Laws and Programs 



Rhode Island's surface water classification system is as follows: 



Freshwater: Rivers and Streams, Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds 



Designated Use Supp ort 



(Uses are support when water quality condition meets water classification goal) 



Qass A - drinking water supply 



Class B - public water supply with appropriate treatment 



- agricultural uses 



- bathing, other primary contact recreational activities 



- fish and wildlife habitat 



Class C - boating, other secondary contact recreational activities 



- fish and wildlife habitat 



- industrial processes and cooling 



Saltwater: Estuaries and/or Oceans 



Desi^ated Use Support 



Qass SA - shellfish harvesting for direct himaan consumption 



- bathing and contact recreation 



- fish and wildlife habitat 



Qass SB - shellfish harvesting for human consiunption after depuration 



- bathing and primary contact recreation 



- fish and wildlife habitat 



Qass SC - boating, other secondary contact recreation 



- fish and wildlife habitat 



- industrial cooling 



- good aesthetic value 



The designation process has always been controversial, for a number of reasons. First, 

 it required states to translate the national goal and deadline for achievement of "fishable and 

 swimmable waters" into a geographically based regulatory framework before sufficient data 

 were available to understand [then] current water body conditions, including the 

 functioning of the estuary and its ability to assimilate waste. Discharge reduction 

 stipulations for industries and sewage treatment works were based strictiy on the difference 

 between existing conditions and adopted criteria. The designation process did not address 

 the practicality of water quality goals. The goals thus provided Uttie guidance to regulators 

 attempting to make practical decisions in an orderly, predictable way. 



The Clean Water Act initially required that states electing to take program delegation 

 periodically reevaluate applicable water quality standards and classes, and submit program 

 results to EPA. In 1981, Congress specifically amended the Clean Water Act to address 

 the problems revealed through experience with technology-based controls, and to 



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