Rhode Island House Bill H8339

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/22
• Refer: 6/13/22
• Report Pass: 6/17/22
• Passed: 6/21/22

Caption

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Department Of Environmental Management (dem) To Perform Water Quality And Resilience Assessments At State Parks

Impact

The bill underscores the importance of environmental management, especially in state parks that could be adversely impacted by human developments. By calling for these assessments, the bill aims to gather crucial data necessary for protecting and restoring the quality of water resources within the state. It further seeks to ensure that any erosion of protections or neglect of water bodies due to nearby artificial surfaces is addressed proactively, hence playing a significant role in environmental conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 8339 is a resolution that requests the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) in Rhode Island to perform water quality and resilience assessments at state parks. The assessments aim to evaluate the potential impacts and vulnerabilities of impervious surfaces on local waterbodies, particularly those listed as impaired under the Clean Water Act. The specific areas of focus include Fort Adams State Park, Goddard State Park, Lincoln Woods, and Colt State Park, with assessments required for areas where the impervious surface exceeds 10,000 square feet and is located within 500 feet of the affected waterbodies.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on requesting assessments rather than enacting new regulations or changes to current laws, it highlights an ongoing discourse about environmental protection practices and their implementation in state parks. There may be varied opinions on the effectiveness and urgency of such assessments, with some stakeholders advocating for immediate action while others may argue about resource allocation or prioritize different environmental issues. This bill could initiate discussions about the responsibilities of the DEM and the necessary budgetary considerations to execute the proposed assessments and subsequent remedial plans.