Link to DEM Home Page Link to State of RI web site RIDEM graphical banner, showing land and water scene
Navigation button, HomeNavigation button, ProgramsNavigation button, TopicsNavigation button, MapsNavigation button, PublicationsNavigation button, NewsNavigation button, EventsNavigation button, SearchNavigation button, HelpNavigation button, Contact
Home > News > News Item

 
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: September 17, 2001
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM ANNOUNCES THAT AMENDMENTS TO THE FRESHWATER WETLANDS REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Primarily Affect Freshwater Wetlands Near the Coast

PPROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that amendments to the freshwater wetlands regulations take effect on Wednesday, September 19.

The amendments primarily clarify procedures for regulation of freshwater wetlands in the vicinity of the coast. These wetlands have been regulated by the Coastal Resources Management Council since August 1999 pursuant to a statute change intended to streamline environmental permitting for projects near the coast. The amendments solidify procedures that have been implemented as policy since the statute change. They were developed in conjunction with the CRMC and will improve coordination between the two agencies on many currently approved projects and future projects. CRMC will promulgate reciprocal rules soon. The amendments also reflect boundary changes at three tidal rivers - the Saugatucket, the Woonasquatucket and the Blackstone - agreed to by the two agencies to further streamline permitting.

Other amendments allow for entities other than government and public utilities to seek emergency wetland permits, and reduce fees for wildlife habitat, water quality improvement, and land redevelopment/reuse projects.

Jurisdictional maps are available for review in the Office of Technical and Customer Assistance at DEM headquarters, 235 Promenade Street in Providence, and at CRMC at the Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road in Wakefield.

The amendments are available from DEM's wetlands office at 222-6820. They are also available on DEM's website at www.state.ri.us by clicking on publications.

-30-
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer