The bill amends Section 2-1-20.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 2-1, which pertains to the "Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management." It authorizes the director to adopt, modify, or repeal rules and regulations in accordance with the purposes of specified sections and subject to the administrative procedures act. The bill also mandates the department and the coastal resources management council to establish standards for freshwater wetland buffers and setbacks within 18 months of the enactment of this section. The standards will be developed collaboratively and will consider agricultural and plant-based green infrastructure practices while ensuring the protection of natural resources. An advisory work group will be established to facilitate input on the development of criteria for freshwater wetland setbacks and buffers applicable to agricultural activities.

The bill includes a new subsection (e), which specifically addresses property owners in the town of Coventry who own property on or adjacent to a pond with a capacity greater than 1,400 normal storage acre feet of water. It states that these property owners will only need approval from the department of environmental management to alter, repair, modify, or replace a dock on such a pond. Existing docks as of the date of the enactment of this section are deemed to be acceptable by the department. This subsection does not apply to ponds owned by the State of Rhode Island, any city or town, their governmental subdivisions, or by any quasi-public entity or utility. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
500  SUB A: 2-1-20.1
500: 2-1-20.1