Janet Coit | Director, R.I. Department of Environmental Management
1. A recent survey showed that Rhode Island uses more salt per mile of road lanes than any other state in the winter. What harm does that do to the environment? What regulations does DEM have in place to balance the environmental protection with traffic safety? Although rock salt is a natural substance, its application on roadways impacts wildlife and water quality. Monitoring has not indicated chloride levels pose a problem. Through regulation, DEM requires salt storage facilities to cover salt piles if they present a risk of runoff, and to cover new large salt piles with a waterproof covering on an impermeable base.
2. The Narragansett Bay Commission received a $268.7 million federal loan to help pay for the 2.2-mile sewage containment tunnel under Pawtucket and Central Falls. How does Phase III of the Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program tie in clean water and bay cleanup initiatives? Improving water quality is one of DEM’s major goals and we have made tremendous headway. The first two phases of the CSO project have prevented more than 11.5 billion gallons of untreated water from entering the bay. Phase III will continue that progress, dramatically improving water quality in the Providence and Seekonk rivers and in [other] waters.
3. What will be the biggest focus for the DEM this year? The green bond proposed in [Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s] budget is a top focus in 2020. The bond will fund lasting projects to improve clean water, outdoor recreation and resilience to climate change through a $64 million investment. It includes $35 million to upgrade and modernize state beaches, parks and campgrounds. … We plan to work with legislators and stakeholders to build support for this important initiative.
4. What are the biggest challenges climate change presents for the local environment and the DEM? Climate change is the issue of our time. It affects the health, safety and prosperity of our communities and hits low-income communities extra hard. Regarding adapting to changes, the biggest challenges are assessing vulnerabilities and securing funding [to] reduce risk at the state and local level. Regarding reducing emissions, the biggest challenges surround identifying additional means to accelerate decarbonization of our electric, heating and transportation sectors.
5. What role does your agency play in Rhode Island’s green economy? DEM grants have catalyzed tens of millions of dollars of investment in projects to remediate and reuse contaminated sites, improve infrastructure to treat wastewater and stormwater, and expand clean energy.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
