Laws and Programs 



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. 



Local zoning enabling authority, provided by the Rhode Island State Zoning Enabling 

 Act (RIGL 45-24), gives towns authority to address the impacts of land use on the public 

 welfare. Local governments may use police power to protect public health, welfare, and 

 the public purse. At present, non-point source pollution may be addressed through zoning, 

 subdivision regulations and other controls. 



Strengthened zoning enabling authority is needed, however, to confirm local 

 government authority to use zoning, wastewater management ordinances, health 

 regulations, and other ordinances, by-laws and regulations to exercise control oven 

 stormwater runoff, earth removal, erosion, landfills, on-site sewage disposal facilities, 

 sewering, marine discharges, water conservation, and other local concerns. 



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