Providence County Phase II MS4 communities enforce stormwater rules under RI DEM general permit and RIGL §45-61.2. Providence Code Ch. 23 Art. X requires stormwater management plans for new development disturbing 1+ acre and LID retrofits.
Under the Rhode Island Pollution Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) Phase II MS4 General Permit, all Providence County urbanized municipalities (Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, East Providence, North Providence, Johnston, Lincoln, Cumberland, Smithfield, Central Falls) must implement six minimum control measures. Providence Code of Ordinances Chapter 23 Article X (Stormwater Management) requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for any construction disturbing 1 acre or more, or smaller sites that are part of a common plan. Cranston Code §11.76 and Pawtucket Code §410 have parallel requirements. All new development must meet the RI Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual (2010, updated 2015) by retaining the first 1 inch of rainfall onsite through infiltration, bioretention, or other LID. Illicit discharges to the MS4 are prohibited under RIGL §46-12 and carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per day. Owners of post-construction BMPs (rain gardens, detention basins) must maintain them under recorded O&M agreements.
Construction without approved SWPPP: stop-work order and fines $500-$5,000 under Providence Code §23-X. Illicit discharge to MS4: RIGL §46-12 civil penalties up to $25,000/day. Failure to maintain post-construction BMP: corrective action order and escalating fines.
Providence County, RI
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See how Providence County's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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