§ 45-46-1 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 45-46-1

   § 45-46-1  Legislative findings. – The general assembly finds that excessive quantities of soil are eroding fromcertain areas of the state that are undergoing development for certainnonagricultural uses as housing developments, industrial areas, recreationalfacilities, commercial facilities, and roads. Erosion occurring in these areasmakes necessary costly repairs to gullies, washed out fills, roads, andembankments. The resulting sediment clogs storm sewers and road ditches, roilsstreams, and deposits silt in ponds and reservoirs. In some of the state'swaters, silt resulting from erosion has become a major water pollutant andthreatens water supply, recreational, aesthetic, and wildlife habitat valuesassociated with these waters. The general assembly finds that certainagricultural lands also experience extensive erosion and sedimentation. Thegeneral assembly directs the department of environmental management division ofagriculture and the Rhode Island state conservation committee to work withlandowners on these lands to implement conservation plans and/or activities.