§ 46-29-2 - Legislative findings, intent, and objectives. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 46-29-2

   § 46-29-2  Legislative findings, intent,and objectives. – The general assembly hereby recognizes and declares that:

   (1) Whereas, excess nutrients, especially phosphorus, frommunicipal wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, urban and agriculturallosses may cause eutrophication resulting in algae blooms and low dissolvedoxygen; and

   (2) Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundrydetergents will reduce the amount of phosphorus in Rhode Island's rivers,lakes, and estuaries at no cost to consumer or to municipalities; and

   (3) Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundrydetergents will significantly reduce the amount of phosphorus that is releasedby municipalities at their wastewater treatment plants; and

   (4) Whereas, our neighbors the State of Connecticut and theCommonwealth of Massachusetts have enacted similar legislation to address theproblem of excess nutrients in their waters;

   (5) The general assembly, therefore, has declared that it isthe policy of the state to reduce phosphorus pollution at its source to protectwaters of the state, protect beneficial uses of the waters of the state andcreate a cost effective approach to wastewater treatment.