Rhode Island AG Petitioned State Agency to Protect Waterways from Stormwater Runoff Pollution

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a petition asking the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to address stormwater runoff polluting Providence’s Mashapaug Watershed. In the petition, AG Neronha asked RIDEM to introduce a permitting system using its authority under the Clean Water Act to manage runoff and outline mitigation plans. At the time the petition was filed, RIDEM indicated that it would issue a decision in favor of the AG’s request. The pollution caused toxic algae blooms and frequent pond closures. The Mashapaug Watershed suffered from legacy pollution, disproportionately impacting nearby communities.

• Documents: PetitionRI Press Release
• Document Type: Petitions Press Releases/Statements
• States: Rhode Island
• Agencies: State-Level Agency
• Issues: Clean Water Act Environmental Justice Natural Resources Public Health Public Lands & Wildlife Toxics Water Water Pollution
• Era: Non-Federal
• Action Type: State Administrative Proceeding