This bill amends Section 2-1-20.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 2-1 entitled "Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management." The amendment authorizes the director to adopt, modify, or repeal rules and regulations that are in accordance with the purposes of §§ 2-1-18 2-1-27 and are subject to the administrative procedures act. It also establishes that freshwater wetlands located in the vicinity of the coast shall be regulated by the coastal resources management council. The bill further authorizes the director to establish jurisdictional areas through regulation and applies the rules and regulations to activities as provided for in § 2-1-21. Additionally, the bill requires the department and the coastal resources management council to collaborate and develop state standards for freshwater buffers and setbacks within eighteen months. The bill also establishes an advisory work group to provide input on the development of criteria for freshwater wetland setbacks and buffers applicable to agricultural activities and plant-based green infrastructure. Finally, the bill includes a provision that property owners in Coventry seeking to alter, repair, modify, or replace a dock on a pond with a capacity greater than 1,400 normal storage acre feet of water only need approval from the department of environmental management. Existing docks are deemed acceptable by the department. The bill takes effect upon passage.

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