Technical Summary 



effectively coordinated with developing capabilities of the RIGIS and otiier planning-rclated 

 data retrieval systems. 



DEM's effluent self-monitoring requirements for pollutant dischargers should be 

 expanded to include non-point source parameters impacting receiving waters. Self- 

 monitoring requirements should be adequate to ensure that a control system failure is 

 detected in time for corrective action before standards area violated. Spot checking by 

 DEM should give appropriate weight to verification of non-point source monitoring results. 



Public Education 



Although a range of different technical and management oriented best 

 management practices are available to address non-point pollution control, 

 the importance of public education and public involvement in making these 

 efforts effective cannot be overemphasized. Where complex large scale non-point 

 source problems arc concerned, education is critical in developing public support of 

 programs and in ensuring compliance with laws. Similarly, with respect to individual 

 voluntary measures related to lawn management, household waste handling, pet waste 

 management, and design of impervious areas, success will depend on the cooperation and 

 understanding of the landowners involved. 



A range of educational resources should be developed, including films, guidebooks, 

 slide shows, newspaper articles, workshops, field tours and inspections, and training and 

 direct contacts with interest groups, technical professionals and landowners. Rhode 

 Island's special arca management planning processes have consistendy demonstrated the 

 potential benefits of thorough public involvement 



Demonstration projects should be initiated in order to demonstrate the 

 connection between the use of non-point source management practices and 

 improvement in water quality. Every effort should be made to persuade the 

 public that practices are worthwhile and worth supporting and maintaining. 



A training handbook describing principles of ISDS function, potential water quality 

 impacts, and the basics of ISDS protection and maintenance should be prcpared by DEM. 

 The handbook should be distributed to all applicants for ISDS permits, to towns for 

 distribution to homeowners, and to the general public. 



A similar public education handbook should be prepared by Conservation Districts, 

 DEM, and CRMC describing stormwater management and erosion/sedimentation control 

 issues, water quality and floodplain management impacts, conservation and control 

 principles, need for plans, and applicability of local and state laws and programs. The 

 handbook should reference available sources of information and government public 

 information contacts. 



Technical Education and Training 



Many engineers, contractors, surveyors, drain-layers, sanitarians, ISDS installers, 

 waste haulers, building inspectors, and other town and state officials, are insufficientiy 

 informed regarding ISDS and otiier non-point source pollutant factors. All involved 

 professionals need to fully understand site evaluation parameters in order 

 to provide for proper design, installation, and maintenance of controls. 



18 



