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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS IN SOUTH COUNTY TO DISCUSS WATER QUALITY RESTORATION OF POINT JUDITH POND AND INDIAN RUN BROOK PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces two public meetings to discuss the findings of water quality restoration studies addressing metal contamination in Indian Run Brook and bacteria contamination in Point Judith Pond waters, both in South County.The draft water quality restoration plan for Indian Run Brook will be presented for public comment and review at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28, at the South Kingstown Neighborhood Guild located at 325 Columbia Street in Peace Dale. The draft water quality restoration plan for Point Judith Pond will be presented for public comment and review at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, at the Narragansett Town Hall, located at 25 Fifth Avenue. Using available water quality data, the DEM Office of Water Resources has prepared the water quality restoration studies, known as TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Load). TMDLs are mandated by the federal Clean Water Act and establish the maximum pollutant load that a waterbody can assimilate and still meet water quality standards. The Indian Run Brook watershed encompasses the eastern portion of South Kingstown including the town's commercial area along Upper Tower Hill Road and Dale Carlia Corner. The river joins with the Saugatucket River in Peace Dale. Water quality data collected during both wet and dry weather conditions have found that concentrations of bacteria, and dissolved copper, lead, and zinc exceed established water quality criteria. In the case of metals, the criteria are specifically established for the protection of aquatic organisms from acute and chronic effects of these constituents. The observed metals concentrations do not represent a concern to public health. The study concludes that the predominate source of metals to the stream is stormwater runoff contaminated by automobile associated activities, with the largest source being the three-foot by seven-foot box culvert that drains stormwater runoff from the Dale Carlia Corner/Upper Tower Hill Road area. The Point Judith Pond TMDL targets the sources of fecal coliform bacteria causing upper Point Judith Pond, Champlin Cove, and the channel connecting Point Judith Pond and Potter Pond to be closed to the harvest of shellfish. Fecal coliform bacteria indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. The upper area of the pond experiences elevated bacteria levels that may also pose a public health threat for swimming and other direct contact recreational activities. Point Judith Pond is bounded by the Towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett with the Saugatucket River forming its headwaters. It is home to many marinas, and the University of Rhode Island Sailing Center. The Point Judith Pond study identifies urban stormwater as the primary source of bacteria to the pond, with the Saugatucket River being the largest source of bacteria to the upper pond. Localized sources are identified as contributing to the impairment of the channel connecting Potter Pond and Point Judith Pond and Champlin Cove. In addition to stormwater runoff, other potential sources contributing to the elevated bacteria levels include waterfowl, farm animals, and discharges from boats. The TMDL recommends a host of pollution prevention initiatives to discourage residents from feeding waterfowl, encourage residents to pick up after their pets, and ensure that boats comply with the No Discharge requirements of Rhode Island marine waters. Both TMDL studies emphasize the need for stormwater best management practices to reduce the volume of runoff and the load of bacteria and metals discharged from the watersheds' impervious surfaces. A targeted approach to construction of storm water retrofit best management practices at state and locally owned storm water outfalls is recommended. As the largest source to upper Point Judith Pond, control of bacteria sources to the Saugatucket River is emphasized. Implementation activities for the Saugatucket River are outlined in both the Point Judith Pond TMDL and described in detail in the Saugatucket River, Mitchell Brook, Rocky Brook, and Indian Run Brook Bacteria TMDL completed by DEM in 2003. Interested parties will have until Thursday, January 3, 2008 to provide written comments about the Indian Run Brook TMDL to DEM and until Friday, January 11, 2008 to provide written comments on the Point Judith Pond TMDL. The Department will respond to all comments received and, as appropriate, revise the draft TMDL plans. Copies of the abstract from the draft document will be available at the meeting. The entire text of each draft document is available online at DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on " Topics", going to "Water Quality" and then clicking "Restoration Studies". Additional information about Indian Run Brook is available by contacting Kristen Chantrell by phone at 222-4700 ext. 7244 or by e-mail at kristen.chantrell@dem.ri.gov. Additional information about Point Judith Pond is available by contacting Nick Cristofori by phone at 222-4700 ext. 7240 or by e-mail at nick.cristofori@dem.ri.gov. -30- |
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