§ 23-19.15-2 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 23-19.15-2

   § 23-19.15-2  Legislative findings. –The general assembly hereby recognizes and declares that:

   (1) There exists within certain portions of the state theneed to abate pollution and threats to public health caused by cesspools,particularly high-risk cesspools that pose direct threats to public health andthe environment.

   (2) It is estimated that there are more than fifty thousand(50,000) cesspools within the state as of 2006.

   (3) Cesspools are a substandard and often inadequate means ofsewage treatment and disposal.

   (4) Many cesspools contribute directly to groundwater andsurface water contamination.

   (5) Wastewater disposed from cesspools contains bacteria,viruses, ammonium and other pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand, andmay also include phosphates, chlorides, grease, and chemicals used to cleancesspools.

   (6) Wastewater disposed from cesspools frequently exceedsdrinking water health standards for certain contaminants.

   (7) Wastewater disposed from cesspools can pose significanthealth threats to people who come into contact with, or consume, contaminatedsurface waters or groundwaters.

   (8) Appropriate treatment of sewage disposed into the groundis essential to the protection of public health and the environment,particularly in relation to Narragansett Bay and the rest of the state'scoastal region, and public drinking water resources.

   (9) Replacement of cesspools with modern ISDS technologyreduces risks to public health and the environment.

   (10) In sewered areas, sewer tie-ins offer a readilyavailable, low-cost means of mitigating problems and threats caused bycesspools.

   (11) A fund exists to assist homeowners with the costs ofremoving cesspools and inadequate septic systems and replacing them with anapproved ISDS if the community in which the homeowner resides has created awastewater management district in accordance with chapter 24.5 of title 45.