Mashapaug Pond
November 19, 2018 (PROVIDENCE, RI) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has filed petitions with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to combat stormwater pollution in Bailey’s Brook and North Easton Pond on Aquidneck Island and Mashapaug Pond in Providence. The petitions call on the agency to require Clean Water Act permits from properties polluting these waters with toxic stormwater runoff.
“No one should be given a free pass to pollute Rhode Island waters,” said James Crowley, Staff Attorney at CLF. “Years of toxic runoff have endangered our waters, closed our beaches, and threatened important wildlife habitats. Our communities deserve to enjoy these areas without being sickened by toxic pollution that has gone unchecked for decades. The state has the power to hold these polluters accountable and it must act now to protect our waters for future generations.”
During rain or snowmelt, water runoff from urban streets, parking lots, and construction sites carry oil, grease, sediment, and other pollutants into the waters of Aquidneck Island and Mashapaug Pond. Aquidneck Island has experienced beach closures and the contamination of one of its drinking water sources as a result of this pollution. Mashapaug Pond’s waters have not been safe for drinking, fishing, or swimming in decades.
CLF’s petitions call on the Department of Environmental Management use its power to require Clean Water Act permits for the properties surrounding these waters to limit the amount of pollution from storm runoff.
Click for the Bailey’s Brook and North Easton Pond petition, statement of facts and expert report.
Click for the Mashapaug Pond petition, statement of facts and expert report.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
###