§ 46-13.1-5 - Groundwater protection study. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 46-13.1-5

   § 46-13.1-5  Groundwater protection study.– (a) The department of environmental management is hereby authorized to conducta statewide groundwater protection study to include:

   (1) A complete and updated hydrogeologic study depicting thequantities and qualities of groundwater that could be available to specificareas for private or public drinking water;

   (2) Present and projected demands for water for specificareas;

   (3) Recommendations for the utilization of the state'sgroundwater resources, including integrated use with surface waters, for theirgreatest benefits;

   (4) Recommendations for such major engineering works orspecial districts which may be necessary, including the need, timing, andgeneral cost thereof;

   (5) Recommendations for land use and other measures whereappropriate. Pursuant to groundwater classifications as specified in §46-13.1-4, to insure the desired quality and abundance of water;

   (6) Consideration of the land and water resource needs ofresidential, recreational, agricultural, industrial, and commercial interests;and

   (7) Recommendations for regional and local planning andprograms for water use and management of land resources interfacing withgroundwater resources.

   (b) The director shall report the findings andrecommendations of the groundwater protection study to the general assembly onor before February 28, 1988.

   (c) The department of environmental management is herebydirected to make recommendations to identify the physical location ofsignificant aquifers and the identification of any actual or potential harms tothose aquifers, and the development of a plan to protect the aquifers from theidentifiable harms.

   (d) The director shall report the findings andrecommendations of this portion of the groundwater protection study to thegeneral assembly on or before February 28, 1987.