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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: February 19, 2008
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM ISSUES DRAFT DOCUMENT ASSESSING QUALITY OF STATE'S WATERS AND LISTING OF IMPAIRED WATERS
March 4th Public Workshop Will Be Held to Discuss List and Schedule for Water Quality Restoration Studies

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that it will hold a public workshop on Tuesday, March 4, to discuss the draft 2008 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. The workshop will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 300 at DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street in Providence.

The 2008 303(d) List has been prepared and is included with other lists reporting water quality assessment status in the new Integrated Report format which combines information previously presented in the State of the State's Waters Report (305(b) Report) and 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. Following federal guidance, the Integrated Report provides a streamlined approach for reporting whether water quality is sufficient to support designated uses such as for shellfish harvesting and swimming.

Consistent with federal Clean Water Act requirements, the 303(d) List, developed by DEM's Office of Water Resources, identifies those waters that do not meet water quality standards for which water quality restoration studies known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) must be developed. The 303(d) List establishes a schedule for development of those water quality restoration studies, and serves to direct water quality monitoring and restoration planning efforts in the state.

DEM is seeking comments on the 303(d) List portion of the document and will be accepting comments on the draft list through March 12. Comments can be mailed to Elizabeth Scott, Deputy Chief, Office of Water Resources, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908, or they can be submitted via e-mail to elizabeth.scott@dem.ri.gov. The Department will respond to all comments received at the public workshop or in writing during the public comment period, and will revise the draft list as appropriate.

Copies of the draft 303(d) list are available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Topics" from the homepage, then "Water", then "Water Quality", or by calling Christine Longo of the Office of Water Resources at 222-3961. The draft list is also available at DEM's Office of Water Resources located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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