Rhode Island Senate Bill S0642

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/7/25

Caption

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.