineated by RI DEM in 1993, and is
periodically updated There are 645 wells located in thirty-one communities. Wellhead
protection areas for community public water supply wells were delineated using mathematical
models, while most welihead protection areas for non-community wells have a 1750 foot radius
protection area The total acreage designated as WHPAs in RI is approximately 92,760 acres,
nearly 13% of the state’s land area. The program emphasis is on those wells that serve
year-round resident populations, referred to as community water supply wells . There are 160
community wells located in twenty-seven municipalities There are 100 non-transient,
non-community public water supply wells, and 380 transient, non-community wells (serving
small restaurants, service stations, and other facilities serving a transient populations.
Programs and Strategies for Wellhead Protection
Towns and large public water suppliers are responsible to conduct contaminant or pollution
source inventories within wellhead protection areas They are further responsible for
developing local protection programs for the community public water supply wells, and
future well sites if known. Several towns have sought to protect larger aquifer areas which
encompass the wellhead areas Also, protection is afforded under RI law and regulations
which prohibit certain facilities from being located in welihead protection areas or in GAA
ground water resources which are often used for community wells. Types of facilities which
are restricted include those which handle or store hazardous materials or wastes, landfills,
industry with floor drains, etc EPA is providing $ 60,000 for funding a series of local
wellhead protection projects to improve protection for small water suppliers across the state.
B. Wellhead Protection Program Implementation in Rhode Island
The RIDEM has delineated welihead protection areas (WHPAs) for all wellhead protection
areas in the state These have been located by EPA using global positioning system
technology and have been mapped and are available through RI GIS (RI Geographic
Information System). Towns with public water supply wells (29 towns) have been provided
mylar maps of the wells and WHPAs for their use in conducting pollution source inventories
and developing protection management for those areas Pollution source inventories have
been completed in 25 of the 29 towns, and 10 of 15 large public water suppliers. Four
municipal wellhead protection plans have been submitted and approved, Charlestown, South
Kingstown and West Greenwich and Tiverton. Also, four of the nine large public water
supply systems, including Kent County Water Supply, Lincoln Water Commission, Pasco
Water District, and Jamestown have completed their wellhead programs and have received
approval for them.
Wellhead Protection Program 1998 Grants
EPA provides primary funding to RIDEM for the Wellhead Protection and Ground Water
programs through the Clean Water Act, Section 106 Water Quality Program funding source.
IV. EPA SDWA Grants
See Grants, page 78
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SMART GROWTH INITIATIVE
EPA RI Contact: Alison Wa/s/i, (617) 918-1593
At the Smart Growth Strategies for New England Conference held in Boston, MA on February 2,
1999, EPA-NE recommitted to implement the agency’s “Smart Growth Action Plan” in support of
this cooperative and collaborative approach. The Action Plan calls for (1) elevating public
awareness; (2) building effective partnerships; (3) reshaping EPA’s programs and policies, and (4)
strengthening local capacity. DeVillars also announced plans to forma a “New England Smart
Growth Partnership” to help shape, guide and build upon this Action Plan and the results of the
conference. DeVillars encouraged all present to promote and facilitate smart growth in order to
protect New England’s unique environment and make its communities livable. See also “Grow
Smart Rhode Island” page 70 and Sustainable Development Challenge Grants, page 81. The Smart
Growth Action Plan can be viewed at EPA-NE’s web site. htip //www epa gov/region0l
STARTRACK PROGRAM
EPA Contact: David W. Guest, Esq., (617) 918-1814 /Marge Miranda, (617) 918-1825
RIDEM Contact: Carolyn Weymouth, (401) 222-6822, Ext. 4422
A. General Description
StarTrack is a program that seeks to better environmental performance through environmental
management systems and third party certification. It’s goal is to expand and reward the use of
compliance audits and environmental management systems and thereby improve protection of
the environment, increase public understanding of a company’s environmental performance,
and achieve more efficient use of public and private resources. Much as the public and
regulators rely on independent auditors to certify the financial integrity of corporations, we
believe a similar approach to environmental governance - StarTrack - holds the promise of
substantial environmental integrity at less expense to the taxpayer
The concept - a company agrees to:
Audit its environmental management and compliance performance each year,
Prepare and publish a comprehensive environmental performance report annually.
Triennially have its audit results reviewed and certified by an independent third party.
The benefits are:
Correction period and limited penalty amnesty for violations.
Recognition for participation and completion of program requirements
Partnerships with EPA, state and other regulatory agencies.
Modified inspection priority.
“Express Lane” service for permits and other regulatory actions
The requirements are:
Comprehensive Compliance Audit : The company will conduct a comprehensive audit of all
aspects of compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations in accordance with
StarTrack audit protocol, identifying all areas of non-compliance and resulting in a corrective
action plan including a schedule addressing required corrections and preventative actions, where
necessary.
Environmental Management Systems Audit : The company will conduct an audit to assess its
overall environmental management system in accordance with StarTrack EMS audit protocol
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Environmental Management Systems Audit (StarTrack Program) - continued
(based on Iso 14000), identify potential areas for improvement, and develop a prioritized
implementation plan for addressing those areas.
Independent Third Party Review of Audits and Audit Findings by Oualified Auditors : The
company will retain a qualified, independent third party to review audits. The third party
certification provides an accurate and credible independent assessment of the company’s
compliance status and system effectiveness status as well as recommendations for improvement
in compliance and environmental management and pollution prevention, as appropriate.
Environmental Performance Report . The company will prepare a publicly available
environmental performance report documenting the company’s efforts, providing a record and
a communication tool for interface with the public, employees and regulators regarding the
Company’s environmental programs and performance.
B. StarTrack Implementation in Rhode Island
Toray Plastics of North Kingstown is the current RI participant.
To participate in the Star Track Program, a company must have an established compliance
auditing program, and a demonstrated commitment to compliance, pollution prevention, and
continuous improvement of environmental performance.
SUPERFUND PROGRAM
EPA Contact: Richard Boynton, (617) 918-1331
RIDEM Contact: Leo Hellested, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 7502
Superfund Hot/me: (800) 424-9346, TDD (800) 553-7672 (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EST)
A. General Description
The Superfund hazardous substance cleanup program was created by the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. It was amended
and reauthorized by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. The
Act authorizes the Federal government to respond to spills and other releases of hazardous
substances, as well as to leaking abandoned hazardous waste dumps Hazardous substances are
identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the
Toxic Substances Control Act, or are designated by the EPA.
There are two types of governmental responses. (1) short term emergency removals; non-time
critical removals and (2) long term remedial actions taken at sites on the National Priority List
(NFL). The NFL is determined by a Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) which scores such
factors as the quality and nature of the hazardous wastes present, the likelihood of
contamination of ground water, surface water and air, and the proximity of the site to population
and sensitive natural environments.
EPA’s Office of Site Remediations and Restoration has prioritized “protecting human health and
the environment through completion of remedial, removal and emergency response activities,”
and EPA’s national Superfund cleanup goal is to complete 650 remedy constructions by the year
2000. EPA Region I, New England, hopes to contribute significantly to this national goal by
means of implementing several initiatives to “promote faster, fairer, more efficient cleanups.”
“The polluter pays” still governs our approach to cleanups; Thus, enforcement and voluntary
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clean ups of sites by responsible parties are preferable to expenditure of Superfund resources
for site clean-ups.
B. Superfund Implementation in Rhode Island
EPA has worked aggressively to clean up hazardous waste problems in Rhode Island. In
cooperation with RIDEM, final cleanup activities are completed, underway or in design phase
at most of Rhode Island’s 12 sites listed on the National Priority List. More than 15 emergency
response actions have been taken in the State to remove immediate threats to human health and
the environment. As of Fiscal Year 1997, EPA had spent over $52 million in RI to clean up
Superfund sites.
Brownfields
EPA Contact: Jo/tn Podgurski, (617) 918-1209
RIDEM Contact: Greg Fine, (401) 222- 2927, Ext. 7139
Web Site: www.epa.gov/brownflelds
General Description
Brownfields are abandoned, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion
or re-development is complicate by various levels of environmental contamination. Originally
begun as an EPA initiative in January, 1995, the national brownfields program has since
evolved into a collaborative effort involving more than 15 federal partners. This collaborative,
referred to as the Brownfields National Partnership, was created by President Clinton in June,
1997 to promote beneficial reuse of contaminated sites. EPA ’s Brownfields Program consists
of various initiatives designed to work with local, state and tribal partners to foster locally-
driven, environmentally-sound brownfields re-use solutions. Key Brownfields Programs in
Rhode Island are:
Brownfield Assessment Demonstration Pilots
Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilots are grants of up to $200,000 to local, tribal and
state governmental entities to conduct site assessment and related activities at brownfields sites.
An important goal of this program is to assist recipients in developing a long-range strategy for
Brownfields re-use. Pilots are selected through a national competition. A total of 300 pilots have
been awarded nation-wide, 49 are located in New England, two in Rhode Island : Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Economic Development
Corporation.
Targeted Brownfields Assessments
Under this initiative, EPA uses its contractors to conduct brownfields assessments at sites
identified by the local entity as being a high-priority for re-use. Brownfields assessments
typically involve a review of existing site records, site sampling and preparation of a
preliminary clean-up cost estimate. The information gathered allows local government officials
and developers to make informed decisions regarding the redevelopment potential of a site A
total of35 targeted Brownfields assessments have been initiated or completed in New England,
2 in Rhode Island. Rau Fasteners in Providence and Spintex Mill in Central Falls.
Showcase Communities
As part of the multi-federal agency Brownfields National Partnership, sixteen communities
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Brownfields - continued
were selected to receive Showcase Community designations following a national competition.
The federal partners will work with selected communities to revitalize brownfields properties.
The City of Providence, in partnership with the RI Department of Environmental Management
and the Providence Plan, was the recipient of one of these sixteen Showcase Community
designations. Under this program, EPA provided each Showcase Community with a $200,000
Brownfields Demonstration Pilot and assigned an EPA-employee to work full time at the
designated community for two years.
Emergency Response
Emergency response sites are sites at which an accidental release of hazardous substances has
occurred or is imminent. A sudden release of this type requires immediate response to ensure
protection of public health and the environment. Types of circumstances which might trigger
an emergency action are transportation accidents, bursting tanks or pipelines, spills to
waterways, fires at factories, etc. Types of activities might include cleanup of spill hazardous
substances, evacuation of residents, supplying bottled water, etc. The following activities are
anticipated to be occurring the State of Rhode Island:
E Response Planning
O Exercises
0 Inspection Programs
Superfund Remedial (NPL) Sites
EPA Contact: Dick Boynton, (617) 918-1331
RIDEM Contact: Warren Angel!, (401) 222-3872
General Description
Remedial actions are generally longer-term and usually more costly actions aimed at a
permanent remedy. Trust fund monies for remedial construction may be used only for sites
listed on the NPL Typical remedial actions may include removing buried drums from the site,
thermally treating wastes; pumping and treating ground water; and applying bio-remediation
techniques or other innovative technologies to contaminated soil. There are twelve sites at
which a remedial action is underway They are:
I. Central Landfill, Johnston
2. Davis GSR Landfill, Smithfield
3. Davis Liquid (Tire Dump), Smithfield
4 NCBC-Davisville, North Kingstown
5. Landfill Resource & Recovery (L&RR), Lincoln
6 NETC-Newport, Newport, Portsmouth & Portsmouth
7 Peterson-Puritan, Cumberland
8. Picillo Pig Farm, Coventry
9 Rose Hill Landfill, South Kingston
10. Stamina Mills, North Smithfield
11. West Kingstown Town Dump, south Kingstown
12. Western Sand and Gravel, Burriliville
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Superfund Removal Sites
EPA Contact: Steve Novick, (617) 918-1271
FY99 Short Term Removal Actions in Rhode Island
Through the Superfund removal program, EPA can respond quickly when there is a threat or
an actual release of a hazardous substance. Removal actions are initiated at sites which pose
an immediate threat to human health or the environment. It can also respond should there be
a release of oil (See UST and LUST under RCRA). Normally, removal actions are limited both
in terms of duration and cost (Generally an action will last no longer than 12 months and cost
no more than $2 million.) Since December, 1980, EPA has conducted 60 removal actions in
Rhode Island. In addition, in the last ten years, the removal program has responded to 65 oil
and chemical emergencies. Typical removal actions include removing tanks or drums of
hazardous substances on the surface, installing security measures such as a fence at a site or
providing a temporary alternate source of drinking water to local residents.
Superfund Reform Initiatives
The Superfund program has achieved substantial progress in cleaning up hazardous waste sites
and protecting human health and the environment with cleanup underway at 89 percent of the
sites on the National Priorities List (NPL), excluding Federal Facilities. To make the program
faster, fairer, and more efficient, EPA launched three rounds of Superfund reforms beginning
in 1993 that cover a wide range of Superfund concerns, including enforcement, public
involvement, State and Tribal empowerment, cleanup effectiveness, economic redevelopment,
environmental justice, and program consistency
Brownfields
EPA Contact John Podgurski, (617) 918-1291
Beneficial Reuse
EPA Contact Don Porteus, (617) 860-4317
Community Empowerment
EPA Contact Alice Kaufman, (617) 918-164
Information Technology & Superfund Ombudsman
EPA Contact John Smaldone, (617) 918-1207
Superfund Site Assessment
EPA Contact Matt Aude!, (617) 918-1449
Updating Remedy Decisions
EPA Contact Larry Brill, (617) 918-1301
EPA Superfund Grants
See Grani’s, pages 79 and 84
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
EPA contact: Rosemary Mona/ian, (617) 918-1087
General Description
This competitive grant program was piloted in FY96 challenging communities to invest in a
sustainable future, recognizing that sustainable environmental quality, social quality, and economic
prosperity are inextricably linked Over the first three years of the program, approximately $10.5
million have been awarded to a total of 96 proJects Sustainable Development Grants include:
Crow Smart Rhode Island
EPA Contact: Alison Walsh, (617) 918-1593
Grow Smart RI Contact: Shelia Brush, (401) 273-5711
A. General Description
Low density auto dependant development patterns of land use, known as “Sprawl”, have
dominated our New England Landscape since World War II This development of land pattern
is expensive, inefficient, environmentally damaging, energy consumptive, socially isolating
and ugly. In Rhode Island, suburban sprawl has drained 20% of the farmlands in the last 15
years, and 26,000 acres of rural land, in the past 10 years If Rhode Island continues to grow
in this manner, we will seriously jeopardize drinking water resources, air quality, the ability
to grow food, places to recreate, and a healthy and diverse ecosystem capable of sustaining
Rhode Island into the future
The mission of Grow Smart Rhode Island is to bring together diverse interests to protect and
improve Rhode Island’s quality of life, economic vitality, environmental health, and the
unique physical character created by the state’s historic cities, towns, villages, farms, forests
and open spaces This will be achieved by promoting business and residential growth in urban
and town centers and advancing open-land conservation and the preservation of rural
character.
B. Grow Smart Implementation in Rhode Island
To achieve these goals, Grow Smart RI will coordinate and encourage broad community
participation in examining the impacts of RI’s current developing patterns and considering
alternative options for development. Also, Grow Smart RI will cultivate a common vision for
the state’s future growth and advocate programs and policies to achieve the common vision.
The group’s first projects are to produce a report documenting the impacts which sprawl is
having on RI’s economy, environment, community character, and quality of life and to survey
Rhode Islander’s values and opinions concerning development issues. In addition, Grow
Smart will work in partnership with the broad range of organizations addressing growth issues
in Rhode Island and to organize public forums at which Rhode Islanders can some together
to talk about how we want our state to develop Other initial public education efforts include
a web site and a newsletter. See also Grants, page 81
TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL ACT
EPA TSCA Contact: Marvin Rosenstein, (617) 918-1631
EPA Asbestos and Lead Contact: Jim Bryson, (617) 918-1524
RIDOH Lead Contact: Marie Stoekel,(401) 222-4948
EPA Radon Contact: Mona Haywood, (617) 918-1534
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Toxic Substance Control Act - continued
RIDOH Asbestos & Radon Contact: Roger Marine/li, (401) 222-2438
EPA Hot/me numbers for TSCA: Asbestos Hot/me: (800) 368-5888, Lead Hot/me (800) 532-
3394 (Hearing Impaired: 1-800-526-5456), Radon Hot/me (800) 767-7236
A. General Description
Episodes of environmental contamination, including contamination by polychiorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), opened the way for the final signing of TSCA into law by President Ford
on October 11, 1976. The law authorizes EPA to screen existing and new chemicals used in
manufacturing and commerce and to identify potentially dangerous products or uses that
should be subject to regulatory control. A variety of regulatory tools is available to EPA under
TSCA ranging from a total ban to restrictions on production or use. TSCA directs EPA to use
the least burdensome option that can reduce health risks to a reasonable level. Currently, four
ubiquitous chemicals are actively managed by EPA and State Agencies PCBs, Lead (Pb),
Radon (Rn)and Asbestos. EPA Region 1 provides financial and technical support for the
Rhode Island DOH programs for Pb, Asbestos and Radon
B. TSCA Programs and Initiatives in Rhode Island
Asbestos Program
Asbestos has been commonly used for fireproofing, building materials, brake linings and
chemical filters. Chronic exposure to asbestos may lead to Asbestosis, the inflammation of the
lungs and subsequently cancer of the lung The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
has an approved performance partnership agreement (PPA) with EPA which takes into account
both federal and state asbestos regulatory program elements Title II of TSCA is the Asbestos
Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and regulates asbestos in schools including
required inspections and asbestos management plans by school personnel, accreditation of
asbestos abatement training providers and training and certification of abatement industry
personnel The RI DOH has applied for and received a “waiver” for the program from EPA
which gives all responsibility for implementing the program to the State.
In addition, the RIDOH has an MOU with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management to enforce the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants
(NESHAPS) under the Clean Air Act for the renovation and demolition of buildings
containing asbestos. The AHERA and NESHAPS programs are coordinated by the DOH to
maximize efficiency. Each year EPA negotiates a “compliance monitoring strategy” with the
RI DOH for these programs agreeing on compliance monitoring targets and commitments.
Lead Program
Lead, a soft bluish-white, dense metallic element, is a common industrial material. Lead and
its compounds have been used in items ranging from paints and varnishes, to gasoline, to
pesticides. While it has been banned by EPA for use in paint and gasoline, residual risk around
and in older residences is prevalent, particularly in our inner cities. When it is consumed, for
example when toddlers eat old paint chips, inhale leaded paint dust, or play in soil
contaminated by the deterioration of exterior leaded paint, Pb can be poisonous. At low doses
it impairs the neurological development of children such that lifelong impacts on learning
abilities and intelligence can occur. At high enough doses, Pb has severe impacts on the body
and can result in death.
As part of the Performance Partnership Agreement, the Rhode Island Department of Health is
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Lead Program - continued
enforcing both state and federal regulatory requirements for lead under Title IV of the Toxic
Substances Control Act. The RIDOH Lead Licensure and Certification Program (Lead L&C
Program) provides accreditation of Pb training providers and the training and licensing of Pb
abatement industry personnel. The RI DOH has certified that its program is as protective as
the federal program and that it has adequate enforcement authority and resources. The
program also has established regulatory standards and work practices for the private sector for
conducting environmental lead inspections.
The L&C Program is just one component of the total RIDOH program to combat childhood
Pb poisoning. The RIDOH also has programs focusing on education and outreach to parents,
schools, the medical infrastructure and other constituencies, as well as the general public, on
Pb poisoning prevention practices, and for blood Pb screening and treatment of children
suffering from Pb poisoning.
Radon Program
Radon is a radioactive gas It comes from the natural decay of uranium and radium that is
found in nearly all soils and some ground water. It is odorless and colorless and typically
seeps through the ground into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation or
through release of radon from domestic water use. Your home traps radon inside, where it can
build up. Any home may have a radon problem. Prolonged exposure to radon can cause lung
cancer.
The RIDOH has implemented a program of technical assistance and outreach, as well as
regulatory activities where appropriate, for the testing and mitigation of radon per both state
regulations and Title III of TSCA, the Radon Indoor Abatement Act. The program is embodied
in the PPA with EPA, and RIDOH and EPA work together to implement outreach programs
for radon awareness, testing and mitigation.
EPA TSCA Grants
See Grants, pages 78, 79 and 83
URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE
EPA RI contact: Kristi Rea (617) 918-1595
A. General Description
Through UEI, EPA, Region 1, New England is committed to partnering with community leaders
and others to identify and address critical urban issues and targeted cities. EPA’s goal is to
develop community environmental capacity and to involve communities more substantially in
the environmental decision making process. The principals of environmental justice, community
based environmental protection, pollution prevention, and economic development are the
cornerstones of this effort
B. UEI Implementation in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Environmental Justice Network
The Rhode Island Environmental Justice Network is a coalition of numerous local grassroots
organizations including: the Center for Hispanic Policy andAdvocacy, DirectActionfor Rights
and Equality (DARE), The Urban League of Rhode Island, the Hmong United Association of
Rhode Island, and the All South Providence Union (ASPU). The Network focuses on
environmental issues, the issue of vacant lots in particular, which affect low income people of
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Urban Environmental Initiative - continued
color in Rhode Island’s urban areas. Major goals of the Network include the enhancement of
community capacity to identify and solve local environmental problems and to better understand
and use public health and environmental data
The Network hosts regular coordination and planning meetings involving community groups,
sponsors educational workshops and trains community residents to map neighborhood
environmental risks Each organization involved with the Network brings their own innovative,
community-based approach to environmental and health issues The Environmental Justice
Network is a great example of local, grassroots organizations uniting together to more
effectively and accurately identify and address environmental issues in their neighborhoods.
Providence Environmental Strike Team and Vacant Lot Program
The City of Providence has been an active and successful participant in the identification,
confrontation and amelioration of a variety of urban environmental issues within city
boundaries One such initiative spearheaded by the city is the Providence Environmental Strike
Team (PEST) coordinated by the city’s Office of Environmental Affairs. The Strike Team’s
mission is to enforce City environmental laws, while focusing attention on the illegal dumping
of materials on vacant lots (such as solid waste and demolition debris, automobile parts, tires
and waste oils) which pose a hazard to human health and the environment Furthermore, PEST
has established a hotline for complaints, an Environmental Court, a system for ensuring
compliance, and conducts public education and outreach programs to inform citizens of their
rights and responsibilities under the city’s environmental laws.
Another example of a progressive city project currently underway is their Vacant Lot Program.
Under this initiative, a full time Vacant Lot Program Coordinator will be responsible for
long-term coordination of strategies The coordinator will also facilitate communications
among City agencies and build partnerships between the City and neighborhood residents to
eliminate and/or reuse blighted vacant lots. Unlike many public programs of the past (designed
with the assumption that public officials always know what is best for communities), the
Program Coordinator will be advised by a Vacant Lot Task Force, established by the Mayor in
1996 to address the issue of vacant lots and comprised of various community, government, and
public representatives. This program is just another example of how community organizations
and local and state agencies, under the guidance of the Urban Environmental Initiative, are
collaborating to solve pressing urban environmental and health issues. Due to the approval and
success and designed in the image of the Mayor’s Vacant Lot Task Force, the city has also
initiated a Lead Safe Housing Task Force. The Lead Safe Housing Task Force is comprised of
a fifty member board from a wide range of community organizations, private organizations,
non-profits, and local, state, and federal government.
Safe Housing Lead Task Force
In March 1998, Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. established a multi-stakeholder Safe Housing
Lead Task Force to develop a comprehensive, practive strategy for protecting children and
improving the quality of the local housing stock to reduce and prevent lead poisoning.
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (Rhode Island State Unit and the
Urban Environmental Initiative), Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department
of Environmental Management, the City of Providence, non-profit organizations, parents, local
residents, academia, churches, community centers, private industry, and political representatives
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Safe Housing Lead Task Force (Urban Environmental Initiative) - continued
served on the task force.
One in three children in the City of Providence have elevated blood lead levels, and lead
poisoning is the most common childhood disease. Members of the task force broke into three
subcommittees -- Housing, Health and Education, and Funding -- and spent over six months
developing a set of comprehensive recommendations for the City of Providence relating to lead
poisoning remediation, mitigation, and prevention. The final report was released in November,
1998.
In January, 1999 a small, multi-stakeholder Steering Committee was formed including
representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (Rhode Island State Unit and the
Urban Environmental Initiative), City of Providence, Rhode Island Department of Health,
non-profit organizations, local residents, and churches The Steering Committee is responsible
for overseeing the implementation of the Task Force report recommendations relating to
Housing, Health and Education, and Funding. The partners involved in the Task Force final
report received $4 M in funding from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to remediate
lead from targeted housing units and conduct an education and outreach program over the next
three years.
URBAN RIVERS INITIATIVE
EPA Contact: Margherita Pryor, (617) 918-1597
A. General Description
Rhode Island was the home of the industrial revolution in the United States, and one of the
critical sources of its success in this historical process was the state’s access to water power
Five rivers flow into the upper reaches of Narragansett Bay: the Blackstone, Seekonk,
Woonasquatucket, West, and Mossashuck Rivers. Surrounded by urban land uses, these
rivers do not now support the Clean Water Act’s goals of being fishable, swimmable waters
In the summer of 1997, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI
DEM) and the U S. EPA held hearings on water resources in the state as part of a process to
gather public input on RIDEM priorities for addressing water quality problems When the
public identified these urban rivers as priorities, RIDEM and EPA created an Urban Rivers
Team to focus management attention and resources on the area. The Urban Rivers Team
currently includes the RI Department of Transportation, the RI Department of Health, the RI
Coastal Resource Management Council, the U.S. EPA — Region I, the RIDEM, the
Providence Plan, the Woonasquatucket Watershed Coalition, and the Narragansett Bay
Commission.
B. Urban Rivers Initiative Implementation in Rhode Island
Although the mission of the Urban Rivers Team is to protect and expand uses of all the urban
rivers by improving their water quality, the team decided to focus initially on the
Woonasquatucket River as it flows through Smithfield, North Providence, and Providence.
With funding from all participating members, the team’s first efforts have included shoreline
surveys to determine potential pollution sources, water quality sampling to follow up on the
surveys, and the development of strategies to abate identified pollution problems
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WATERSHED APPROACH
EPA RI Contact: Rob Adler (617) 918-1396
RIDEM Contact. Elizabeth Scott, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7300
A. General Description
The “Watershed Approach” is made up of three key components:
1 Geographic Focus : Watershed’s are nature’s boundaries. They are the areas that drain to
surface water bodies. A watershed generally includes lakes, rivers, estuaries, wetlands,
streams, and the surrounding landscape. Ground water recharge areas are also considered.
2. Continuous Improvement Based on Sound Science : Sound scientific data, tools and
techniques are critical to inform the process. Actions taken include characterizing priority
watershed problems and solutions, developing action plans, and evaluating their
effectiveness within the watershed.
3. Partnership/Shareholder Involvement : Watersheds transcend political, social, and economic
boundaries Therefore, it is important to involve all the affected interests in designing and
implementing goals for the watershed. Watershed teams may include representatives from
all levels of government, public interest groups, industry, academic institutions, private
landowners, concerned citizens, and others. EPA offers many varieties of help as a partner
in the watershed approach The role EPA plays is defined by its legal mandates and the
needs identified by the community EPA is assisting Typically, EPA provides technical,
financial, coordination, and enforcement support related to its authorities. Copies of EPA
watershed related documents may be obtained from the National Center for Environmental
Publications and Information (NCEPI) at P0 Box 42419, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, (513)489-
8695 (FAX). Information on watersheds is also available at: www.epa.govIOWOW, state
environmental agencies and watershed organization’s internet web sites.
B. Watershed Approach Implementation in Rhode Island
A watershed is all the land over and through which water flows on its way to a stream, river,
lake, estuary or ocean. Managing natural resources on a watershed basis offers an opportunity
to comprehensively plan and implement activities over a naturally defined area within which
the interactions of land, human activities and natural conditions can be monitored, assessed and
understood. Interested Rhode Islanders are preparing an approach on how to conduct
environmental planning and to address environmental issues on a state-wide and watershed
basis.
The Watershed Approach promotes a new management strategy where partnerships are a
cornerstone for environmental planning and action implementation. The Approach under
development would give state and federal managers a more comprehensive understanding of
local management needs, as well as a clearer justification for targeting priority concerns and
determining appropriate actions. This Approach encourages organizations and local interests
to be involved in planning and activities to assure competent, creative, and comprehensive
solutions tailored to local needs and conditions. It emphasizes the importance of coordinating
programs in order to use government funds and staff wisely on efforts that are meaningful to
organizations and local interests.
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Watershed Approach - continued
Rhode Island’s approach envisions using a five step management cycle which would also divide
the state into 5 groupings of watersheds - “watershed regions.” Each region would be assigned
into one of the cycle’s five steps to coordinate work within that watershed region. The five step
cycle include the following
I. outreach and scoping;
2. resource assessment;
3. action plan development or revision;
4 implementation; and
5. evaluation of efforts.
The approach would be flexible, understanding that regions are already active and will not align
into each of these steps neatly, and that there is some level of activity in each step already
occurring. The process would be iterative over several cycles for years to come. The process
also calls for a ‘watershed team’ in each region that would aid steering activities, a watershed
coordinator to busily organize and coordinate among all stakeholders, and a state-level
management leadership group to oversee the approach.
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Photo courtesy of
Rhode island Tourism Division
Rhode island Economic Development Corporation
“People making decisions”
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RHODE ISLAND 1998 GRANTS
PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
$1,655,915 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM):
Performance Partnership Grant for Water Pollution. This grant is a Performance Partnership
Grant (PPG) for Rhode Island’s water programs such as water pollution control, non-point source
management, water quality, wetlands and underground injection control. Contact Alicia Good,
(401) 222-3961, Ext 7214
$575,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM):
Performance Partnership Grant for Waste. Funds provide federal assistance to Rhode Island in
implementing waste and pollution prevention incentives for states programs. While the waste grant
was initially awarded on 12/19/96, it was amended in September 1997 to add funds supporting a
pollution prevention project to evaluate the evaporation process in metal finishing operations and
to integrate pollution prevention into an ISO 14000 management system. Contact: Terry Gray,
(401) 222-3872, Ext. 7100
$488,159 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Performance
Partnership for Consolidated Pesticides Programs There are four distinct, continuing pesticide
programs administered by each of the New England States that the EPA helps support through one
or more cooperative agreements with each state. These programs are pesticide enforcement,
pesticide applicator certification, worker protection, and groundwater protection. Contact: Elizabeth
Lopes-Duguay, (401) 222-2781, Ext. 4510
AIR GRANTS
$1,212,500 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Air
Pollution Control Program. This continuous annual grant supports ongoing statewide air
resources management planning for stationary and mobile sources, ambient air quality monitoring
system operations and maintenance, and statewide air enforcement activities. Contact: Steven
Majkut, (401) 222-2808, Ext. 7010
$5,000 --- Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (RICOSH)
This grant was provided to develop interest in EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action
Kit by conducting at least one seminar for school and municipal officials and by providing
continuing technical assistance to schools on how to implement the Tools for Schools’
comprehensive indoor environmental approach. Contact: Jim Celenza, (401) 751-2015
WATER GRANTS
$112,437 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Water
Quality Management Planning. This grant is issued to states annually under the Clean Water Act.
Rhode Island uses the funds to: 1) conduct chemical baseline water quality monitoring at 25 river
stations in the state; 2) characterize the biological community/integrity of 40 stations using the
methodology of EPA’s rapid bio-assessment protocol; and 3) support the staff that supervises this
work and prepares the required water quality assessments for EPA. Contact. Connie Carey, (401)
222-3961, Ext. 7239
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$53,000 --- University of Rhode Island: Evaluation of the Water Quality Analysis Program
Version 5 (WASPS) Model Using Mesocosm Data. These funds are being used to support
modification of a water quality mode! for eutrophication in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers The
first and second phases are complete and now work is proceeding on completing the modifications
and providing them to ASA a contractor for the State of RI that is tasked with incorporating the
modifications into a revised mode!. Contact: Chris Turner, RI DEM, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7229
$227,768 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM):
Narragansett Bay Estuary Program. This year’s projects includeS a state-wide symposium on
nitrogen/nutrient control within the bay; an inventory ofbenthic invertebrates at salt marsh reference
sites - data from which will be fed into the development of a comprehensive Bay-wide salt marsh
restoration strategy; distribution of habitat resource maps to coastal communities so they can better
integrate resource protection into town planning processes; and development of maps to pinpoint
locations of potential coastal wetland restoration sites within the Bay. Contact: Richard Ribb, (401)
222-3165, Ext. 7271
$387,614 --- Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH): Public Water Supply Supervision
Program. The funds will help the Department of Health implement and enforce the state and federal
drinking water standards. This program assures that people in Rhode Island have access to safe and
healthy drinking water Contact: June Swallow, (401) 222-6953
$9,033,100 --- Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency. The Clean Water State Revolving
Loan Fund grant provides the state with monies to support its State Revolving Loan fund. The state
in turn provides low interest loans to its communities for water pollution control projects. Annual
repayments of the low interest loans that are now flowing into State CWSRF accounts will be
recycled into new loans for critical water pollution control projects Contact: Anthony Simeone,
(401) 453-4430
$6,302,351 --- Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency. The Federal State Revolving Loan
Fund (SRF) grants provide the State with monies to support its State Revolving Loan funds. The
State in turn provides low interest loans to its communities for water pollution control projects, and
will be providing loans to communities for drinking water infrastructure projects Annual repayment
of the low interest loans that are now flowing into the SRF accounts will be recycled into new loans
for critical water pollution and drinking water projects. Contact: Anthony Simeone, (401) 453-4430
PESTICIDES & TOXICS GRANTS
$121,970 --- Rhode Island Department of Public Health: Lead. The funds are provided to
develop and carry out authorized programs for the training of individuals engaged in lead-based
paint activities, the accreditation of training programs for these individuals, and the certification of
contractors engaged in lead-based paint activities Contact. Robert Vanderslice, (401) 222-4948
$137,140 --- Rhode Island Department of Health: State Indoor Radon Grant Program
The purpose of these grants is to establish and maintain a state radon program. The program in all
states covers outreach to the public and affected groups such as builders and real estate agents,
school testing, coalition building, homes testing and remediation, and other special projects such as
radon in water research. All of these activities are geared toward the reduction of the risk of lung
cancer due to exposure to radon, a radioactive gas, and its radioactive progeny. Contact: Roger
Maranelli, (401) 222-2438
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SUPERFUND GRANTS
$396,176--- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Superfund
Core Cooperative Agreements States are awarded these agreements in order to conduct
Superfund implementation activities that are not directly assignable to specific sites, but are intended
to support a state’s ability to participate in the Superftind response program. Funds are provided for
non-site-specific activities to develop and enhance the base capabilities of state programs, promote
meaningful participation in Superfund implementation, and build State program capabilities to meet
Superfund response requirements. Contact: Angela Shulman, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 7133
$23,278 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Superfund
Multi-site Cooperative AgreementsfPre-remedial. This continuous grant provides annual support
to each state for Superfund project management activities at pre-remedial sites in each state. Contact:
Timothy Regan, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 710
$215,600 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Superfund
Multi-site Cooperative AgreementsfNPL. This continuous grant provides annual support to each
state for Superfund project management activities at National Priority List (NPL) sites in each state.
Contact: Warren Angell, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 7137
WASTE GRANTS
(Excluding Superfund)
$50,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Leaking
Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund. This grant funds core program activities to
support state staff for LUST emergency response. The funds also provide oversight support for on-
site assessments, cleanup plans and monitoring corrective progress activities, including enforcement
and cost recovery when appropriate. Contact: Bruce Catterall, (401) 222-2797, Ext. 7504
$200,000 --- City of Providence: Brownfields IPA. This is a cooperative agreement that provides
for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) funding. An EPA staff person has been detailed to the
City for two years to work on Brownfields activities. Contact: Thom Deller, Deputy Director of
Plannmg, (401) 351-4300
$200,000 --- Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation: Brownfields Assessment Pilot
Activities under this grant include inventory of sites, site assessments and community outreach. The
pilot is scheduled to last for two years. Contact. James Saletnik, (401) 222-2601
$400,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): State
Brownfields Assessment Pilot. This is another assessment pilot managed by the State. Activities
include inventory of sites, site assessments and community outreach. Contact: Greg Fine, (401)
222-3872, Ext 7139
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LOCAL AND COMMUNITY GRANTS
Environmental Justice. Pollution Prevention, Multi Media and Environmental Education
$20,000 --- City of Providence: Office of Environmental Affairs: Providence Environmental
Strike Team. The City of Providence has created an environmental strike team in the Department
of Public Works Environmental Control Division. The team will enforce city environmental laws --
in particular illegal dumping of materials on vacant lots such as solid waste and demolition debris,
automobile parts, tires and waste oils The city has established a hotline for complaints, an
environmental court, a system for ensuring compliance, and will be conducting public education and
outreach to inform citizens of their responsibilities under the city’s environmental laws. Contact:
Luke Driver, (401) 421-2489
$20,000 --- Environmental Education Diversity Forum. The purpose of the forum is to form a
strong coalition of community based organizations, environmental organizations, local groups,
government agencies, businesses, churches, and grant makers to integrate diversity and empower
individuals through environmental education and awareness. The forum will create a comprehensive
environmental directory, an annual environmental diversity conference, a neighborhood “Watch
2000” program, and an environmental information clearinghouse. Contact: Sussie Rush, (401)461 -
3018
$55,000 --- Keep Providence Beautiful: “Groundwork/Providence”. Groundwork’s mission is
to bring about sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment
by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses and organizations
to promote environmental, economic and social well-being. In the first year of the program, Keep
Providence Beautiful has chosen three pilots sites to revitalize, including land located in some of the
most disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city such as the West End, Lower South Providence and
Smith Hill Contact: Kathleen Beck, (401) 351-6440
$37,500 --- Providence Plan: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Environmental Education
Program. The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Environmental Education Program will expand
its outreach to eight additional schools and two community centers in the neighborhood of
Olneyville, a designated Enterprise Community with a diverse population. Participants will learn
about the geology, history, and ecology of the river. Contact: Jane Sherman, (401) 455-8880
$25,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Pollution
Prevention Incentive for States for Metal Finishing. This is a grant to evaluate evaporation as
a way to minimize waste and to achieve compliance in metal finishing operations. Contact:
Terrence Gray, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 7100
$16,660 -- Youth In Action (Providence) Art Park Project. Youth in Action (YIA), the first
organization in Rhode Island created and controlled by youth from the community, supports local
youth to develop their leadership skills, train their peers to identify community problems, and use
art as a way to reach the community Funding for this project will transform an empty lot into a
community park by training (7) multilingual youth to involve the community in creating art, gardens,
and greenspace for the park, and to coordinate community-building events in the park once it is
created Contact: Karen Feldman, (401) 751-3086
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$5,000 --- Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund, Inc. (Ed Fund).
The Rhode Island Education Fund seeks to include environmental education into the curricula of
elementary and secondary schools throughout the state via current education reform efforts. Ed Fund
will form 10 three-member teams to assess environmental education curricula. They will also
attempt to establish a contact at each of the 416 schools in RI to keep them aware of quality
environmental education materials The Ed Fund also proposes to establish an environmental
education web page to build, update, and make each school’s contact person available to the
environmental education community. Contact: Guy Lefebyre, (401) 727-8154
$5,000 -- Keep Providence Beautiful (KPB). KPB has organized “Green Teams” to educate
minority youth ages 14-18 about the importance of a clean, safe, and beautiful neighborhood. With
the help of an environmental educator, teams plant and maintain public spaces during the summer,
and in winter apply what they have learned by assisting with KPB environmental clubs in the local
elementary schools. Contact. Laura Archambault, (401) 351-6440
$5,000 -- The Salt Ponds Coalition. This project creates a student-produced, 15-minute video on
wastewater management in RI. The video overviews state and local septic system regulations and
an array of advanced waste water technologies currently being piloted. On-site waste water disposal
systems are a high priority environmental issue in RI. The students along with active community
environmental groups ensure the education and environmental message and distribution of the video.
ContactS Brenda Dillman, (401) 364-0034
$237,250 --- Grow Smart Rhode Island, Inc. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the
effectiveness of a broadly based statewide effort to increase public awareness of the economic,
environmental, and social costs of sprawl and the feasibility of establishing broad-based citizen
participation in the development and implementation of a common vision for Rhode Island’s future
economic and physical growth. Contact: Sheila Bush, (401) 273-5711
Local Resource Protection Small Grants
Funded by the U S EPA & Natural Resource Conservation Service
NRCS Contacts Vicky 0 ‘Neal, (401) 822-8820 & Joe Bachand (401) 822-8818
EPA Ri Contact Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
$8,875 --- Economics of Preserving Land, Development and Property Taxes in RI
Southern New England Forest Consortium
This study for Rhode Island communities is looking at the relationship between permanent land
conservation for open space or critical natural resources and its effect/relationship to property taxes
and town revenue. The study will look at short and long-term implications so that towns and
taxpayers can make informed decisions about balancing land conservation and development, and
look at the impact of commercial development over time Study will focus on three communities.
$6,700 --- Drinking Water Protection - Analysis of Aquifer and Well Head Protection
Areas, Burrillville
Town of Burrillville (URI Coop Extension is assisting)
The project evaluates the effects of buildout on the town’s aquifer and welihead areas. It will help
the town to address inconsistencies in its Comprehensive Plan, which calls for encouraging dense
development in its mill villages, while trying to protect wellhead areas with restrictions in the same
mill villages.
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$8,800 --- Rhode Island Sustainable Community Workshops
Rural Lands Coalition - Southern RI Conservation District
Coordinate developing and holding sustainable development workshops through self-diagnostic
assessment of current conditions, and a comparison to the goals of the target communities stated in
their Comprehensive Plans. A survey questionnaire has been developed and will be administered to
town officials and board members. Follow-up will include recommendations on specific strategies
and methods to retain rural character, maintain open and unfragmented green space and managing
growth of communities in Scituate, Glouster, and Foster.
$10,000 --- Digital Atlas of Critical Resource Regions in Rhode Island on the World Wide
Web.
University of Rhode Island - Department of Natural Resources Science
The project will compile town and watershed based digital atlas of Rhode Island’s critical natural
resources and make it available to anyone through the WWW (World Wide Web). Users will be able
to view maps of ground water, wetlands and forests, landuse, critical habitats and other theme areas
for every town and watershed in RI. (under a separate project, several towns will obtain maps clipped
just for their areas and overlain on aerial town photo with mylar sheets of the resources -to become
available for all RI towns - nominal fee).
$7,095 ---South Coastal Pond’s New Innovative Education on Septic System Care
Salt Ponds Coalition
Municipalities in the watershed have developed, or are developing, community waste water
management plans. In order for communities to succeed, they need residents support and cooperation
by understanding the importance of waste water management. Project is developing educational
information packages for home owners, builders, renters, realty businesses, and local officials and
are to be distributed in more effective ways using municipal building officials and realtors.
$8,000 --- Drinking Water and Watershed Training Program for Volunteer Board Members,
Town Officials and Staff
Providence Water Supply Board
This project is developing materials for local volunteer board members, officials and staff involved
in land use decisions, to improve skills for identif ’ing pollution associated with landuse, and
evaluate cumulative impacts to local water resources and select strategies to protect local watersheds
for protecting drinking water quality.
$1,000 --- Rhode Island Envirothon - High School Environmental Education
RI Resource Conservation and Development
Project will provide finding to the RI Envirothon so that participation in the program can be
increased. The Envirothon is an environmental academic competitiOn involving teams of high
school students from around the State.
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RHODE ISLAND 1999 GRANTS
(Awarded from 10/01/99 through 6/18/99)
PARTNERSHIPS
$1,208,460 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM):
Performance Partnership Grant for Water Pollution.
This grant is a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) for Rhode Island’s water programs such as:
water pollution control, non-point source management, water quality, wetlands and underground
injection control. Contact: Alicia Good, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7214.
$282,500—- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Performance
Partnership Grant for Waste.
Funds provide federal assistance to Rhode Island in implementing waste and pollution prevention
incentives for state programs. While the waste grant was initially awarded on 12/19/96, it was
amended in September, 1997 to add funds supporting a pollution prevention project to evaluate the
evaporation process in metal finishing operations and to integrate pollution prevention into an ISO
14000 management system. Contact: Terry Gray, (401) 222-3872, Ext. 7100
AIR GRANTS
$568,250 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Air Pollution
Control Program.
This continuous annual grant supports on-going statewide air resources management planning for
stationary and mobile sources, ambient air quality monitoring system operations and maintenance,
and statewide air enforcement activities. Contact: Steve Majkut, (401) 222-2808, Ext. 7010
WATER GRANTS
$100,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM): Water
Quality Management Planning.
This grant is issued to states annually under the Clean Water Act. Rhode Island uses the funds to:
1) conduct chemical baseline water quality monitoring at 25 river stations in the state; 2) characterize
the biological community/integrity of 40 stations using the methodology of EPA’s rapid bio-
assessment protocol; and 3) support the staff that supervises this work and prepares the required
water quality assessments for EPA. Contact: Connie Carey, (401) 222-3961, Ext. 7239
PESTICIDES & TOXICS
$100,000 --- Rhode Island Department of Health: Asbestos.
The EPA has made available 25 percent state matching grant funds for states to enforce authorized
training accreditation and certification programs for individuals engaged in asbestos inspection and
abatement activities. The EPA grant fund States to conduct inspections of schools for asbestos
hazards and auditing of training providers Contact: Roger Maranelli, (401) 222-2438.
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SUPERFUND
$25,000 --- Technical Assistance Grant, Quonset Point I Davisville.
Grant awarded to local citizen group to fund activities associated with their involvement in the clean
up of this NPL site. Typical activities include commenting on Remedial Investigations and
Feasibility Studies and Remedial Design EPA Project Officer. Mike McGagh, (617) 918-1428.
$25,000 --- Technical Assistance Grant, Newport Naval Education and Training Center.
Grant awarded to local citizen group to fund activities associated with their involvement in the clean
up of this NPL site. Typical activities include commenting on Remedial Investigations and
Feasibility Studies and Remedial Designs. EPA Project Officer: Mike McGagh, (617) 918-1428.
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY GRANTS
Local Resource Protection Small Grants
Funded by the US EPA & Natural Resource Conservation Service
NRCS Contacts Vicky 0 ‘Neal, (401) 822-8820 & Joe Bachand, (401) 822-8818
EPA RI Contact• Rob Adler, (617) 918-1396
$8,000 --- Education of Landowners About the Benefits of Charitable Donations
Towns of North Kingstown. Narragansett. and South Kingstown
To educate and provide legal and tax consultant services to land owners to encourage the charitable
donation of land or development rights to protect open space and natural resources. Use of tax
incentives, such as provided for under Tax Reform Act of 1997, would give landowners added
options to retain their lands and its natural values. Beyond general education, the intent of the project
is to provide specific information on an individual landowner basis by professional experts in tax
law or tax accounting. Approximately 40 landowners could be served, and the selection of
landowners would be generally equally distributed across the three communities.
$9,460 --- Identifying Critical Lands for Conservation
University of Rhode Island - Department of Natural Resources Science
To develop a statewide inventory of critical GIS-based data for land conservation that would support
community decision making for prioritizing lands for protection, allowing towns to conduct co-
occurrence analyses. Data will also be extracted and presented for four communities, including
Coventry, East Greenwich, Hopkinton and Exeter to use in their conservation efforts.
Approximately, 12 themes or data coverages will be developed, and include agncultural lands,
wetlands, river corridors, forests, RIDEM heritage dataset on critical/unique habitats, scenic
inventory, TNC and Audubon lands, land trust properties, etc.
$2,102 --- Storm Watchers Project
Salt Pond Coalition
To recruit volunteers to identify potential runoff sources of bacteria in neighborhoods around the salt
ponds in south coastal region. Suspected runoff sites will be located by GPS to develop an inventory
of locations and mapping potential and known trouble spots of non-point sources of pollution Rain
gear would be provided to volunteers who will collect samples during rain events and analyzed by
URI Watershed Watch. Approximately, 20 site samples will be tested in a two-year period to verify
suspected sources of contamination.
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$9,000 --- Building Partnerships with Property Managers to Improve Coastal Habitat in
Narragansett Bay
Save the Bay
To build on current relationships with golf course superintendents, public park managers and large
land owners around the Bay, to promote, protect and restore vegetative buffer zones and to control
exotic and invasive species in coastal wetlands. In the process, the project will build a network-
database of coastal property owners that are actively engaged in protecting and restoring coastal
habitats on their properties. Work directly one-to-one with property owners to assess conditions, and
evaluate options for protecting or restoring habitat, and assist in conducting projects
$9,000 --- Rhode Island Watershed Approach Support
Southern Rhode Island Conservation District
To build local capacity and participation in community-based efforts for the protection of
watersheds. The frame-work for a state-wide Watershed Approach is nearing completion and local
participation is a key component to its success The project will organize/support a watershed-wide
team, a training and support team, and localized volunteer stream teams, and will coordinate the
volunteer efforts to assess how fluctuations in stream flow affects habitat in the Queens-Usquebaug
Rivers sub-watershed. The project will develop a general training manual for the watershed team and
compile worksheets and slide show for conducting shoreline surveys and community assessment.
This effort in the Pawcatuck Watershed is initial testing ground for the Watershed Approach.
$7,950 --- Scituate Reservoir Stormwater Management Program in North Scituate and
Clayville, RI
Northern RI Conservation District and the Providence Water Supply Board
To improve non-point source stormwater runoff quality entering the Scituate Reservoir. Runoff
patterns within North Scituate and Clayville, will be mapped and evaluated, and specific systems will
be selected for installing “best managements practices.” Efforts will include establishing an
oversight committee, gathering existing information and preparing a database/maps, identifying gaps
in the information, delineating drainage areas, determining impervious surface cover, and evaluating
structures and their effectiveness, and identifying potential BMPs and their locations.
$3,300 --- Natural History Survey Conference
University of Rhode Island - To support the annual Natural History Survey Conference, which draws
individuals, universities, and professional ecologists, naturalists and agency personnel who seek to
protect the natural resources of Rhode Island.
$9,000 — Volunteer Monitoring of Streams in Pawcatuck Watershed
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association
To build a stewardship and volunteer-based monitoring effort for collecting important water quality
and stream flow data in parts in the Queen River and Meadow Brook areas of the Pawcatuck region.
Staff gages for water elevation will be installed and flow meters will be used for recording flow in
the stream/river, and water quality samples will be taken for analysis at the University of Rhode
Island labs. Volunteers for stream teams will be recruited and trained from the communities near the
streams to be monitored. Involving, educating and informing the public about water quality and
quantity issues are important outcomes of this project in this watershed. A technical steering
committee will be organized and include local organizations, state and federal agencies, growers and
others. Monitoring is expected to occur five times a year and will also be coordinated with the Water
Use Data Subcommitte efforts of the PWP to assess stream habitat conditions on the Queen River
for the USGS flow modeling. Data will be added to the Watershed Watch and RIDEM databases
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and be reviewed in the Watershed Watch annual report on state-wide monitoring. The data will be
used in RIDEM’s water quality assessment for its 305(b) report.
$2,000 --- Assessment of Wetland Values and Functions - Setting Priorities for Communities’
Protection Efforts.
Rhode Island Association of Wetland Scientists
To conduct an initial survey to assess the natural habitat value and function of wetlands in three
communities - Hopkinton, Richmond and Coventry. Assessment will aid communities in setting
priorities for land protection by ordinance, through land trust acquisitions or other means. RIAWS
will inventory wetland resources on parcels identified by each town. The inventory will include 1)
identification of the wetland types; 2) determination of wetland functional values (e.g. wildlife
habitat, rare and endangered species habitat, public educational and recreational benefits); 3)
observed unique characteristics (e.g. vernal pools, white cedar swamp); 4) description of the
general condition The inventory will be based on available information including aerial photos and
site visits and will be presented in tabular form organized by wetland system for use by each town
in comparing and ranking wetland land parcels
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Photo courtesy of
Rhode Island Tourism Division
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Fishing Village - Galilee, Rhode Island
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EPA New England
Customer Call Center 888-372-7341
Web; www.epa.gov/regionl
a’
*
Region I New England
N ew England includes many ecosystems that by virtue of their ecological value, recreational value or
proximity to large populations hold a special significance to us. EPA-New England is focusing particular
attention and resources on these special places.” Working closely with our federal, state and local partners,
these community-based initiatives are delivering tangible environmental improvements to these areas .
EPA Contact: Rob Adler (617) 918-1396 Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Assoc: Nina Rooks (401) 539-9017
What Makes The Pawcatuck
River Watershed Special?
Spans 194,000 acres across 14
towns in southwestern RI and
southeastern CT and encom-
passes one-quarter of RI’s land
area with features remarkably
rural and unspoiled natural
setting.
Home for the Narragansett Indian
Tribe, RI’s largest management
area, and the highest concentra-
tion of turf (sod) farms in the
Us.
Region is 70% forested, and is
habitat for nearly 70% of RI’s
globally rare species and 65% of
the state’s rare species and
unique natural
communities. With
1 forests and large
tracts of inland
wetlands, the
Pawcatuck supports a high
diversity of species, often sensi-
tive to human disturbance
Why Does The Pawcatuck
River Watershed Need
Special Attention?
Among the fastest developing
regions in New England Contin-
ued fragmentation,
suburbanization, and nonpoint
source disturbance pose
long-term threats to critical
natural resources, farms and the
‘country way of life’
Pawcatuck
aquifer sup-
plies all of the
region’s
drinking water
and is an EPA-federally desig-
nated ‘sole source aquifer.’
Development pressures and water
withdrawal from streams for turf
farm and golf course irrigation
threaten the quality and quantity
of water resources and riparian
stream habitats.
What is the Pawcatuck
Watershed Initiative and the
PWP?
The initiative was launched in 1996 by
several environmental and farm organi-
zations, state and federal agencies and
other stakeholders. It established the
Pawcatuck Watershed Partnership
(PWP) to.
2 Improve local decision making to
address development pressure.
Preserve farm, forest and open
space, and to protect water
quality, habitat and critical
environmental resources
Sustain business vitality, farming
and tourism
Z Implement a comprehensive
approach to watershed manage-
ment across fourteen towns, two
states, and two tribal government
What Partnership Progress
has been Made?
Partnership meetings since 1997
have focused on water use and
availability, watershed character-
ization, outreach and education.
Distributed watershed report in
1998.
EPA, NRCS, and RIDEM have
cooperatively funded the water-
shed coordinator since 1997
EPA Junded nine
community-based resource
protection projects such as
mapping, conservation
and open space
planning, and dune
stabilization were
selected by the
Partnership
EPA is funding critical
wetland habitat projects, includ-
ing local technical assistance.
Partnership hosts a weekly
“Watershed News” radio talk
show.
What are the Major Actions
Planned for 1998-99?
Undertake, in a pilot sub-basin,
an assessment of water flow and
habitat conditions, and the
impacts from irrigation and
drinking water withdrawals.
Oversee ‘sustainable develop-
ment’ funds given to DEM/Rural
Lands Coalition to develop tools
for communities to manage
growth - sprawl.
Educate local boards and
officials on watershed resources,
and aid in their growth manage-
ment, development and drinking
water protection decisions.
EPA New England Special Places
FEB 99
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Who are the Partners?
EPA-New England • Southern Rhode Island
Conservation District • Wood-Pawcatuck Water-
shed Association • 14 Towns in Pawcatuck
Watershed • RI Dept. of Environmental Manage-
ment • CT Dept. of Environmental Protection •
Rural Lands Coalition • Salt Pond Coalition
The Nature Conservancy • USDA Natural Re-
sources Conservation Service • US Geologic
Survey • URI Cooperative Extension Service
Trout Unlimited • Audubon Society of RI
Narragansett Indian Tribe • URI Coastal Re-
sources Center • URI Watershed Watch •
Mashantucket Pequot Tribe • Rhode Island
Geographic .1 nformation Systems
The Rhode Island Natural History Survey
Note: EPA-New England offers businesses and
municipalities information and assistance to improve
compliance with environmental laws and be better
stewards of their local environment. Please call
l-888-EPA-7341 if you would like to learn how EPA
can help you.
EPA - New England, Region 1
1 Congress Street
Suite 1100
Boston, M \ 02114-2023
Pawcatuck River Watershed
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I DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE I
Originally founded in 1683, Providence is one of the oldest cities in New England.. A city of
approximately 150,000 people, Providence is located in southeastern New England, at the head of
Narragansett Bay on the Atlantic sea coast. The city is 45 minutes from Boston and 3 1/2 hours
from New York. Accessibility to excellent transportation facilities, including the Port of Providence,
with its 40-foot channel and 27 public and private docks, and a high concentration of trained
workers makes it Rhode Island’s major industrial center. In fact, Providence is once of the major
commercial, financial, and industrial centers in New England, with an economy based on a
foundation of manufacturing and service oriented enterprises. The manufacture of jewelry, which is
shipped worldwide, establishes Providence as one of the largest jewelry centers in the United States.
Recently, new modern office b ii1dings, apartment buikliiigs, and a civic center with sports,
recreational and exhibit facilities were constructed. The city is host to superior academic institutions
including Brown University, the seventh oldest American college, and the Rhode Island School of
Design, founded in 1887 and recognized as one of the nation’s foremost art schools. Providence
has a diverse, ethnic population that is on the rise. From 1980-1990 the Hispanic population in the
city increased over 175%. Providence suffers from considerable income disparity in terms of
property values. In Providence, the amount of taxable property value is only $36,000 per capita. By
comparison, the amount of taxable property is Jamestown, RI is $136,000.
URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH IssuEs
Over the last few years, Providence has suffered from a significant decline in urban populations due
to poor environmental and economic conditions within city neighborhoods. Providence residents
experience lead poisoning, asthtm , and other chronic illnesses due to a wide variety of
environmental hazards including, poor indoor and ambient air quality, polluted rivers and wetlands,
and cont2nIinated urban vacant lots. One in every three children in the City of Providence has
elevated blood lead levels, and lead poisoning is the most common ch’ldH’ood disease. 34,389 Rhode
Island children under age 6 were screened for lead in 1995. One in every five children screened had
a blood lead level greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood — enough to cause
learning disabilities, hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, attention deficit disorder, hearing and speech
impediments, and loss of intelligence. African-American children on average have higher blood lead
levels in all age, urban status, income and educational categories. Furthermore, more than half of
all housing units in Rhode Island have potential lead paint hazards. The population density of
Providence ranges between 8,800 and 11,000 persons per square mile of land area, and there has
been a -1.1% change in available housing units. Ozone levels in Rhode Island have exceeded EPA
standards during recent years due to air masses from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The
Woonasquatucket River is the only river in the state that has a fish advisory due to high levels of
dioxin, PCBs, and high bacteria levels after heavy rains. Providence has over 4,000 residential vacant
lots, each with significant environmental and public health risks to urban residents.
CITy OVERVIEW
PROVIDENCE,
RHODE ISLAND
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UEI COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS I
Environmental Protection Agency * Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management *
City of Providence, Office of Environmental Affairs and Department of Plannmg *
Woonasquatucket River * Clijitihood Lead Action Project * Smart Growth * Keep Providence
Beautiful * Save The Bay * Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy * Olneyville Housing
Corporation * Providence Environmental Strike Team and Environmental Court * Environmental
Diversity Education Forum * The Providence Plan * Roger Willianas Park Zoo * City Year * Brown
University, Center for Environmental Studies * Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE) *
South East Asian Economic Development Center * Youth In Action * RI Department of Health *
11999 - 2000 UEI PROVIDENCE GOALS
• Urban Vacant Lots : Continue transferring urban vacant lots under the Special Vacant Lot for
$1.00 Program to productive use. Develop strategies to secure resources to help mitigate risks
from lead contamination to future owners of vacant lots to minimize risk of chilcihood lead
poisoning from contanainated soiL
• Increase Community Capacity Bvilcling & Improve The Quality of Life for Urban Residents :
Expand efforts to form coalitions of community-based organizations and local neighbors
through the Environmental Diversity Education Forum and host a Livable Providence 2000
conference for local residents to share ideas for improving the quality of life for local residents.
• Focus on Woonasquatucket River Develop and distribute multi-lingual community education
materials to inform local residents about environment and public health risks from dioxin,
PCBs, and bacteria contantination.
• Lead Poisoning Prevention : Play an active role in implementing the recommendations from the
Mayor’s Safe Housmg Lead Task Force and increase information dissemination and available
resources for reducing health risks for children in Rhode Island.
UEI PROVIDENCE Crry PROGRAM MANAGER
EPA Region l’s UEI program has full-time City Program Managers to service the urban
communities of Boston, Providence, and Hartford. Each City Manager serves as a resource to a
broad range of community stakeholders including local residents, environmental groups, non-profit
organizations, academia, industry, local businesses, medical services, local and state government, and
other federal agencies.
Please feel free to contact Providence’s City Program Manager to learn more about the UEI
program services, grant program, active projects, or to ask any questions you may have.
KristiN. Rea
Providence City Program Manager
(617) 918-1595
EPA - New England, Region I
One Congress Street, Suite 1100 (Mail Code: CR1)
Boston, MA 02114-2023
(888) EPA-REG1
Website Address: http://www.epa.gov/region0l
E-mail Address: rea.kiisti@epa.gov
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EPA New England Special Places
SEPT1999
‘3,
t
EPA New England
Customer Call Center 888-372-7341
web: www.epa.gov/regionl
&EPA
New En and Office
EPA Contacts Marghcrita Pryor (617) 918-1597 and Kristi Rca (617) 918-1595
What Makes The
Woonasquatucket River
Watershed Special?
Once the life line of power to
the many textile mills, today
the Woonasquatucket River has
fallen into neglect The upper
half of the river
is primarily
residential, and
the lower half is
urban and
heavily industri-
alized. In August 1998, the
Woonasquatucket River re-
ceived national recognition and
distinction when it was recog-
nized as an American Heritage
River
The river is the focal point of
revitalization efforts in down-
town Providence A “greenway”
is targeted to
promote
recreation and
restoration
along its
banks
Why Does The
Woonasquatucket River
Need Special Attention?
The Woonasquatueket River is
a priority waterbody. In June
1996, elevated dioxin levels
were detected in fish and eels
In response, a “catch and
release” advisory was issued by
the RI Department of Health
Water and sediment sampling was
conducted in October 1997 and
dioxin contamination was
detected at all seven sampling
sites The “catch-and-release”
policy for fishing in the
Woonasquatuckct River was
reaffirmed and residents were
warned
What is the Long Term Goal?
TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE
THE USES OF THESE RIVERS
INCLUDING FISHING,
SWIMMING AND GOOD
QUALITY HABITAT
What Partnership Progress
Has Been Made?
Found more than 50 pipes flowing
in dry weather along the length of
the Woonasquatuckct, inspected
14 industrial facilities for poten-
tially unpermitted discharges to
the sewer system, found four
facilities requiring permits, and
issued a notice of violation for
discharging without a permit
Reduced public exposure to risks
from high levels of dioxin in
sediments near Centerdale Manor
and the Allendaic dam by fencing
off access and conducting re-
moval actions, beginning long-
term cleanup actions, advising
the public on safety issues, and
expanding fish consumption
warnings to minority Hispanic
and Asian communities
Established health and educa-
tion subcommittee to advise on
risk communication issues and
conduct comprehensive public
outreach/education to Woona—
squatueket River communities
Re- issued the Smithfield waste-
water treatment plant permit to
incorporate nutrient limits
Provided funding for the
Providence Plan to support the
River Ranger program
What Actions are
Planned for 2000?
Document pipe ownership,
identify sources of pollutants
entering the river, eliminate
unpermitted discharges, and
report to the public on the results
of the river reconnaissance
Select best option for removing
contaminated soil and buried
drums from the Centerdale
Manor site, determine whcther/
how to proceed ,..u.u1uui .
with repairing the
Allendale Dam
Continue support •
for the health and
education subcommittee to
develop tools for better public
outreach
Facilitate community input for
developing and articulating goals
and priorities to guide federal
agency efforts as part of the
American Heritage River program
N ew England includes many ecosystems that by virtue of their ecological value, recreational value or
proximity to large populations hold a special significance to us. EPA-New England is focusing particular
attention and resources on these special places.” Working closely with our federal, state and local partners,
these community-based initiatives are delivering tangible environmental improvements to these areas .
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Who Are The Partners?
EPA New England • The Providence Plan
Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management • Rhode Island Department of
Transportation Rhode Island Department
of Health • National Park Service • Army
Corps of Engineers Narragansett Bay
Commission . Woonasquatucket River
Watershed Coalition • U.S. Geological
Service • Olneyville Housing Corporation
Environmental Diversity Education Forum
The t rban League of Rhode Island • Save
the Bay The Audubon Society of Rhode
Island • ( itv of Providence, Office of Neigh-
borhood Environmental Affairs and Depart-
ment of Planning • Socio-Economic Develop-
ment Center for South East Asians • North-
cm Rhode Island Conservation 1)istrict
City of North Providence • Club Neopolsi
Creations
Note: EPA-New England offers businesses and
municipalities information and assistance to
improve compliance with environmental laws and
be better stewards of their local environment.
Please call 1-SMS-EPA-7341 if you would like to
learn how EPA can help you.
EPA - New England, Region 1
1 Congress Street
Suite 10)0
Boston, MA 02114-2023
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-
The Ledges - Rhode Island
Photo courtesy of the
Rhode Island Tourism Division
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
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EPA-NEW ENGLAND RESOURCES
EPA-New England Customer Call Center
We now have Information Specialists ready to answer your questions concerning New England’s
environment and environmental issues. Please call from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday: 1-888-372-
7341 in New England and/or 1-617-918-1111 if calling from outside of New England.
EPA-New England Library
The EPA Region I Library, New England is part of the 28 member EPA Library Network established to
make environmental information and resources more accessible to the public. A multi-media approach
includes materials on air, water, solid and hazardous waste pollution and the corresponding control and
treatment technologies; pesticides and toxic substances and related environmental and health effects;
environmental laws, regulations and policies both federal and state. The Library is open to the public via
phone, fax, email and for onsite use of the collections. Internet and CD ROM access are available for onsite
users to identify reports, books, guidance documents and articles on all aspects of the environment. Three
examples of available publications are:
1999 State of the New England Environment
“This annual State of the New England Environment report has two aims. First, to present to the people of
New England a picture of the current status of their environment: its present state, and the threats it faces.
And second, to show what we at EPA are doing to meet those threats, and how we are making progress
towards smarter, cleaner and cheaper environmental protection for the citizens of our region.” - 1999 State
of the New England Environment
Watershed Resource Guide
“This easy to follow guide offers the reader access to resources in the areas of Watershed Planning and
Management, Drinking Water Protection, volunteer Monitoring, Controlling Non-Point Source Pollution,
Habitat, and Resources for Environmental Educators. Whether you are a city or town official, member of
an environmental or civic organization, business owner or concerned citizen, we encourage you to learn
about your watershed, stay informed on issues that impact it, and take action to protect and improve it. In
each category you will find a short list of useful documents with a brief description. Resources are printed
publications which are available on the world wide web where noted, or by calling our toll free customer
service hotline at: 1-800-EPA-7341 .“ - Watershed Resource Guide, April 1999
1997 Annual Report On Air Oualitv in New England
This latest report on air quality in New England was published in July 1998 and represents 1997 annual air
quality information for all states in New England. “The majority of the data included in this report were
submitted to EPA by the states from their ambient monitoring networks in accordance with 4OCFR 58 The
only data from industrial monitors which have been included are from the Massachusetts Industrial Network,
EPA-required networks in New Hampshire and Maine’s licensing program which supplements the state
network. This report is intended to list potential non-attainment areas for planning purposes. The majority
of data used have been evaluated and verified by EPA; however, for the areas listed as non-attainment, the
data may require further evaluation by both EPA and the states. This report reflects the status of the AIRS
database as of April 1998.” - 1997 Annual Report on Air Quality in New England
For information about the above publications or about EPA-NE Library and it’s extensive resources, call
toll free only in New England: 1-888-372-5427; phone: (617) 918-1990; Fax. (617) 918-1992; email:
library-reg1 epa.gov or write: EPA Region I Library, 1 Congress Street - Suite 1100 Lib, Boston, MA
02114-2023; Internet. http://www.epa.gov/region0l/oarm/index.html
EPA-New England Web Page: www.epa.gov/regionOl
EPA Headquarters Web Page. www.epa.gov
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EPA - Region I
New England
Environmental
Stewardship
Ira Leighton (Acting)
617-918-1701
P
Administration &
Resource
Management
Stephen Perkins
617-918-1901
I
Ecosystem
Protection
Linda Murphy
617-918-1510
Site Remediation
& Restoration
Patricia Meaney
617-918-1201
Environmental
Measurement
& Evaluation
Don Porteous (Acting)
781-860-4320
December 14, 1998
rogThds vid
Regional Administrator
John DeVillars
617-918-1010
Deputy Regional Administrator
Mindy Lubber
617-918-1012
I
Regional
Counsel
Carl Dierker
617-918-1091
Strategic Planning
David Fierra
617-918-1081
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RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Mailing List I Comments Form
lfyou want to get on our mailing list for the next issue of our Directory, please fill in the information
below The next updated directory will be for the upcomingflscal years, 2000- 2001. Please mail
or fax (617-918-2064) this completed form to Al Ku ‘ahi Wong, US Environmental Protection
Agency - New England Region (CR1), One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114-2023
From time to time we may send out special mailings on specific environmental issues Please
indicate if you would like to receive this information and more importantly, the topic(s) you are
interested in We welcome your comments
Name: _________________
Organization Name: _________________
Mailing Address: ________________
Organization
Phone Number: L )
Fax Number: ( )_________
Email: _________________
Comments:_______________________________
Topics of
Interest:
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