ISDS 



priority for extension of sewer lines and should not be subject to further 

 development. 



**In areas developed beyond carrying capacity, or in critical areas as defined" by the ISDS 

 Task Force Recommendations, undeveloped areas previously platted at extremely high 

 densities should be re-zoned to provide for reduced density protective of water quality and 

 public health. A minimum lot size of two acres should be considered in these areas. 



*In areas developed beyond carrying capacity, or in critical areas as defined by the ISDS 

 Task Force Recommendations, lots of less than the minimum lot size which are in 

 contiguous ownership should be combined prior to consideration of development permits. 



Overlay Districts and Other Municipal Controls 



A range of resource protection objectives can be approached via the designation of 

 overlay (Sstricts within town zoning controls or related authorities. By incorporating water 

 resource protection into town ordinances, communities may encourage appropriate land use 

 within the watershed area and may ensiu^ high quality and sufficient quantity of drinking 

 water supplies. North Kingstown obtained special zoning enabling authority from the state 

 in 1974 and established overlay districts which have been used to enforce land management 

 requirements specific to water quality. ISDS setbacks have been established in accordance 

 with aquifer protection objectives, and the town offers financial assistance for upgrades. 

 Similarly, Richmond and other communities have established aquifer protection overlays 

 and Narragansett uses overlays in implementing its sewer policy. Warwick provides 

 financial assistance for upgrading failed systems. 



Several local resource protection programs implemented by towns in the Buzzards Bay 

 watershed in Massachusetts illustrate the advantages which comprehensive programs can 

 offer towns in enabling them to address cumulative effects of all pollutants. These 

 programs, which place limitation on type and density of development, might prove 

 applicable to Nairagansett Bay watershed problems. (See Activities in Other States.) 



ACTIVITIES IN OTHER STATES 



Massachusetts 



Massachusetts permits ISDS under authorization of Chapter 21 A Section 13, through 

 regulations provided under Title V of the State Environmental Code. The regulations were 

 designed a s a minimum health standard to protect water supples from bacterial 

 contamination, and to ensure adequate siting and design of ISDS. Requirements govern the 

 type and capacity of systems, location, installation, and maintenance. Any ISDS must be 

 located and installed in such a way that "it will function in a satisfactory manner and will 

 not create a nuisance or discharge into any watercourse. "Several site examination 

 parameters are specified, and setback and separation distances designated. 



Massachusetts is developing policies to address use of package plants in areas not 

 passing Title V requirements. The Environmental Policy Act Unit (MEPA Unit) of the 

 Executive Office of Environmental Affairs has determined that a Generic Environmental 

 Impact study is needed in order to make responsible permit determinations, and will require 

 Environmental Impact Reports for the numerous proposals which have already been 

 submitted. 



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