New State Initiatives 



monitored. The two project areas selected would differ in the degree and type of non-point 

 source impact manifested in the shellfish beds. Depending on the degree of improvement 

 demonstrated within a given time span, follow-on implementation funding would be 

 awarded. 



Rhode Island has placed littie emphasis on Clean Lakes program participation, because 

 the program does not make funding available for application to salt ponds or water supply 

 sources. Nevertheless, the program has been applied in neighboring states and offers a 

 useful model. 



Rhode Island's Non-point Source Assessment Report and Non-point Source 

 Management Plans, prepared by the DEM Office of Environmental Coordination as 

 required by Section 319 of the Water Quality Act, classify state waterbodies according to 

 the impacts of various non-point source inputs and the need for controlling those inputs in 

 order to meet applicable water quality standards. These reports, in addition to other 

 scientific data and results of research sponsored by the Narragansett Bay Project, will be 

 used by the state to target non-point source program effons. 



In New England states participating in the Clean Lakes Program, lakes have been 

 classified according to trophic condition. Diagnostic/feasibility studies have been 

 undertaken to determine the causes of eutrophic conditions and alternative techniques for 

 restoration and/or protection of the lakes. Each state prepares a list of threatened and 

 impaired lakes, setting priorities for action. EPA provides states Phase II grants to 

 implement seleaed restoration and protection plans, which are developed jointiy by the 

 state and municipalities. 



Initiative for restoration and protection comes from municipalities, local watershed and 

 lake protection associations, and other concerned groups. Communities work with the 

 state in researching the issues, coordinating with other involved agencies and groups, 

 preparing the plan, and implementing controls. The Clean Lakes Program affords EPA and 

 the states great flexibility in designing and implementing projects, but is also conducive to a 

 highly integrated and unified approach to restoration and protection. 



The geographical approach to water quality management demanded by the Clean Lakes 

 program has been identified as a key element in its success in addressing non-point source 

 control and groundwater protection. Because projects must be developai on a watershed 

 basis, holistic approaches have been taken involving watershed-wide installation of 

 agricultural BMPs, water quality based permitting, and stormwater permitting. 



The Clean Lakes watershed approach also parallels the general basin and watershed- 

 based management and data organization strategies used by other natural resource 

 management agencies that are important in non-point source program development 

 (including the Soil Conservation Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service, and the Corps of Engineers, and their counterpart state agencies). RIGIS 

 data is also organized on a watershed basis. 



A financial assistance program modelled on, for example, Maine's careftilly developed 

 Qean Lakes Program, could involve towns in a comprehensive resource protection 

 program which would require assessment of point and non-point source control needs, and 

 development of innovative, integrated solutions. The development of the Salt Ponds and 



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