Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Stormwater Management Statewide Permitting Standards
Key Facts
- Statute
- RIGL Chapter 46-12
- Program
- RIPDES
- Authority
- RI DEM
- Local Floor
- State manual standards
Summary
Rhode Island regulates stormwater under RIGL Chapter 46-12 and the RIPDES program administered by DEM, applying uniform statewide design and permitting standards that municipalities must implement at minimum.
It shall be unlawful to construct or install any industrial, commercial, or other establishment, to make any modification or addition thereto, or to undertake any development which may result in the discharge of any pollutant into the waters of the state, unless the discharge is made to a system or means to prevent pollution approved by the director.
Full Breakdown
RIGL Chapter 46-12 (Water Pollution Act) authorizes DEM to operate the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES), which permits stormwater discharges from construction sites, industrial facilities, and Phase II MS4 communities. The RI Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual sets technical standards that local stormwater bylaws must meet or exceed. Coastal stormwater within CRMC jurisdiction is also subject to RIGL 46-23. Municipalities cannot adopt rules less stringent than RIPDES general permits.
Violations & Penalties
Unpermitted discharges or non-compliant construction site stormwater can trigger DEM enforcement orders, civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under RIGL 46-12-13, and stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state stormwater permit for home construction in Rhode Island?
Can a Rhode Island town adopt weaker stormwater rules than DEM?
Sources
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