ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL LAND USE ANALYSIS: A PLAN TO REMEDIATE BACTERIAL POLLUTION IN RHODE ISLAND'S GREENWICH BAY

Abstract

In December of 1992, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management temporarily closed Greenwich Bay to shellfishing after finding dangerously high levels of fecal coliform. The closure of the Bay to shellfishing has resulted in an estimated loss of $4 million to the City of Warwick, annually. Furthermore, pollution in Greenwich Bay has begun to threaten tourism, recreational activities, environmental quality, and public health. A comprehensive environmental/land use analysis is conducted to identify potential sources of bacterial pollution and to estimate the impacts these sources are having on the Bay's water quality. Sources of bacterial contamination include: failing septic systems and sewers, stormwater runoff, sewage discharge from boats, and wild and domesticated animals. A list of stakeholders is provided to identify key governmental agencies and private organizations who have a responsibility or interest in improving Greenwich Bay's water quality. A description of each agency's function and responsibilities as a stakeholder is discussed. The study concludes with a comprehensive and detailed list of recommendations to remediate the Bay's pollution. The recommendations are broken into several categories including: establishment of a Greenwich Bay Task Force; public education and outreach; additional research; land use management; coastal zone management; wastewater management; and stormwater management.