The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has introduced a draft permit aimed at enhancing water quality in the Mashapaug Pond Watershed. This proposed Mashapaug Watershed Stormwater General Permit targets properties within the watershed, including Spectacle and Tongue Ponds in Cranston, with one acre or more of impervious surfaces that are not already permitted. Property owners affected by this permit will be required to manage stormwater pollution through maintenance and management plans.
DEM is organizing two public workshops to discuss the draft permit, its impact on property owners, and potential water quality improvements. These sessions will also include a Q&A segment. The workshops are independent of the Cities of Providence or Cranston. Following stakeholder feedback from these workshops, DEM plans to finalize the draft permit and issue a formal public notice later this year.
The virtual workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, from 2 – 3:30 PM, while an in-person session will take place on Thursday, July 31, from 6 – 7:30 PM at the Cranston Senior Center.
This initiative responds to petitions by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and the Conservation Law Foundation under the federal Clean Water Act. They aim to address issues like toxic algae blooms and high bacteria levels caused by stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into waterways.
“This draft permit marks an innovative new approach toward improving long standing water quality pollution in the Mashapaug Watershed,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM is taking action to protect this important urban watershed and supporting nearby environmental justice communities by working collaboratively with property owners to reduce stormwater pollution.”
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha emphasized that this is just a first step towards reducing stormwater pollution causing toxic algae blooms in urban freshwater bodies and ultimately Narragansett Bay.
To view properties subject to the permit or get updates on the permitting process, visit https://dem.ri.gov/mashapaug-stormwater.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow DEM on social media for updates.
