Establishes a uniform wastewater disposal fee in the amount of fifteen cents ($.15) per every ten thousand gallons of wastewater effluent.
Impact
The introduction of S0642 represents a significant modification to the existing framework for wastewater management in Rhode Island. By standardizing the disposal fee, the bill aims to balance the financial burden on various wastewater treatment facilities while providing a source of funding dedicated to enhancing the state's water resources. The act takes effect on July 1, 2025, marking a formal adjustment in how wastewater is managed and funded in the state.
Summary
Bill S0642 relates to the regulation of waters and navigation in Rhode Island, specifically focusing on establishing a uniform fee for wastewater disposal. This act proposes a fee of fifteen cents ($0.15) per every ten thousand gallons of wastewater effluent disposed of at treatment facilities across the state. The revenue generated from this fee is intended to support environmental initiatives, deposited into the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund for various lake management projects, including controlling invasive plants and facilitating shellfish transplants.
Contention
Notably, discussions around this bill may prompt considerations regarding its economic impact on treatment facilities and the effectiveness of tracking wastewater disposal across the state. There may be debates about whether this fee structure will sufficiently incentivize better management practices or if it could lead to increased costs being passed down to consumers. Additionally, ensuring that funds from the disposal fees are effectively utilized for environmental management projects will be critical in assessing the bill's overall success.
Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.
Establishes the first Green Justice Zone, a model that may be replicated in future years to ensure that all communities throughout the state have clean air and clean water.
Requires written acknowledgment from any buyer of oceanfront or shoreline property that they have been informed of the public's rights and privileges of the shore.
Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.
Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.
Requires that any lease of tidal lands, or any license issued to use those lands, be approved by the general assembly, and that the coastal resources management council review all request prior to presentation to the general assembly.
Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.