Stormwater and Sediment 



Further, survey results have indicated that convenience is a key factor in encouraging 

 recycling (Hoffman et al., 1980). 



In view of these considerations, every effort should be made to make the curbside 

 collection program successful, to make it as cost-effective as possible, and to publicize 

 results. Calculations of cost-effectiveness should consider the benefits of preventive action 

 in lowering groundwater clean-up expenditures. 



ROLE OF THE RHODE ISLAND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS 



(See also 2.2 Agriculture-Related Sources) 



Findings and Concerns 



Conservation Districts are local units of government organized by local residents under 

 state law. The Rhode Island Conservation Districts follow county boundaries. Under the 

 Rhode Island State Conservation Law, each District is responsible for soil and water 

 conservation work within its boundaries. District governing board members are locally 

 elected or appointed by the State Conservation Committee. Governing boards plan and 

 carry out long-range programs and provide guidance to the SCS regarding local needs and 

 priorities. At the request of the district board, SCS assigns a district conservationist and a 

 staff to provide technical assistance to the district and its cooperating land user "clientele." 

 Each District responds to the needs of its user clientele in setting program objectives. 



The Rhode Island State Conservation Law assigns a broad mission to Conservation 

 Districts, giving these bodies considerable responsibility to address stormwater 

 management and erosion and sediment control. (The statutory language defining powers of 

 Districts and directors is provided in full in the related chapter on agricultural non-point 

 sources.) 



The Conservation Districts in the Bay basin provide critical institutional linkages and 

 perform numerous important functions in non-point source control. Districts work closely 

 with SCS and ASCS in providing assistance to farm operators in developing soil erosion 

 control and agricultural waste management plans. Municipalities have become strongly 

 dependent on the districts, relying on district technical assistance in review of site 

 development plans and other implementation efforts. Districts also provide assistance in 

 the review of Environmental Impact Statements and non-point source control plans 

 developed for proposed state and federal projects in the district, including highway 

 projects. 



The demands being placed on the districts are changing with urbanization, as loss of 

 working farmland, and increased municipal emphasis on control of development impacts 

 have required the districts to broaden the emphasis of their efforts. In Rhode Island, the 

 three Conservation Districts place varying degrees of emphasis on particular functions, 

 based on the conservation needs in the district. In the face of burgeoning development in 

 Newport County, the Eastern District is moving to address the environmental problems of 

 an urbanizing landscape. The District has assumed an important roie in helping towns 

 protect water suppUes, and places strong emphasis on groundwater and watershed 

 protection (inducing erosion control and stormwater runoff management) in addition to 

 agricultural resource protection. 



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