Water Quality Regulations (250-RICR-150-05-1)


250-RICR-150-05-1 INACTIVE RULE

1.1 Purpose

It is the purpose of these regulations to establish water quality standards for the State's surface waters. These standards are intended to restore, preserve and enhance the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the waters of the State, to maintain existing water uses and to serve the purposes of the Clean Water Act and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12. These standards provide for the protection of the surface waters from pollutants so that the waters shall, where attainable, be fishable and swimmable, be available for all designated uses, taking into consideration their use and value for public water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreational purposes, and also taking into consideration their use and value for navigation, and thus assure protection of the public health, safety, welfare, a healthy economy and the environment.

1.2 Legal Authority

The authority for these regulations is vested in the Director by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 46-12, 42-17.1, and 42-17.6. These rules and regulations are further promulgated pursuant to the requirements and provisions of all chapters of the State of Rhode Island General Laws relating to the duties and responsibilities of the Director for the waters of the State, and in accordance with the requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

1.3 Incorporated Materials

A. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R. § 136 (2018) by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

B. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate the “Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates”, Second Edition, March 2000, EPA/600/R-99/064 by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

C. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R. § 404(b)(1) (2018) by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

D. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate the “Assessing Human Health Risk from Chemically-Contaminated Fish and Shellfish”, September 1989, EPA/503/8-89-002 by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

E. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate the "Water Quality Criteria Documents; Availability," Appendix C - "Guidelines and Methodology used in Preparation of Health Effect Assessment Chapters of the Consent Decree Water Criteria Documents," November 28, 1980, 45 FR 79347 by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

F. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R. § 131.12(a)(1) (2018) by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

G. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R. § 423 (2018) by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

H. These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R. § 116.4 (2018) by reference, not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these regulations.

1.4 Definitions

A. For the purposes of these regulations, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. "Acute toxicity" means lethal or sublethal severe adverse effect(s) to an organism when exposed to a toxic pollutant(s) for a relatively short period of time. In aquatic toxicity tests, an effect observed in 96 hours or less is typically considered acute.

2. "Administrator" means the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or any subordinate or subordinates to whom the Administrator delegates the powers and duties vested in that office.

3. "Applicable standards and limitations" means all state, interstate and federal standards and limitations to which a discharge or activity is subject under the Clean Water Act Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. or any State Acts

4. "Applicant" means a person who applies for any approvals for any discharge, activities, projects, or facilities in accordance with the requirements of these regulations.

5. "Application" means all forms, documents, and other information required by the Department to apply for a permit, order, certificate, or other approval from the Department in accordance with the requirements of these regulations.

6. "Approval" means an authorization, Order of Approval, permit, certification, license or equivalent determination issued pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Department.

7. "Aquaculture facility" means a defined managed water area or facility for the maintenance or production of harvestable freshwater, estuarine or marine plants and/or animals. Defined managed water area as used in this definition, means the portions of the waters of the state within which the permittee or permit applicant confines and/or plans to confine the cultivated species, using a method or plan of operation (including but not limited to, physical confinement) which, on the basis of reliable scientific evidence, is expected to ensure that specific individual organisms comprising an aquaculture crop will enjoy increased growth and be harvestable within a defined geographical area.

8. "Aquatic research related activities" means an activity in which research is conducted to evaluate the effect of various factors on the health, growth, or reproduction of aquatic organisms.

9. "Assimilative capacity" means the amount of a pollutant or pollutants that can safely be released to a waterbody or segment of a waterbody under the most adverse conditions, as defined in § 1.10(C) of this Part, which will not cause any violations of applicable water quality criteria nor cause measurable harm or alteration to the natural biological community found therein.

10. "Background" means the water quality upstream of all point and nonpoint sources of pollution.

11. "Best Management Practices” or “BMPs" means schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the pollution of and impacts upon waters of the State. BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.

12. "Best Professional Judgment” or “BPJ" means a determination, based on best engineering and/or scientific practices and best management practices, involving any pollutant, combination of pollutants or practice(s), on a case by case basis, which is determined by the Director to be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Clean Water Act and any applicable chapters of the Rhode Island General Laws. BPJ can be used to set Best Available Technology Economically Achievable, Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology, Best Practicable Control Currently Available or Best Management Practices limitations pursuant to the Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. either in the absence of an applicable promulgated effluent guideline or where promulgated effluent limitation guidelines only apply to certain aspects of the discharge's operation or to certain pollutants.

13. "Bioassay" means a toxicity testing procedure using aquatic organisms to determine the concentration or amount of a toxic pollutant(s) causing a specified response in the test organisms under stated test conditions.

14. "Brackish water" means those waters of the state in which the natural level of salinity is greater than 1 (one) part per thousand but less than 10 (ten) parts per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.

15. "C.F.R." means the Code of Federal Regulations.

16. "Chronic toxicity" means lethal or sublethal adverse effect(s) to an organism or its progeny, based on various physiological measurements including but not limited to growth, survival, or reproductive success when exposed to a toxic pollutant(s) for a relatively long period of time. The methods commonly used to estimate chronic effects involve exposures of typically seven (7) days or less.

17. "Clean Water Act” or “CWA" means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. .

18. “Coldwater fishery” means waters in which naturally occurring water quality and/or habitat allow the maintenance of naturally reproducing indigenous coldwater fish populations.

19. "Combined sewer" means a sewer which serves as a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer.

20. "Combined Sewer Overflow” or “CSO" means flow from a combined sewer that is discharged into a receiving water without going to a treatment works. A CSO is distinguished from bypasses which are diversions of waste streams from any portion of a treatment works.

21. "Contiguous zone" means the entire zone established by the United States under Article 24 of the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone.

22. "Controlled relay" means the transplant of shellfish from certain waters to Class SA waters suitable for shellfish harvesting under the coordination and authority of the RIDEM for the purpose of natural purification and controlled harvest, consistent with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program guidance.

23. "Cultural eutrophication" means the human-induced acceleration of primary productivity in a surface waterbody resulting in nuisance conditions of algal blooms and/or dense macrophytes.

24. "Department" or "Departmental" or "DEM" or "RIDEM" or "Director" means the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management or the Director of the Department of Environmental Management or any designee to whom the Director delegates the powers and duties vested in that office.

25. "Depuration" means the artificial holding of shellfish for purification purposes.

26. “Designated bathing beach” means bathing beaches licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

27. "Designated uses" means those uses specified in water quality standards for each waterbody or segment whether or not they are being attained. In no case shall assimilation or transport of pollutants be considered a designated use.

28. "Discharge" means to cause or allow the addition or release of any pollutants to the waters of the State or placement of any pollutant where it is likely to enter the waters of the State and includes but is not limited to surface water runoff, spilling, depositing, placing, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, or dumping. This definition includes additions of pollutants into waters of the State from both point and nonpoint sources. This term does not include an addition of pollutants by an indirect discharge.

29. "Discharger" means any person who causes, or allows, any discharge.

30. "Dredging" means the excavation of sediments from beneath surface waters by mechanical or hydraulic means.

31. "EC50" means the concentration of a test material in a suitable diluent at which 50 percent of the exposed organisms exhibit a specified response during a specified time period.

32. "Effluent limitations" means any restriction imposed by the Director on quantities, discharge rates, and concentrations of pollutants which are discharged from point sources into surface waters of the state or the contiguous zone.

33. "Effluent limitation guidelines" means a regulation published by the Administrator under Section 304(b) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1314 to adopt or revise effluent limitations.

34. "Effluent limited waters" means any segment of a surface waterbody where the water quality currently meets or is expected to meet applicable water quality standards after the application of the technology-based effluent limitations required by Sections 301(b) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) and 306 (U.S.C. § 1316) of the Act.

35. "EPA" means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

36. "Existing use" means those designated uses and any other uses that do not impair the designated uses and that are actually attained in a waterbody on or after November 28, 1975; except that in no case shall assimilation or transport of pollutants be considered an existing use.

37. "Facility" means any building, structure and operation, including land or appurtenances thereto, on one contiguous site.

38. "Filling" means to place dirt, soil, stones, gravel, sand, sediment, tree stumps, brush, leaves, solid waste, debris, garbage, trash, pollutants, or any other material, substance, or structure, either foreign or related, on or in any waters of the state or in such a way as to alter the natural character, function or value of any waters of the State.

39. "Fish and wildlife" means birds, fish, shellfish, mammals and all other classes of wild aquatic and land organisms and all types of vegetation upon which they are dependent, including all indigenous species.

40. "Flow alteration" means the withdrawal of water from a surface water, either directly or indirectly, or the alteration of the normal flow patterns of a surface water due to a project which diverts or holds the surface water.

41. "Freshwater" means those waters of the State in which the natural level of salinity is equal to or less than one (1) part per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.

42. "Groundwater" means water found underground which completely fills the open spaces between particles of soil and within rock formations.

43. "Habitat" means the area which provides direct support for a given species, population or community. It includes all environmental features that comprise an area such as air, water, vegetation, soil, substrate and hydrologic characteristics.

44. "Hazardous substance" means any substance designated under Designation of Hazardous Substances, 40 C.F.R. § 116.4, incorporated above in § 1.3(H) of this Part, pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1321.

45. "Hazardous waste" means any waste as defined in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-19.1-4 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

46. "High quality waters" means all Class A and SA surface waters as well as other surface waters whose quality exceeds the minimum water quality criteria for any State aquatic life and/or human health criteria or water quality standards assigned to them; or whose quality and characteristics make them critical to the propagation or survival of important living natural resources; or those waters constituting a Special Resource Protection Water or an Outstanding National Resource Water.

47. "Indirect discharge" means any discharge into a treatment works.

48. "Kettlehole" means a pond or freshwater wetland in a depression in the earth's surface formed by the melting of a wholly or partially buried block of glacial ice.

49. "Lake, pond or reservoir" means any body of water, whether naturally occurring or created in whole or in part, excluding sedimentation control or stormwater retention/detention basins, unless constructed in waters of the State.

50. "LC50" means the concentration of a test material in a suitable diluent at which 50 percent of the exposed organisms die during a specified time period.

51. "Load allocation" means the portion of a receiving water's loading capacity that is attributed either to one of its nonpoint sources of pollution or to natural background sources.

52. "Loading capacity" means the maximum amount of loading that a surface water can receive without violating water quality standards.

53. "Low quality waters" or "degraded" means any water whose quality falls below any of the criteria of § 1.10(B) of this Part in accordance with Applicable Conditions of § 1.10(C) of this Part and corresponding to its classification as designated in § 1.9(E) of this Part, as determined by the Director, shall be considered degraded for that particular criterion and in violation of its water quality standards and, therefore, unsatisfactory for any designated uses which the Director determines are affected by the particular criterion which is violated. Waters in their natural hydraulic condition may fail to meet their assigned water quality criteria from time to time due to natural causes, without necessitating the modification of assigned water quality standard. Such waters will not be considered to be violating their water quality standards if violations of criteria are due solely to naturally occurring conditions unrelated to human activities.

54. "Marina" means:

a. A dock, pier, wharf, float or combination of such facilities that may accommodate five (5) or more recreational vessels as a commercial operation or in association with a club; or

b. Any dock, pier, wharf, float or combination of such facilities used as a commercial operation, aside from a) above, at which any vessel is serviced or maintained.

55. "Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type I" means a marine toilet which, under prescribed test conditions, will produce an effluent that will not exceed a fecal coliform bacteria count of one thousand (1,000) parts per hundred (100) milliliters, and have no visible solids.

56. "Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type II" means a marine toilet which, under prescribed test conditions, will produce an effluent that will not exceed a fecal coliform bacteria count of two hundred (200) parts per hundred (100) milliliters, and have suspended solids not greater than one hundred and fifty (150) milligrams per liter.

57. "Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)-Type III" means a marine toilet which is designed to prevent the discharge from the vessel of any treated or untreated sewage, or any waste derived from sewage.

58. "Marine toilet" means any toilet or receptacle for the containment of human wastes located on or within any vessel, as defined herein, not including a portable potty.

59. "Mixing zone" means a limited area or volume in the immediate vicinity of a discharge where mixing occurs and the receiving surface water quality is not required to meet applicable standards or criteria, provided the minimum conditions described in §§ 1.10(B)(5) and (6) of this Part are attained.

60. "Municipality" means a quasi‑governmental corporation, association or other public body created by or under State law and having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes; a city, town, county, district, or a designated and approved management agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1288.

61. "Natural background conditions" means all prevailing dynamic environmental conditions in a waterbody or segment thereof, other than those human-made or human-induced.

62. "New discharge" means any discharge which commenced subsequent to November 28, 1975, unless appropriate approvals had been granted.

63. "No discharge area/zone" means an area of the surface waters of the State which has been requested by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management and declared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to Section 312 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1322, to be an area in which any discharge of sewage from vessels is prohibited.

64. "Non-contact cooling water" means water which is used to reduce temperature and does not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product (other than heat), or finished product.

65. "Nonpoint Source" or "NPS" means any discharge of pollutants that does not meet the definition of Point Source in Section 502(14) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1362, and these regulations. Such sources are diffuse, and often associated with land-use practices, and carry pollutants to the waters of the State, including but not limited to, non-channelized land runoff, drainage, or snowmelt; atmospheric deposition; precipitation; and seepage.

66. "Nutrient" means a chemical element or compound such as but not limited to nitrogen or phosphorous which is essential to and promotes the growth and development of marine or freshwater plant species.

67. "Outstanding National Resource Waters” or “ONRW” means waters of National and State Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and other such waters designated as having special recreational or ecological value.

68. "Person" means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation (including a quasi‑governmental corporation), partnership, association, syndicate, municipality, municipal or state agency, fire district, club, non‑profit agency or any subdivision, commission, department, bureau, agency or department of state or federal government (including any quasi‑governmental corporation) or of any interstate body.

69. "Point source" means any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation or vessel, or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture.

70. "Pollutant" means any dredged material, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, sediment, filter backwash, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial or municipal or agricultural waste or effluent, petroleum or petroleum products, including but not limited to oil; or any material which will likely alter the physical, chemical, biological or radiological characteristics and/or integrity of water.

71. "Pollution" means the human-made or human-induced alteration of the physical, chemical, biological or radiological characteristics and/or integrity of water.

72. "Pretreatment requirements" means any limitation or prohibition on quantities, quality, rates, and/or concentrations of pollutants directly or indirectly discharged into or otherwise introduced into a treatment works that are imposed by federal or state regulation or by the treatment works.

73. "Primary contact recreational activities" means any recreational activities in which there is prolonged and intimate contact by the human body with the water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water, such as swimming, diving, water skiing and surfing.

74. "Priority pollutant" means those pollutants listed pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1317.

75. "Public drinking water supplier" means any city, town, district, or other municipal, public, private corporation or company, or non-profit entity authorized to engage in the collection and treatment of surface water for the purposes of distribution of drinking water in Rhode Island and whose source of drinking water is a surface water in Rhode Island.

76. "Public drinking water supply" or “PDWS” means the source of surface water for a public drinking water supplier.

77. "Pycnocline" means a steep density gradient in an estuary caused by differences in temperature or salinity between the bottom and surface layers of water that limits mixing of the two layers.

78. "Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System” or “RIPDES" means the Rhode Island system for issuing, modifying, revoking and reissuing, term­inating, monitoring and enforcing point source discharge permits and imposing and enforcing pretreatment requirements pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12 and the federal Clean Water Act.

79. "RIPDES regulations" means the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulations promulgated by the Department and any amendments thereto.

80. "Runoff" means water that drains from an area as surface flow.

81. "Sanitary sewer" means a sewer which conveys sewage.

82. "Seawater” or “Saltwater" means those waters of the State in which the natural level of salinity is equal to or greater than ten (10) parts per thousand, 95 percent or more of the time.

83. "Secondary contact recreational activities" means any recreational activities in which there is minimal contact by the human body with the water, and the probability of ingestion of the water is minimal, such as boating and fishing.

84. "Sewage” or “wastewater" means human waste, or wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body waste, and any wastes, including wastes from households, commercial establishments, and industries.

85. "Sewage from vessels" means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body wastes that are discharged from vessels, and regulated under Section 312 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1322 or under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12.

86. "Sewage sludge” or “sludge" means residue, partially solid, or solid, treated or untreated, resulting from the treatment of sewage, including such residues from the cleaning of sewers, by processes such as settling, flotation, filtration and centrifugation, and does not meet the criteria for a hazardous waste.

87. "Sewer" means a pipe or conduit that conveys wastewater or stormwater.

88. "Site" means the land or water area where any facility or activity is physically located or conducted, including adjacent land used in connection with the facility or activity.

89. "Special Resource Protection Waters” or “SRPW" means surface waters identified by the Director as having significant recreational or ecological uses, and may include but are not limited to: wildlife refuge or management areas; public drinking water supplies; State and Federal Parks; State and Federal designated Estuarine Sanctuary Areas; waterbodies containing critical habitats, including but not limited to waterbodies identified by the RIDEM Natural Heritage Program as critical habitat for rare or endangered species; wetland types or specific wetlands listed as rare, threatened, endangered, of special interest or of special concern by the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program; waterbodies identified by the U. S. Department of the Interior on the Final List of Rivers for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

90. "State guide plan" means goals, policies, or plan elements for the physical, economic, and social development of the State, adopted by the State Planning Council in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-10.

91. "Storm sewer" means a sewer which conveys stormwater.

92. "Stormwater" means precipitation induced runoff.

93. "Surface water" means any waters of the State that are not groundwaters.

94. "Total Maximum Daily Load" or "TMDL" means the amount of a pollutant that may be discharged into a waterbody and still maintain water quality standards. The TMDL is the sum of the individual wasteload allocations for point sources and the load allocations for nonpoint sources and natural background taking into account a margin of safety.

95. "Toxicity" means the chemical, biological or biochemical adverse effect(s) of a pollutant or combination of pollutants on organisms.

96. "Toxic pollutant" means any pollutant that has the potential to cause toxicity.

97. "Treatment works" means any devices and systems for the storage, treatment, recycling, and reclamation of wastewater; any devices and systems for the storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation of sewage from vessels used to implement Section 201 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1281; or any devices and systems necessary to recycle or reuse water at the most economical cost over the design life of the works. These include intercepting sewers, outfall sewers, sewage collection systems, pumping, power, and other equipment, and their appurtenances, extensions, improvements, remodeling, additions, and alterations thereof; elements essential to provide a reliable recycled supply such as standby treatment units and clear well facilities; and any works, including acquisition of the land that will be an integral part of the treatment process or is used for ultimate disposal of residues resulting from such treatment (including land for composting sludge, temporary storage of such compost and land used for the storage of treated wastewater in land treatment systems prior to land application); or any other method or system for preventing, abating, reducing, storing, treating, separating, or disposing of wastewater, including wastewater in combined sewers.

98. "Undesirable species” or “nuisance species" means any plant or animal aquatic species which becomes so numerous due to pollutants or physical or hydrological modifications that it interferes with, or indicates an impairment of, the designated use(s) of a waterbody.

99. "Use attainability analyses" or “UAA” means a structured scientific assessment of the factors affecting the attainment of a use which may include physical, chemical, biological, and economic factors. The physical, chemical and biological factors affecting the attainment of a use shall be evaluated through a waterbody survey and assessment. Waterbody surveys and assessments shall be sufficiently detailed to evaluate at a minimum:

a. Current aquatic uses achieved in the waterbody;

b. Causes of any impairment of the aquatic uses and why the impairment cannot be rectified; and

c. Aquatic uses(s) that can be attained based on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water body.

100. "Vessel" means any boat or other watercraft whether moved by oars, paddles, sails or other power mechanism, inboard or outboard, or any other boat or structure floating upon the water whether or not capable of self-locomotion, including house boats, floating businesses, barges and similar floating objects.

101. “Warmwater fishery” means waters in which naturally occurring water quality and/or habitat support populations of warmwater fish.

102. "Wasteload allocation" means the portion of a receiving water's loading capacity that is allocated to one of its point sources of pollution.

103. "Wastewater" mean the definition of sewage.

104. "Waterbody segment" means a defined section or described area which is part of a larger surface waterbody of the State.

105. "Water quality criteria" means elements of the State water quality standards, expressed as constituent concentrations, levels, or narrative statements, representing a quality of water that supports a particular use.

106. "Water quality limited waters" means any segment of a surface waterbody where the water quality does not meet applicable water quality standards, and is not expected to meet applicable water quality standards, even after the application of the technology-based effluent limitations required by Sections 301(b) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) and 306 (33. U.S.C. § 1316) of the Clean Water Act.

107. "Water quality standard" means provisions of state or federal law which consist of a designated use(s) and water quality criteria for the waters of the State. Water quality standards also consist of an antidegradation policy.

108. "Waters of the State" or "the waters" means all surface water and groundwater of the State of Rhode Island, including all tidewaters, territorial seas, wetlands, and land masses partially or wholly submerged in water; and both inter‑ and intra-state bodies of water which are, have been or will be used in commerce, by industry, for the harvesting of fish and shellfish or for recreational purposes.

109. "Wetlands" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Freshwater wetlands are determined by the Department in accordance with the Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Fresh Water Wetlands Act. Coastal wetlands are determined by rules and regulations under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Resources Management Council.

1.5 Liberal Application

The terms and provisions of these rules and regulations shall be liberally construed to allow the Department to effectuate the purposes of state law.

1.6 Severability

If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the rules and regulations shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any rule or rules or parts of any rule or rules shall not affect the validity of the remainder of these rules and regulations.

1.7 Application of these Regulations

A. Nothing in these rules and regulations shall be deemed to interfere with the Director's power and duty to issue an immediate order pursuant R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-12-10.

B. These regulations apply to all waters of the State, all systems or means of wastewater treatment, including sewers, all discharges into surface waters, all activities which will likely impact water quality and/or activities that will likely cause or contribute to flow alterations. These regulations shall also apply to those activities regulated by the federal government, other state agencies, and programs within the Department and/or local governmental entities. All departmental regulations should be construed to be consistent and/or complementary and any perceived conflicts are unintentional. Should a perceived conflict arise between or among these regulations and the requirements imposed by the other departmental regulations or other governmental entities, the most stringent requirement shall govern.

1.8 Surface Water Quality Standards

A. Purpose - A water quality standard defines the water quality goals of a surface waterbody, or portion thereof, by designating the use or uses of the water and by setting criteria necessary to protect the uses. Water quality standards are intended to protect public health, safety and welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of the Clean Water Act and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12. "Serve the purposes of the Act" as defined in Section 101(a)(2) (33 U.S.C. § 1251) and 303(c) (33 U.S.C. § 1313) of the Clean Water Act means that water quality standards should, whenever attainable, provide water quality, including quantity, for the protection and propagation of fish and wildlife and for recreation in and on the water and take into consideration their use and value as public water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreation in and on the water, agricultural, industrial, and other purposes including navigation.

B. Such standards serve the dual purposes of establishing the water quality goals for a specific surface water body or waterbody segment and serve as the regulatory basis for the establishment of water‑quality‑based‑treatment controls and strategies beyond the technology‑based levels of treatment required by Sections 301(b) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) and 306 (33 U.S.C. §1316) of the Clean Water Act.

C. Federal Approval and Periodic Review ‑ These water quality standards are subject to approval by the Administrator pursuant to Section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1313. In accordance with paragraph 303(c)(1) of the Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1313, the water quality standards shall be reviewed periodically but at least once every three years, and amended as necessary.

D. Symbolic Representative of Water Quality Standards ‑ The Director shall issue maps from time to time which indicate assigned water use classification.

1.9 Water Use Classification

A. The surface waters of the State shall be assigned to one of the classes listed below. Each class is defined by the designated uses, which are the most sensitive and therefore governing water uses which it is intended to protect. Surface waters may be suitable for other beneficial uses, but shall be regulated to protect and enhance the designated uses. In no case shall waste assimilation or waste transport be considered a designated use.

B. Freshwater:

1. Class AA - These waters are designated as a source of public drinking water supply (PDWS) or as tributary waters within a public drinking water supply watershed (the terminal reservoir of the PDWS are identified in § 1.25 of this Part), for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and for fish and wildlife habitat. These waters shall have excellent aesthetic value.

a. Class AA waters used for public drinking water supply may be subject to restricted recreational use by State and local authorities.

2. Class A - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and for fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have excellent aesthetic value.

3. Class B - These waters are designated for fish and wildlife habitat and primary and secondary contact recreational activities. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.

a. Certain waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in § 1.9(D) of this Part.

4. Class B1 - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These waters shall have good aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. However all Class B criteria must be met.

a. Certain waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in § 1.9(D) of this Part.

5. Class C - These waters are designated for secondary contact recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for compatible industrial processes and cooling, hydropower, aquacultural uses, navigation, and irrigation and other agricultural uses. These water shall have good aesthetic value.

C. Seawater:

1. Class SA - These waters are designated for shellfish harvesting for direct human consumption, primary and secondary contact recreational activities, and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.

a. Waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in § 1.9(D) of this Part.

b. Some Class SA waters contain Closed Safety Zones which are waters in the vicinity of an approved sanitary discharge which may be impacted in the event of complete failure of treatment and are therefore, currently prohibited to shellfishing. Although shellfishing use is restricted, all SA criteria must be met.

2. Class SB - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities; shellfish harvesting for controlled relay and depuration; and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses (other than shellfish for direct human consumption), navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.

a. Waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in § 1.9(D) of this Part.

3. Class SB1 - These waters are designated for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses (other than shellfish for direct human consumption), navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value. Primary contact recreational activities may be impacted due to pathogens from approved wastewater discharges. However all Class SB criteria must be met.

a. Waterbody segments may have partial use designations assigned to them as noted in § 1.9(D) of this Part.

4. Class SC ‑ These waters are designated for secondary contact recreational activities, and fish and wildlife habitat. They shall be suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation, and industrial cooling. These waters shall have good aesthetic value.

D. Partial Uses - In accordance with § 1.21 of this Part, the Department may designate a partial use for the above listed water use classifications. Partial use denotes specific restrictions of use assigned to a waterbody or waterbody segment that may affect the application of criteria. Additional partial uses may be so designated by the Director if provided in accordance with § 1.21 of this Part.

1. CSO - These waters will likely be impacted by combined sewer overflows in accordance with approved CSO Facilities Plans and in compliance with rule § 1.21(E)(1) of this Part. Therefore, primary contact recreational activities; shellfishing uses; and fish and wildlife habitat will likely be restricted.

2. Concentration of Vessels - Waters in the vicinity of marinas and/or mooring fields are subject to seasonal shellfishing closures as determined by RIDEM pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 20-8.1;All Class SA criteria must be attained.

3. Partial use designations are represented by the lower case letters, "a" or "b", which appear in brackets {} next to the classification as found in § 1.25 of this Part.

E. Water Quality Classifications ‑ All surface waters of the State have been categorized according to the water use classification of §§ 1.9(B), (C), and (D) of this Part based on considerations of public health, safety and welfare, recreation, propagation and protection of fish and wildlife, and economic and social benefit. The surface waters of the State are classified according to the list of water segments in § 1.25 of this Part. For waterbodies not listed in § 1.25 of this Part, the following apply:

1. All streams tributary to Class A waters shall be Class A.

2. All waters tributary to Class AA waters shall be Class AA.

3. All freshwaters hydrologically connected by surface waters and upstream of Class B, B1, SB, SB1, C or SC waters shall be Class B unless otherwise identified in § 1.25 of this Part.

4. All other fresh waters, including, but not limited to, ponds, kettleholes and wetlands not listed in § 1.25 of this Part shall be considered to be Class A.

5. All seawaters not listed in § 1.25 of this Part shall be considered to be Class SA. All saltwater and brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters not listed in § 1.25 of this Part shall be considered to be Class SA.

6. All saltwater and brackish wetlands contiguous to seawaters listed in § 1.25 of this Part shall be considered the same class as their associated seawaters.

1.10 Water Quality Criteria

A. The following physical, chemical and biological criteria are parameters of the minimum water quality necessary to support the surface water use classifications of §§ 1.9(B), 1.9(C), and 1.9(D) of this Part and shall be applicable to all waters of the State.

B. General Criteria ‑ The following minimum criteria are applicable to all waters of the State, unless criteria specified for individual classes are more stringent:

1. At a minimum, all waters shall be free of pollutants in concentrations or combinations or from anthropogenic activities subject to these regulations that:

a. Adversely affect the composition of fish and wildlife;

b. Adversely affect the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of the habitat;

c. Interfere with the propagation of fish and wildlife;

d. Adversely alter the life cycle functions, uses, processes and activities of fish and wildlife; or

e. Adversely affect human health.

2. Aesthetics ‑ all waters shall be free from pollutants in concentrations or combinations that:

a. Settle to form deposits that are unsightly, putrescent, or odorous to such a degree as to create a nuisance, or interfere with the existing or designated uses;

b. Float as debris, oil, grease, scum or other floating material attributable to wastes in amounts to such a degree as to create a nuisance or interfere with the existing or designated uses;

c. Produce odor or taste or change the color or physical, chemical or biological conditions to such a degree as to create a nuisance or interfere with the existing or designated uses; or,

d. Result in the dominance of species of fish and wildlife to such a degree as to create a nuisance or interfere with the existing or designated uses.

3. Radioactive substances ‑ The level of radioactive materials in all waters shall not be in concentrations or combinations which will likely be harmful to humans, fish and wildlife, or result in concentrations in organisms producing undesirable conditions.

4. Nutrients ‑ Nutrients shall not exceed the limitations specified in §§ 1.10(D)(1) and 1.10(E)(1) of this Part and/or more stringent site‑specific limits necessary to prevent or minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication.

5. Thermal Mixing Zones ‑ In the case of thermal discharges into tidal rivers, fresh water streams or estuaries, where thermal mixing zones are allowed by the Director, the mixing zone will be limited to no more than one quarter (1/4) of the cross sectional area and/or volume of river flow, stream or estuary, leaving at least three quarters (3/4) free as a zone of passage. In wide estuaries and oceans, the limits of mixing zones will be established by the Director.

6. Non‑thermal Mixing Zones ‑ In the case of non- thermal discharges, in applying these standards the Director may recognize, where appropriate, a limited acute and/or chronic mixing zone(s) on a case‑by‑case basis. The locations, size and shape of these zones shall provide for the maximum protection of fish and wildlife.

7. At a minimum, all mixing zones must:

a. Meet the criteria for aesthetics, in accordance with § 1.10(B)(2) of this Part;

b. Be limited to an area or volume that will prevent interference with the existing and designated uses in the associated waterbody segment and beyond;

c. Allow an appropriate zone of passage for migrating fish and other organisms, prohibit lethality to organisms passing through the mixing zone, and protect for spawning and nursery habitat; and

d. Not allow substances to accumulate in sediments, fish and wildlife or food chains such that known or predicted safe exposure levels for the health of humans or fish and wildlife will be exceeded.

8. For activities that will likely cause or contribute to flow alterations, streamflow conditions must be adequate to support existing and designated uses.

C. Applicable Conditions - The water quality standards apply under the most adverse conditions, as determined by the Director according to sound engineering and scientific practices on a case-by-case basis unless defined below. The ambient water quality criteria are applicable at or in excess of the following flow conditions:

1. Aquatic Life Criteria - The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for freshwaters shall not be exceeded at or above the lowest average 7 consecutive day low flow with an average recurrence frequency of once in 10 years (7Q10). The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for seawater shall not be exceeded beyond the boundary of the mixing zone(s), as defined and determined by §§ 1.10(B)(5) and (6) of this Part, and thence throughout the waterbody. If a mixing zone has not been established, these criteria shall not be exceeded in any portion of the receiving water.

2. Human Health Criteria - The freshwater human health criteria for non-carcinogens and carcinogens are applicable at or in excess of the harmonic mean flow, which is a long-term mean flow value calculated by dividing the number of daily flows analyzed by the sum of the reciprocals of those daily flows. For seawaters, the ambient human health water quality criteria for carcinogens and non-carcinogens are applicable when the most adverse hydrographic and pollution conditions occur at the particular point of evaluation.

D. Class Specific Criteria-Freshwaters

1. The table below presents the class-specific criteria for freshwaters, classifications AA, A, B, B1, and C and any partial use designation freshwaters.



CRITERION

CLASS AA1

CLASS A

CLASS B, B1, B{a}, B1{a}

CLASS C

Dissolved Oxygen

Cold Water Fish Habitat - Dissolved oxygen content of not less than 75% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of at least 5 mg/l, except as naturally occurs. For the period from October 1st to May 14th, where in areas identified by the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife as cold water fish spawning areas the following criteria apply: For species whose early life stages are not directly exposed to the water column (ie, early life stages are intergravel), the 7 day mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 9.5 mg/l and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 8 mg/l. For species that have early life stages exposed directly to the water column, the 7 day mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 6.5 mg/l and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l. (See § 1.25 of this Part for coldwater designated waters)

Warm Water Fish Habitat - Dissolved oxygen content of not less than 60% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of at least 5.0 mg/l, except as naturally occurs. The 7 day mean water column dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 6 mg/l. (See § 1.25 of this Part for warmwater designated waters)

Sludge deposits, solid refuse, floating solids, oil, grease, scum

None allowable.

None in such amounts that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Color and turbidity.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not to exceed 5 NTU over background.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not to exceed 10 NTU over natural background.

Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Drinking Water Supply Criteria: - applied at the terminal reservoir of the system - Not to exceed a geometric mean value of 20 MPN/100 ml and not more than 10% of the samples shall exceed a value of 200.


None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria- Not to exceed a geometric mean value of 200 MPN/100 ml and not more than 10% of the total samples taken shall exceed 400 MPN/100 ml, applied only when adequate enterococci data are not available.

Enterococci

Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria

Non-Designated Bathing Beach Waters Geometric Mean Density: 54 colonies/100 ml

Designated Bathing Beach Waters Geometric Mean Density: 33 colonies/100 ml

Single Sample Maximum*: 61 colonies/100 ml

* Criteria for determining beach swimming advisories at designated beaches as evaluated by Health.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Taste and odor

None other than of natural origin and none associated with nuisance algal species.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class nor cause taste or odor in edible portions of fish.

pH

6.5 - 9.0 or as naturally occurs.

Temperature/

Temperature increase

No activity shall raise the temperature of the receiving waters above the recommended limit on the most sensitive receiving water use nor cause the growth of undesirable or nuisance species of biota. In no cases shall an activity cause the temperature to exceed 83 degrees F. Heated discharges into designated coldwater habitats (See § 1.25 of this Part for coldwater designated waters) shall not raise the temperature above 68 degrees F outside an established thermal mixing zone. In no case shall the temperature of the receiving water be raised more than 4 degrees F.

Chemical constituents

None in concentrations or combinations that could be harmful to humans or fish and wildlife for the most sensitive and governing water class use, or unfavorably alter the biota, or which would make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish and wildlife or their propagation, impair the palatability of same, or impair waters for any other existing or designated use. None in such concentrations that would exceed the Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines as found in § 1.26 of this Part.

The ambient concentration of a pollutant in a water body shall not exceed the Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines, (§ 1.26 of this Part) for the protection of aquatic organisms from acute or chronic effects, unless the criteria or guidelines are modified by the Director based on results of bioassay tests conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions provided in § 1.29 of this Part.

Nutrients

Average Total Phosphorus shall not exceed 0.025 mg/l in any lake, pond, kettlehole or reservoir, and average Total P in tributaries at the point where they enter such bodies of water shall not cause exceedance of this phosphorus criteria, except as naturally occurs, unless the Director determines, on a site-specific basis, that a different value for phosphorus is necessary to prevent cultural eutrophication.

None in such concentration that would impair any usages specifically assigned to said Class, or cause undesirable or nuisance aquatic species associated with cultural eutrophication, nor cause exceedance of the criterion above in a downstream lake, pond, or reservoir. New discharges of wastes containing phosphates will not be permitted into or immediately upstream of lakes or ponds. Phosphates shall be removed from existing discharges to the extent that such removal is or may become technically and reasonably feasible.

1 Class AA waters used for public drinking water supply may be subject to restricted recreational use by State and local authorities.

E. Class Specific Criteria-Saltwaters

1. The table below presents the class-specific criteria for saltwaters, classifications SA, SB, SB1, and SC and any partial use designation saltwaters.



CRITERION

CLASS SA, SA{b}

CLASS SB, SB1, SB{a}, SB1{a}

CLASS SC

Sludge deposits, solid refuse, floating solids, oil, grease, scum

None allowable.

None in such amounts that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Color and turbidity

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not to exceed 5 NTU over background.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class. Turbidity not to exceed 10 NTU over background.

Fecal Coliform Bacteria


Shellfishing Criteria: - Not to exceed a geometric mean MPN or MF (mTEC) value of 14 per 100ml and not more than either 10% of the estimated 90th percentile of the samples shall exceed an MPN value of 49 per 100ml for a three-tube decimal dilution or 31 cfu per 100ml for MF (mTEC).


None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria - Not to exceed a geometric mean value of 50 MPN/100 ml and not more than 10% of the total samples taken shall exceed 400 MPN/100 ml, applied only when adequate enterococci data are not available.

CRITERION

CLASS SA, SA{b}

CLASS SB, SB1, SB{a}, SB1{a}

CLASS SC

Enterococci

Primary Contact Recreational/Swimming Criteria

Geometric Mean Density: 35 colonies/100 ml

Single Sample Maximum*: 104 colonies/100 ml

* Criteria for determining beach swimming advisories at designated beaches as evaluated by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class.

Taste and odor

None allowable except as naturally occurs.

None in such concentrations that would impair any usages specifically assigned to this class nor cause taste or odor in edible portions of fish or shellfish.

pH

6.5 - 8.5 but not more than 0.2 units outside of the normally occurring range.

Dissolved Oxygen

See § 1.10(F) of this Part

Chemical constituents

None in concentrations or combinations that could be harmful to humans or fish and wildlife for the most sensitive and governing water class use, or unfavorably alter the biota, or which would make the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish and wildlife or their propagation, impair the palatability of same, or impair the waters for any other existing or designated use. None in such concentrations that would exceed the Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines as found in § 1.26 of this Part.

The ambient concentration of a pollutant in a water body shall not exceed the RI DEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria & Guidelines (§ 1.26 of this Part) for the protection of aquatic organisms from acute or chronic effects, unless the criteria or guideline is modified by the Director based on results of bioassay tests conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions provided in § 1.29 of this Part.




CRITERION

CLASS SA, SA{b}

CLASS SB, SB1, SB{a}, SB1{a}

CLASS SC

Nutrients

None in such concentration that would impair any usages specifically assigned to said Class, or cause undesirable or nuisance aquatic species associated with cultural eutrophication. Shall not exceed site-specific limits if deemed necessary by the Director to prevent or minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication. Total phosphorus, nitrates and ammonia may be assigned site-specific permit limits based on reasonable Best Available Technologies. Where waters have low tidal flushing rates, applicable treatment to prevent or minimize accelerated or cultural eutrophication may be required for regulated nonpoint source activities.

Temperature/ Temperature Increase

Activities shall not increase the temperature except where the increase will not exceed the recommended limit on the most sensitive receiving water use and in no case shall an activity cause the temperature to exceed 83 degrees F nor raise the normal temperature more than 1.6 degrees F, 16 June through September and not more than 4 degrees F from October through 16 June. All measurements shall be made at the boundary of such mixing zones as is found to be reasonable by the Director.



F. Saltwater Dissolved Oxygen Criteria - The following information details the use of continuous dissolved oxygen data in estuarine waters.

1. For surface waters above a seasonal pycnocline, not less than an instantaneous value of 4.8 mg/l more than once every three years, except as naturally occurs.

2. For waters below the seasonal pycnocline, Aquatic Life Uses are considered to be protected if conditions do not fail to meet protective thresholds, as described below, more than once every three years. DO criteria presented here shall be protective of the most sensitive life stage - survival effects on larvae which affects larval recruitment - for both persistent and cyclic conditions. This criteria evaluates effects of exposure to low DO over time on larval recruitment. Because larval recruitment occurs over the whole season, the low DO exposure effects are cumulative. Exposures are evaluated on a daily basis to determine the total seasonal exposure. The criteria to protect larval survival is established to limit the number of exposure days over the range of low DO conditions such that the cumulative percentage of larvae affected shall not exceed a 5% reduction in larval recruitment over the season. If the Director determines that a smaller percent impairment on larval recruitment is necessary on a site specific basis, a criteria modification will be process in accordance with § 1.21(F) of this Part. Protection of larval survival will also afford adequate protection of juvenile and adult life stages. The critical recruitment season for evaluation of DO exposure is defined as May 1 through October 31. While recruitment may occur at other periods of the year, this timeframe reflects periods when hypoxia are most prevalent. Waters with a DO concentration above an instantaneous value of 4.8 mg/l shall be considered protective of Aquatic Life Uses. When instantaneous DO values fall below 4.8 mg/l, the waters shall not be:

a. Less than 2.9 mg/l for more than 24 consecutive hours during recruitment season; nor

b. Less than 1.4 mg/l for more than 1 hour more than twice during the recruitment season; nor

c. Shall they exceed the cumulative exposure presented in § 1.10(F)(3) of this Part.

d. The method for calculating cumulative low DO exposure throughout the recruitment season is as follows:

(1) For persistent low DO conditions (low DO conditions that vary little within a day, e.g., <0.5 mg/l), the limit represents allowable DO conditions below 4.8 mg/l provided the exposure duration (number of days observed) does not exceed the corresponding allowable number of days (as presented in § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(1)(AA) of this Part) that ensure adequate larval recruitment over the course of the season. The cumulative seasonal low DO effects are evaluated by totaling the fractions of the observed (or projected) exposure duration (in days) divided by the allowable number of days for each DO concentration. The sum of the decimal fractions shall not exceed 1.0. The minimum daily DO measurement is used to represent the daily DO value. The criteria for 24 hour DO concentration and allowable number of days as presented in § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(1)(AA) of this Part are calculated using the following equations:

(AA) Saltwater DO Criteria for Waters Below the Seasonal Pycnocline

24 Hour (Daily) DO Exposure Concentration (mg/L)

Daily Percent Larval Mortality (%)

Allowable Number of Days Without Exceeding a 5% Reduction in Seasonal Larval Recruitment

4.6

4.96

42

4.5

6.05

30

4.4

7.36

24

4.3

8.93

20

4.2

10.79

18

4.1

12.98

16

4

15.55

14

3.9

18.51

12

3.8

21.88

10

3.7

25.69

9

3.6

29.89

8

3.5

34.47

7

3.4

39.36

6

3.3

44.46

5

3.2

49.69

4

3.1

54.92

3

3

60.05

2

2.9

64.97

1

(2) For cyclic low DO conditions (DO conditions that fluctuate broadly within a day, e.g.>0.5 mg/l), the limit represents the allowable number of days as a given daily larval percent mortality that protects against great than 5% cumulative impairment of larval recruitment over a recruitment season. The maximum daily percent larval mortality is a function of DO minimum for any exposure interval/range (mg/l) and the duration of the interval (hours) and is determined using the Time-to-death (TTD) curves presented in § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(2)(AA) of this Part The maximum daily percent larval mortality from cyclic exposures is determined from the observed data point falling closest to a TTD curve of greatest effect (ie., highest percent mortality). The calculated maximum daily percent larval mortality shall not exceed the allowable number of days as presented in § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(1)(AA) and § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(2)(BB) of this Part. Cumulative cyclic low DO effects observed over the course of the season are evaluated by tallying the number of days at each percent mortality observed for the season. The observed number of days at each percent mortality are divided by the allowable number of days for each percent mortality. The sum of the decimal fraction shall not exceed 1.0.

(AA) Time To Death (TTD) Curves for 5-60% Mortality

(BB) Cyclic Translator for Waters Below the Seasonal Pycnocline

(3) For seasons with both cyclic and persistent cycles of low DO, all data will be treated as cyclic exposure patterns with the persistent data set at the 24 hour/1-day exposure duration. Daily percent mortalities will be determined from § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(2)(AA) and § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(1)(AA) of this Part will be used to determine the acceptable number of days the low DO pattern can occur over the course of the season.

3. For waters without a seasonal pycnocline, DO concentrations above 4.8 mg/l shall be considered protective of Aquatic Life Uses. When instantaneous DO values fall below 4.8 mg/l, the water shall not be:

a. Less than 3.0 mg/l for more than 24 consecutive hours during the recruitment season; nor

b. Less than 1.4 mg/l for more than 1 hour more than twice during the recruitment season; nor

c. Shall they exceed the cumulative DO exposure presented in § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(1)(AA) of this Part.

d. Cumulative low DO exposures in the 2.95 - 4.8 mg/l range shall be evaluated as described above in § 1.10(F)(2) of this Part but shall not exceed the information presented in § 1.10(F)(3)(e)(1)(AA) of this Part.

e. The method for calculating cumulative low DO exposure is as follows:

(1) For persistent low DO conditions in water without a seasonal pycnocline, the criteria for 24 hours DO concentration and allowable number of days as presented in § 1.10(F)(3)(e)(1)(AA) of this Part are calculated using the following equation:

(AA) Saltwater DO Criteria for Waters without a Seasonal Pycnocline

24 Hour (Daily) DO Exposure Concentration (mg/L)

Daily Percent Larval Mortality (%)

Allowable Number of Days Without Exceeding a 5% Reduction in Seasonal Larval Recruitment

4.6

4.96

16

4.5

6.05

14

4.4

7.36

12

4.3

8.93

11

4.2

10.79

10

4.1

12.98

8

4.0

15.55

7

3.9

18.51

6

3.8

21.88

5

3.7

25.69

4

3.6

29.89

3

3.5

34.47

2

3.4

39.36

1

(2) For cyclic low DO conditions in waters without a seasonal pycnocline, the daily percent mortalities for observed data are determined from § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(2)(AA) of this Part and shall not exceed the allowable number of days presented in § 1.10(F)(3)(e)(1)(AA) and § 1.10(F)(3)(e)(2)(AA) of this Part.

(AA) Cyclic Translator for Waters Without a Seasonal Pycnocline

(3) For seasons with both cyclic and persistent cycles of low DO, all data will be treated as cyclic exposure patterns with the persistent data set at the 24 hours/1-day exposure duration. Daily percent mortalities will be determined from § 1.10(F)(2)(d)(2)(AA) and § 1.10(F)(3)(e)(1)(AA) of this Part will be used to determine the acceptable number of days the low DO pattern can occur over the course of the season.





1.11 Effect of Activities on Water Quality Standards

A. Activities Shall Not Violate Water Quality Standards ‑ No person shall discharge pollutants into any waters of the State or perform any activities alone or in combination which the Director determines will likely result in the violation of any State water quality criterion or interfere with one or more of the existing or designated uses assigned to the receiving waters or to downstream waters in accordance with §§ 1.9, 1.10, and 1.20 of this Part. In addition, Best Management Practices, as determined by the Director, shall be used to control erosion, sedimentation and runoff in accordance with § 1.17 of this Part.

B. Activities Shall Not Further Degrade Low Quality Waters ‑ No person shall discharge pollutants into any waters of the State, or perform any activities alone or in combination which the Director determines will likely result in the additional degradation of water quality of the receiving waters or downstream waters which are already below the water quality standard assigned to such waters.

C. Activities Shall Not Violate Antidegradation - No person shall discharge pollutants into any waters of the State, or perform any activities alone or in combination which the Director determines will likely result in a violation of the Antidegradation provisions of these regulations (§ 1.20 of this Part).

D. Mixing Zone ‑ Due to discharges to surface waters, the Director may recognize, where appropriate, a limited mixing zone on a case‑by‑case basis. In no case may a mixing zone cause a loss of, or impair, any existing or designated use.

E. Restrictions to New Discharges ‑ New discharges into Class AA, A or SA waters (refer to § 1.25 of this Part) or into waters designated Class B, C, SB or SC which have attained the Class A or SA standard shall be allowed, provided the discharge will not impair existing uses nor attainment of designated uses and all other provisions of these regulations are complied with including all required approvals, and it complies with the following restrictions:

1. New discharges into the terminal reservoir of a, public drinking water supply shall be prohibited with the exception of discharges of stormwater drainage. New discharges into all other waters of the public drinking water supply shall be prohibited with the exception of the types listed in §§ 1.11(E)(2)(a) through (f) of this Part. Notification will be made to the affected public drinking water supplier and the Department of Health of a proposed new discharge to a public drinking water supply which is under review by this Department in accordance with these regulations.

2. New discharges into waters that are not public drinking water supplies may include:

a. discharges of stormwater drainage;

b. discharges from industrial non-contact cooling water;

c. discharges from construction site dewatering provided that the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable alternatives exist;

d. discharges from groundwater remediation projects provided that the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable alternatives exist;

e. discharges from aquaculture facilities as appropriately authorized by all required state agencies;

f. discharges from water main maintenance such as main flushing and cleaning operations;

g. discharges of dredged material;

h. discharges from farming activities into surface waters which are hydrographically disconnected from all other surface waters;

i. placement of suitable solid materials in appropriate amounts for the purpose of the formation of an artificial reef as approved by the Director;

j. discharges from aquatic research related activities provided that the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that no reasonable alternatives exist;

k. discharges from desalination facilities into seawaters; and

l. other new discharges provided the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director that:

(1) the discharge serves a compelling public purpose which provides benefits to the public as a whole as opposed to individual or private interests;

(2) there is no reasonable alternative means of, or location for, serving the compelling public purpose cited; and

(3) the discharge will not impair existing uses nor attainment of designated uses.

1.12 Procedures for Determining Additional Requirements for Effluent Limitations, Treatment and Pretreatment

A. Effluent Limited and Water Quality Limited Waters ‑ No person shall discharge pollutants into any surface waters of the State or discharge to a treatment works unless the discharge complies with any additional effluent limitations and receives any additional treatment/pretreatment which the Director determines is necessary to comply with § 1.11 of this Part, or to prevent overloading or damaging effect upon a treatment works. In order to determine which waters require additional effluent limitations, treatment or pretreatment to comply with § 1.11 of this Part, or to prevent overloading or damaging effects upon a treatment works, the Director will categorize the surface waters of the State into effluent limited and water quality limited waters. Such classifications will be recorded in Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1315, biennial State of the State's waters reports, and will be revised as necessary.

B. Total Maximum Daily Loads in Water Quality Limited Waters ‑ For water quality limited waters, the Director shall identify those pollutants within discharges to the water quality limited waters which do or have the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a violation of § 1.11 of this Part. The Director shall develop a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for each of these pollutants. The TMDL shall determine the maximum amount of the pollutant that can be discharged into the water quality limited waters and be in compliance with § 1.11 of this Part. The TMDL shall be based on best available scientific information and allocation of the TMDL may be based on, but not limited to, technical feasibility of pollutant removal, the relative costs of treatment to the contributing discharges, and the relative contribution from each source. The Director shall not be required to allocate the full amount of the pollutant specified in § 1.11 of this Part, but may designate a portion of the allocation as a reserve or margin of safety as deemed necessary.

1.13 Prohibited Discharges

A. General ‑ The prohibitions enumerated in this rule apply to all pollutants, regardless of the effect on water quality standards or the treatment which the pollutants receive.

B. Pollutants ‑ No person shall discharge pollutants into the waters of the State except as in compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12, or other applicable chapters, of the Rhode Island General Laws or these regulations, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of an approval issued by DEM thereunder.

C. Urban Runoff ‑ No person shall discharge storm water, gutter runoff, sump discharges, or street runoff to a treatment works designed to receive only wastewater.

D. Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Substances ‑ No person shall discharge hazardous waste or hazardous substances into any waters of the State or discharge hazardous waste or hazardous substances into a wastewater treatment works, except as in compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12, or other applicable chapters of the Rhode Island General Laws or these regulations, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of an approval issued by the Director or municipality as may be required under the Rhode Island Pretreatment Regulations.

E. Oil, Petroleum Products, Solvents ‑ No person shall discharge oil, petroleum products or industrial solvents into treatment works designed to treat or control only wastewater or stormwater unless it conforms with federal, state and local pretreatment requirements. No person shall discharge oil or petroleum products into the waters of the State except as in compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-12, or other applicable chapters of the Rhode Island General Laws or these regulations, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of an approval issued by DEM thereunder.

F. Discharges of Sewage from Vessels

1. No person shall discharge any sewage from a vessel into the waters of the State.

2. No person shall operate or moor in the waters of the State a vessel equipped with a marine toilet that is:

a. Not a type approved pursuant to the CWA;

b. An approved type that is not in proper working condition; or

c. That does not have the vessel's marine toilets properly sealed to prevent overboard discharges by one of the following means: the through-hull fitting is plugged; or the Y-valve is secured to the holding tank position by means of a padlock, wire tie, or by removing the seacock handle.

3. All sewage must be discharged to an approved marina pump-out facility.

1.14 Strategic Plan Consistency

In addition to the other requirements of these regulations, no person shall discharge any pollutants into any waters of the State so as to violate any legally applicable requirements of a plan approved by the Governor of Rhode Island and the Administrator pursuant to Sections 208(6) (33 U.S.C. § 1288), 319 (33 U.S.C. § 1329), and 320 (33 U.S.C. § 1330) of the Clean Water Act.

1.15 Approvals

A. No person shall: discharge any pollutant into, or conduct any activity which will likely cause or contribute pollution to, the waters of the State; or construct, install, or modify any treatment works including the extension of sewers to an existing sewer system, without having obtained all required approvals from the Director. The types of approval for the purposes of these regulations may include the following:

1. Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) permit by DEM, Water Resources in accordance with the RIPDES Regulations.

2. Order of Approval from DEM, Water Resources for any treatment works in accordance with §§ 1.16 though 1.19 of this Part.

3. Water Quality Certificate (WQC) - the activity(ies) listed below require approval in the form of a certification by DEM, Water Resources that the proposed activity(ies) does not violate these regulations. A WQC shall have the full force and effect of a permit issued by the Director. The permit required under the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulations may act as the Water Quality Certification for the discharge.

a. In accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1341, applicants for any project which may result in a discharge to waters of the State and which requires a federal permit must directly apply for and receive a Water Quality Certification from DEM, Water Resources, except as described in § 1.15(A)(3)(b)(1)(AA) of this Part.

b. Those projects involving one or more of the activities listed below which are within the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-23, and which do not require an approval in accordance with the R.I. Gen. Law § 2-1-18 et. seq. or any rules and regulations promulgated thereto, must directly apply for and receive Water Quality Certification from DEM, Water Resources except as described in § § 1.15(A)(3)(b)(1)(AA) and 1.15(A)(3)(b)(4)(AA)of this Part.

(1) Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal

(AA) With regard to marine dredging, discharge of dredge material and placement of dredge material in tidal waters, the application process and decision for the water quality review will be conducted in accordance with Part 2 of this Subchapter.

(2) Filling of Waters of the State

(3) Marinas and Mooring Fields - construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities

(4) Flow Alterations

(AA) Flow Alterations for agricultural irrigation will be managed through coordination with DEM/Agriculture.

(5) Harbor Management Plans for those elements which will likely affect water quality

c. The permit required under the RIDEM Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Fresh Water Wetlands Act (Fresh Water Wetlands Regulations) may act as the Water Quality Certification for the discharge, including stormwater discharge.

d. Where a project or activity listed in § 1.15(A)(3) of this Part also requires a permit by any one of the following DEM permit programs, the WQC decision may be incorporated into the decision issued under said program:

(1) Wetlands permit or determination in accordance with the Rules and Regulation Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater Wetlands Act

(2) ISDS permit or determination in accordance with regulations Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to the Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

(3) RIPDES permit in accordance with the Regulations for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(4) Marine dredging and dredged material disposal permit in accordance with the Part 2 of this Subchapter.

(5) UIC permit in accordance with the Part 4 of this Subchapter.

e. Where the Director determines that a WQC decision will be incorporated with one of the above permit decisions, the corresponding public notice requirements and appeal procedures contained in the regulations of the associated permit program will apply in lieu of those contained in §§ 1.17 and 1.23 of this Part herein, respectively. However, when the activity is subject to § 1.15(A)(3)(a) of this Part, and the listed permit decision does not require public notification, the requirements of § 1.17 of this Part will be applied. All other provisions contained in these regulations shall apply.

1.16 Application for Approvals

A. Application ‑ More than one of the approvals noted in § 1.15 of this Part may be required. Applications for RIPDES permits shall be submitted and processed in accordance with the Regulations for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System RIPDES. Applications for Orders of Approval and Water Quality Certifications will be on forms provided by or in the manner prescribed by, DEM, to be submitted to the Director and shall contain such documentation and/or information as the Director may require, including but not limited to:

1. When applicable, documentation that the proposed project is consistent with the currently approved wastewater facility plan or information necessary to modify an approved wastewater facility plan, including but not limited to the project needs, conformance with State Guide Plan policies, goals, and objectives, the basis of design, including design assumptions, data, and calculations;

2. Comprehensive engineering report and detailed engineering plans and specifications for the proposed project;

3. Timetable for and duration of the proposed construction or other activity;

4. Any additional information as may be deemed necessary by the Director to fully assess the impact of the proposed activity upon the waters of the State or to support any changes in the scope of the project, actual or anticipated;

5. Any additional information including proprietary data, where, in the opinion of the Director, such information is necessary to fully disclose all relevant facts concerning the application for an approval. The applicant may assert a claim of confidentiality for proprietary data as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-2 provided said information is clearly marked and segregated within the total information requested by the Department; and

6. A preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the Director, that the activity will not violate the surface water quality standards established by these Water Quality Regulations, and amendments thereto.

B. Professional Certification for Plans and Specifications ‑ All engineering plans and specifications required under § 1.16(A) of this Part shall be certified by a professional engineer registered in the State pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-8.

C. Failure of the applicant to submit information deemed necessary by the Department in order to fully assess the impact of the proposed project on waters of the State or to support any changes in the scope of the proposed project, actual or anticipated, shall constitute valid cause for denial of the application.

D. The requirements of the 2010 Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual as amended in March 2015 shall apply to all applications proposing the generation of stormwater discharges on any applicable project listed in § 1.15 of this Part.

1.17 Procedures for Review of Applications for Orders of Approval and Water Quality Certifications

A. In consideration of the application, the Department may use, but is not limited to, the following documents: Guides for the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works (TR-16, 2011 Edition as Revised in 2016), published by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission; Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WEF Manual of Practice #8 & ASCE Manual and Report on Engineering Practice #76), jointly published by the Water Environment Federation and the American Society of Civil Engineers (Sixth Edition); Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, developed jointly by R.I. DEM and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (2016); State of Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual (2010 version amended March 2015), developed jointly by R.I. DEM and Coastal Resources Management Council; ; the Technical Support Document for Water Quality-based Toxics Control, March 1991, EPA/505/2-90-001; Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal Testing Manual, February 1991, EPA-503/8-91/001; Interim Regional Policy for New England Stream Flow Recommendations, U. S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; Water Quality Standards Handbook, 2nd. Ed., August 1994, EPA-823-B-94-005a.

B. Application Completeness

1. Upon receipt of an application, the Department will review the application for completeness and shall notify the applicant in writing whether the application is complete. Where the Department has deemed an application to be deficient, the processing of the application will be suspended and the applicant shall correct said deficiencies to the satisfaction of the Department.

C. At any time during review, the Director may:

1. Require that the applicant provide such information as the Director deems necessary for the review of the application;

2. Issue an approval requiring such terms, conditions, management practices and operation and maintenance requirements as deemed necessary to comply with the requirements of applicable state or federal laws; or

3. Deny the application for failure to satisfy the requirements of applicable state or federal laws and advise the applicant of the right to appeal under § 1.23 of this Part. A denial may be based on, but is not limited to any or all of the following:

a. A treatment works which is overloaded or inadequate to accept and treat any additional load of pollutants in which case the Director, shall, where appropriate, also deny applications for new sewer connection or additional discharges to the system;

b. An activity or a treatment works or any part thereof, which is likely to substantially contribute to an increase in non‑point source pollution which will likely result in a violation of state or federal laws or these regulations or any other regulations of the Department;

c. A treatment works or any part thereof, or a project which is not consistent with the approved Wastewater Facilities Plan;

d. Failure to submit any information required by the Department; or

e. Failure to provide a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the Director, that the activity will not violate the surface water quality standards established by these Water Quality Regulations, and amendments thereto.

D. Public Notice and Consideration of Public Comment for Applications for Water Quality Certification

1. Certification Public Notice - Upon determination that an application for water quality certification is complete, the Director shall provide or have the applicant provide in a form approved in writing by the Department, written notice of the proposed project to all abutters of any property upon which the activity will occur, and to any other such persons, agencies or organizations deemed appropriate by the Director. At a minimum the chief elected officer of the city or town within which the activity will be conducted, shall be notified.

a. For projects that the Director determines have the potential to result in impacts beyond the abutting property(ies) or that notification of abutters is impracticable, the notice shall be published in a daily or weekly newspaper with circulation in the involved area. The Department may also require the applicant to publish notice, in a form approved in writing by the Department, in an additional daily or weekly newspaper with circulation that includes the community nearest the proposed location, or statewide.

2. Comment Period - The notice will provide for a thirty-day comment period during which time any person may provide written comments which may include a request for a hearing on the project or activity proposed by the application.

3. Public Hearing - The Director shall provide an opportunity for oral comments if a hearing is requested by twenty-five (25) persons, or by a governmental subdivision or agency, or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members. The applicant, all persons receiving notice under § 1.17(D)(1) of this Part, and all persons submitting comments or requesting a hearing under § 1.17(D)(2) of this Part shall be notified consistent with the requirements of § 1.17(D)(1) of this Part, at least fourteen (14) days in advance, of the time and place of the hearing.

4. Consideration of Comments - The Director shall consider all written and oral comments and may approve modifications to the application package made in response to comments received, without requiring another notice and comment period, provided the modifications are minor in nature and will have little or no adverse environmental impact.

5. Notice of Decision - All persons who submit comments, either orally at the hearing or in writing, shall receive written notice of the final agency decision on the application.

6. Modifications - The Director may approve modifications to an approved project or activity without further notice, provided that the project had been noticed in accordance with § 1.17(D) of this Part, and such modifications are minor in nature and will have little or no adverse environmental impact.

1.18 Effect of Approval

A. The issuance of an approval mandates compliance with all terms, conditions, management practices and operation and maintenance requirements set forth in the approval. Any violation of these may result in the finding of a prohibited discharge as set forth in § 1.13 of this Part.

B. The issuance of an approval does not relieve any person of the continuing responsibility to comply with any applicable rule of these regulations or applicable sections of the Clean Water Act.

C. The issuance of an approval by the Department does not relieve any person of the responsibility for obtaining any other necessary permits or approvals from any federal, state, regional, or local agency.

D. The issuance of an approval does not authorize any injury to persons or property or invasion of other private rights, or any infringement of Federal, State or local law or regulations.

1.19 Modification, Expiration, Suspension or Revocation of Approval

A. The Director may modify, suspend, or revoke, in whole or in part, an approval for cause, including, but not limited to:

1. Information indicating that the project will likely result in probable harm to the environment or pose a threat to the health, safety and/or welfare of the public;

2. The existence of a factor or factors which, if properly and timely brought to the attention of the Director, would have justified the application of more or less stringent conditions than required by these regulations, but only if such factor(s) arose after the approval was issued;

3. Changes in effluent limitations in accordance with § 1.12 of this Part, or changes in the definition(s) of such limitations in the Clean Water Act or applicable Environmental Protection Agency regulations;

4. Where circumstances on which the approval was based have materially and substantially changed since the approval was issued, including, but not limited to, a change in category of waters from effluent limited to water quality limited, or amendment of these regulations;

5. The information or data submitted by the applicant or permittee either on the form(s) required or in any other material in support of the application is found to be false, misleading or erroneous; or

6. The project is not undertaken in strict compliance with the conditions or provisions of any approval issued by the Department.

B. A Notice of Revocation/Suspension of an approval will be in the form of a letter notifying the permittee or subsequent transferee of the revocation or suspension and the reasons why the approval is being revoked or suspended.

C. The party served with a Notice of Revocation/Suspension of an approval may request an adjudicatory hearing to contest the revocation as set forth in the provisions of § 1.23 of this Part. A Notice of Revocation/Suspension of an approval automatically becomes a final order of the Director enforceable in Superior Court upon failure to request said adjudicatory hearing.

D. Request for modification of approval shall be in accordance with §§ 1.16 and 1.17 of this Part.

1.20 Antidegradation of Water Quality Standards

A. Purpose - The State Antidegradation Regulations are based on the federal Antidegradation Policy requirements, Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Methods, 40 C.F.R. § 131.12 and have as their objective the maintenance and protection of various levels of surface water quality and uses. Antidegradation applies to all projects or activities subject to these regulations which will likely lower water quality or affect existing or designated water uses, including but not limited to all Water Quality Certification reviews and any new or modified RIPDES permits. For the disposal of dredged or fill material into the waters of the State, Guidelines for Specification of Disposal Sites for Dredged or Fill Material, 40 C.F.R. § 404(b)(1), incorporated above in § 1.3(C) of this Part, guidelines shall be followed in the evaluation of 40 C.F.R. § 131.12(a)(1), incorporated above in § 1.3(F) of this Part, and the State’s Antidegradation Policy. The Antidegradation regulations consist of four (4) tiers of water quality protection.

B. Tier 1 - Protection of Existing Uses - Any existing in situ water uses and level of surface water quality necessary to protect the existing uses, shall be maintained and protected.

C. Tier 2 - Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters - With the exception of Outstanding National Resource Waters, in surface waters where the existing water quality exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of fish and wildlife and recreation in and on the water, that quality shall be maintained and protected, except for insignificant changes in water quality as determined by the Director and in accordance with § 1.27 of this Part. An exception to this level of protection may only be allowed if it can be proven to the Director by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value, and the Director finds, after full satisfaction of the intergovernmental coordination and public participation provisions of the RI Continuing Planning Process, that allowing significant water quality degradation is necessary to accommodate important economic and social benefit in the area in which the receiving waters are located. In allowing such significant degradation or lower water quality, the Director shall assure water quality adequate to fully protect existing and designated uses. In allowing a change in water quality, significant or insignificant, all reasonable measures to minimize the change shall be implemented. Adequate scientifically valid documentation shall be provided to the Director demonstrating that designated and existing uses, water quality to protect those uses, and all applicable water quality standards, will be fully protected. Further, the highest statutory and regulating requirements for all new and existing point sources and all cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source control shall apply.

D. Tier 2½ - Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs - Where high quality waters constitute a SRPW, there shall be no measurable degradation of the existing water quality necessary to protect the characteristic(s) which cause the waterbody to be designated as an SRPW. Notwithstanding that all public drinking water supplies are SRPWs, public drinking water suppliers may undertake temporary and short term activities within the boundary perimeter of a public drinking water supply impoundment for essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions in order to prevent adverse effects on public health or safety, provided that these activities comply with the requirements set forth in § 1.20(B) of this Part (Tier 1 Protection of Existing Uses) and § 1.20(C) of this Part (Tier 2 Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters).

E. Tier 3 - Protection of Water Quality for ONRWs - Where high quality waters constitute an Outstanding National Resource, as defined in § 1.7 of this Part, that water quality shall be maintained and protected. The State may allow some limited activities that result in temporary and short-term changes in the water quality of an ONRW. Such activities must not permanently degrade water quality or result in water quality lower than that necessary to protect the existing uses in the ONRW.

F. Implementation - The Antidegradation provisions shall be implemented in accordance with the Antidegradation Implementation Policy § 1.27 of this Part.

1.21 Modification of Water Quality Standards

A. Authority ‑ The Director has the power and duty in accordance with § 1.2 of this Part and R.I. Gen. Laws § 46‑12‑3 to promulgate water quality standards.

B. Request for Modification - Any person may request that the Director modify a water quality standard. The request must include a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value to demonstrate that such modification is consistent with these regulations. In addition, a Use Attainability Analyses (UAA) must be conducted:

1. for a request to remove a designated use specified in Section 101(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251; or

2. to propose a subcategory of uses specified in Section 101(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251, which require less stringent criteria.

C. Promulgation of Modifications - If the Director determines that modification is appropriate the Director shall initiate promulgation of such modification in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

D. General Standards for Conducting the Review ‑ Water quality standards shall protect the public health, safety and welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purpose of the Clean Water Act.

1. The Director will take into consideration the conservation, protection, use and value of the waters for public water supplies, propagation of fish and wildlife, recreational purposes, agricultural, industrial, and other purposes, and for navigation.

2. The Director shall attempt to establish water quality standards which will result in the achievement of the national water quality goal specified in Secton 101(a)(2) (33 U.S.C. § 1251) of the Clean Water Act, wherever attainable. In determining whether such standards are attainable for any particular segment, the Director shall take into consideration environmental, technological, social, and economic factors.

3. Designation of uses which do not support the protection and propagation of fish and wildlife, and recreation in and on the water, Section 101(a)(2) (33 U.S.C. § 1251) of the Clean Water Act, may be granted if supported by a Use Attainability Analyses to the satisfaction of the Director.

4. The Director shall take into consideration the water quality standards of downstream waters and shall assure that water quality standards provide for the attainment of the water quality standards of downstream waters.

5. The Director shall adhere to the antidegradation principles of the Antidegradation Policy described in § 1.20 of this Part.

E. Modifications of Designated Uses - Modifying a designated use may result in modifying the applicable criteria of the affected/identified water segment, to criteria necessary to protect the new designated use of that affected/identified water segment. In no case may a criteria be modified if it would adversely affect existing uses or other designated uses.

1. Downgrading Designated Uses

a. In waters in which the designated use(s) is not the existing use(s), any person may request that the Director, or the Director may propose, that the designated use be downgraded, or may designate a partial use (§ 1.9(D) of this Part), only where it is demonstrated through the UAA process (except as noted in § 1.21(E)(1)(c) of this Part) by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value to the satisfaction of the Director that attaining the designated use is not feasible because:

(1) Naturally occurring background pollutant concentrations or natural background conditions prevent the attainment of the use;

(2) Naturally occurring ephemeral, intermittent or low flow conditions or water levels not human-made or human-induced prevent the attainment of the use, unless these conditions may be compensated for by the discharge of sufficient volume of effluent discharges without violating state water conservation requirements to enable uses to be met;

(3) Human-made or human-induced conditions prevent the attainment of the use and cannot be remedied per item § 1.21(E)(1)(a)(6) of this Part, or would cause more environmental damage to correct than to leave in place;

(4) Existing dams, diversions or other types of permitted hydrologic modifications which meet all applicable permit and/or water quality certificate requirements preclude the attainment of the use, and it is not feasible to restore the water body to its original condition or to operate such modification in a way that would result in the attainment of the use;

(5) Physical conditions related to the naturally occurring features of the water body, such as the lack of a proper substrate, cover, flow, depth, pools, riffles, and the like, unrelated to water quality and not human-made or human-induced, preclude attainment of aquatic life protection uses; or

(6) Controls more stringent than those required by Sections 301(b)(1)(A) and (B) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) and 306 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1316) for point source dischargers, and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source dischargers, would result in substantial and widespread economic and social impact.

b. It must also be demonstrated to the Director's satisfaction that downgrading or altering the water quality use will not affect the quality of waters beyond the area in which §§ 1.21(E)(1)(a)((1)) through ((6)) of this Part applies nor violate § 1.20 of this Part (Antidegradation of Water Quality Standards) of these regulations. The Director shall hold a public hearing on such downgrading requests that are determined to have merit.

c. For the following waters, a partial use designation of SA{b} may be proposed and will not be considered a downgrade and will not require a use attainability analysis, unless the Director determines it is necessary to comply with § 1.20 of this Part (Antidegradation of Water Quality Standards):

(1) SA waters along the western shore of Aquidneck Island located between a straight line extending northerly from the boundary of Lots 8 and 9, Portsmouth Town Map 17 to the end of Coddington Cove Breakwater in Middletown, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean high water mark.

(2) SA waters along the western shore of Warwick Neck from the southern most point of the Harbor Light Marina parking lot to the northern side of the end of Randall Street, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean high water mark.

(3) SA waters along the eastern shore of Horse Neck from the eastern most extension of Burr Avenue, to the eastern most groin at Oakland Beach, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean high water mark.

(4) SA waters from the northernmost point along the east bulkhead wall in the small embayment on the south side on the Allens Harbor entrance channel to the extension of a line from nun buoy 10 through FG Buoy 11 to the shore at Quonset Point, that extend 500 feet seaward from the mean high water mark.

d. A designated use may not be downgraded if such uses will be attained by implementing effluent limits required under Sections 301(b) (33 U.S.C § 1311) and 306 (33 U.S.C. § 1316) of the Clean Water Act for point sources and by implementing cost-effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source control.

2. Upgrading Designated Uses

a. Any person may request that the Director or the Director may propose to upgrade the classification of a water quality segment, including a request to designate a waterbody or waterbody segment as a Special Resource Protection Water (SRPW) or an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW).

b. Where current water use classifications specify water uses less sensitive than those which are presently being achieved, the Director shall propose to upgrade the classification of the waters in question to reflect the uses actually being attained.

c. The Director shall hold a public hearing on such requests that are determined to have merit.

(1) At the hearing, the applicant must prove by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having probative value to the satisfaction of the Director that such a reclassification satisfies the standards of §§ 1.21(D) or 1.20 of this Part applies.

F. Modification of Criteria - Any person may request that the Director, or the Director may propose to modify an aquatic life water quality criteria. The request and development of site specific criteria shall be in accordance with § 1.29 of this Part. If the Director determines the criteria modification is appropriate, the Director shall promulgate such modification in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

1. Modification of criteria of a water segment shall not result in a modification of the designated use of the water segment. Newly developed criteria must still protect the existing and designated uses of the water segment.

1.22 Variances from Water Quality Standards

A. Conditions for Granting Variances - A variance from the water quality standards may be granted by the Director when the Director has a reasonable belief that the standard can ultimately be attained. A variance from meeting the standard is granted to the discharger for the particular constituent that is causing non-attainment of the standard. All other applicable criteria and standards must be met by the discharger. The criteria protective of the standard must be maintained for all other dischargers on the waterbody. A variance can be granted only under the following conditions:

1. Non-attainment of the standard is attributed to one of the following:

a. Naturally occurring background pollutant concentrations or natural background conditions prevent the attainment of the use;

b. Naturally occurring ephemeral, intermittent or low flow conditions or water levels not human-made or human-induced prevent the attainment of the use, unless these conditions may be compensated for by the discharge of sufficient volume of effluent discharges without violating state water conservation requirements to enable uses to be met;

c. Human-made or human-induced conditions prevent the attainment of the use and cannot be remedied per § 1.22(A)(1)(f) of this Part, or would cause more environmental damage to correct than to leave in place;

d. Existing dams, diversions or other types of permitted hydrologic modifications which meet all applicable permit and/or water quality certificate requirements preclude the attainment of the use, and it is not feasible to restore the water body to its original condition or to operate such modification in a way that would result in the attainment of the use;

e. Physical conditions related to the naturally occurring features of the waterbody, such as the lack of a proper substrate, cover, flow, depth, pools, riffles, and the like, unrelated to water quality and not human-made or human-induced, preclude attainment of aquatic life protection uses; or

f. Controls more stringent than those required by Sections 301(b)(1)(A) and (B) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) and § 306 (33 U.S.C. § 1316) of the Clean Water Act for point source dischargers, and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source dischargers, would result in substantial and widespread economic and social impact.

2. Treatment more advanced than that required by section 301(b)(1)(A) and (B) (33 U.S.C. § 1311) has been carefully considered, and that alternative effluent control strategies have been evaluated.

B. Time Limit for Variances - Variances from the water quality standards shall be for a specific period of time not to exceed three (3) years. A variance may be reinstated only upon demonstration that the conditions for granting the variance still apply and reasonable progress toward meeting the standard has been made.

C. Public Notice - The Director may grant a variance, in accordance with this rule, only after public notice, opportunity for comment and a public hearing, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

D. Variances for RIPDES Permitted Discharges - Those persons holding a RIPDES permit, or applying for a RIPDES permit, must request a variance in accordance with the Regulations for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System RIPDES.

E. Compliance With Other Water Quality Regulations - Issuance of a variance pursuant to this rule does not relieve the holder of the variance from complying with requirements of these regulations which have not been the subject of a variance.

1.23 Appeals

A. General - The procedures for appeal of Departmental decisions pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35 are contained in Part 10-00-1 of this Title.

B. Appeal Procedures for Applications for Orders of Approval and Water Quality Certifications - The applicant may appeal to the Director for review of the decision on an application for approval by filing an appeal with DEM/Administrative Adjudication.

1. Filing of Appeal - All appeals shall be in writing and shall be filed with and received by DEM/Administrative Adjudication within thirty (30) days after the effective date of the denial of the subject application.

2. Contents of Appeal - Every appeal shall comply in all respects with Part 10-00-1 of this Title and at a minimum contain the following:

a. A detailed basis upon which the appeal is taken;

b. A plat plan of the area of the subject application; and

c. A list of the names and addresses of the applicant, the municipality in which the property is located and all abutters.

3. Notice of Administrative Hearing - Upon the filing of an appeal with DEM/ Administrative Adjudication, and once the hearing schedule allows, DEM/Administrative Adjudication shall notify the following, by first class mail, of the date, time and place of the adjudicatory hearing, in conformance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-9:

a. The applicant,

b. The municipality in which the property is located,

c. All abutters and all other persons who received notice pursuant to § 1.17(D)(1) of this Part.

C. Appeal Procedure for Notice of Violations, Suspensions or Revocations - Any person who has received a Notice of Violation (NOV) alleging violation of these regulations, or whose approval has been suspended or revoked, may appeal to the Director for review of the decision on which the NOV, suspension or revocation is based by filing an appeal with DEM/Administrative Adjudication.

1. Filing of Appeal - All appeals shall be in writing and shall be filed with and received by DEM/Administrative Adjudication within twenty (20) days after the date of the receipt of the subject NOV, revocation or suspension.

2. Contents of Appeal - Every appeal shall contain a detailed basis upon which the appeal is taken.

1.24 Sampling

A. Water Quality Testing ‑ Surface water samples shall be collected, preserved, and analyzed in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 136, incoprorated above in § 1.3(A) of this Part, Guidelines establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants. Other methods recommended by the EPA may be used, if legally acceptable.

B. Bioassays - Bioassays shall be performed in accordance with protocols listed in 40 C.F.R. § 136, incorporated above in § 1.3(A) of this Part,and Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, incorporated above in § 1.3(B) of this Part, or other methods if approved by the Director and legally acceptable. A more detailed explanation of state requirements pertaining to bioassays is given in the most recent RIDEM bioassay protocol.

1.25 Water Quality Classifications

A. General - This waterbody classification listing is consistent with the geographical/numerical waterbody listing in the State of the State's Waters Report, also known as the 305(b) Report. The waters included generally conform to those shown on United States Geological Survey 1:24,000 Topographic Maps and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Nautical Charts (various scales). At a minimum, all major rivers and river segments greater than 1 mile in length, ponds 10 acres and larger (terminal drinking water reservoirs less than 10 acres are retained), and estuarine waters are included in this listing. To determine the classification for waterbodies which are not listed, follow the General Water Quality Classification Rules listed below and in § 1.9(E) of this Part.

B. Coldwater/Warmwater Fisheries - Freshwater rivers and streams, and lakes and ponds are designated as coldwater, warmwater or unassessed based upon the potential for the presence of brook trout by evaluating current and historical presence/absence information, habitat, water quality and physical characteristics data. Where coldwater fish exist in waters not yet designated as coldwater, the coldwater fish and habitat will be protected as an existing use.

C. The following is a list of symbols used in the water quality classification listing:

1. # - Located next to the Waterbody ID number, the # indicates a segment where the Water Effect Ratios (WERs) and Site Specific Criteria (See § 1.26 of this Part) apply.

2. @ - Located next to the Waterbody ID number identifies the terminal reservoir of the public drinking water supply.

3. * - Located next to the Waterbody ID number identifies a closed safety zone.

4. {a} - Located next to the classification, {a} indicates a partial use designation due to impacts from CSOs.

5. {b} - Located next to the classification, {b} indicates a partial use designation due to impacts from a concentration of vessels.

E. Blackstone River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0001

1. Wallum Lake & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001001

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001001L-01@

Wallum Lake. Burrillville

AA

WARM

2. Branch River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001002

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001002R-05A

Clear River and tributaries from Wallum Lake to approximately 3/4 miles downstream. Burrillville

A

COLD

RI0001002R-05B

Clear River and tributaries from approximately 3/4 mile downstream of Wallum Lake to a point 1/2 mile upstream of Wilson Reservoir Burrillville

B1


COLD


RI0001002L-15

Round Pond. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-06

Dry Arm Brook. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-16

Iron Mine Brook. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-05C

Clear River and tributaries from 1/2 mile upstream of Wilson Reservoir to 1 mile upstream of confluence with the Chepachet River (upstream of the Burrillville WWTF discharge point). Glocester, Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002L-01

Wilson Reservoir. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-17

Leland Brook and tributaries. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-30

Tributaries to Burlingame Reservoir. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002L-10

Burlingame Reservoir. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-02

Brandy Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Burrilville

B

WARM

RI0001002L-03

Echo Lake (Pascoag Reservoir). Burrillville, Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-09

Pascoag River. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-18

Mowry Brook and tributaries. Burrillville

B

COLD

RI0001002R-11

Round Top Brook and tributaries. Burrillville

A

WARM

RI0001002L-12

Round Top State Pond. Burrillville

A


RI0001002R-04

Chocalog River and tributaries. Burrillville

A

COLD

RI0001002R-08

Nipmuc River and tributaries. Burrillville

A

COLD

RI0001002L-04

Spring Lake (Herring Pond). Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-15

Herring Brook. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-25

Bettey Brook. Burrillville

B

COLD

RI0001002R-05D

Clear River from the Burrillville WWTF discharge point to the confluence with the Chepachet River. Glocester, Burrillville

B1

WARM

RI0001002L-14

Cherry Valley Pond. Glocester

B


RI0001002R-19

Peckham Brook and tributaries. Glocester

B


RI0001002R-12

Saunders Brook and tributaries. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-32

Tributaries to Keech Pond. Glocester

B


RI0001002L-11

Keech Pond. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-33

Tributaries to Smith & Sayles Reservoir. Glocester

B

COLD

RI0001002L-07

Smith & Sayles Reservoir. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-34

Tributaries to Shingle Mill Pond. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002L-16

Shingle Mill Pond. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-20

Stingo Brook and tributaries. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0001002R-35

Tributaries to Spring Grove Pond. Glocester

B

COLD

RI0001002L-06

Spring Grove Pond. Glocester

B


RI0001002L-05

Sucker Pond. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-22

Sucker Brook and tributaries. Burrillville, Glocester

B

COLD

RI0001002R-03

Chepachet River and tributaires. Glocester, Burrillville

B

COLD

RI0001002R-01A

Branch River and tributaries from the confluence of the Clear River and Chepachet River at Oakland to the inlet of Slatersville Reservoir. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-21

Tucker Brook and tributaries. Burrillville

B

COLD

RI0001002L-09

Slatersville Reservoir. Burrillville, North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002R-07

Mowry Paine Brook and tributaries. Glocester

B

COLD

RI0001002R-13A

Headwaters of Tarkiln Brook and tributaries to Nichols Pond. Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield

B

COLD

RI0001002L-13

Nichols Pond. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0001002R-13C

Tarkiln Brook from the outlet of Nichols Pond to Route 7 Crossing, excluding Tarkiln Pond. Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield.

B

WARM

RI0001002L-08

Tarkiln Pond. North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002R-13B


Tarkiln Brook and tributaries from Route 7 crossing to Slatersville Reservoir. Burrillville, North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002L-18

Lake Bel Air. North Smithfield

B


RI0001002R-24

Rankin Brook. North Smithfield

B

COLD

RI0001002R-14

Trout Brook. North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002L-17

Trout Brook Pond. North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002R-38

Unnamed tributaries through Black Hut Management Area to confluence with Branch River in Glendale. Burrillville

B

COLD

RI0001002R-01B


Branch River and tributaries from the outlet of the Slatersville Reservoir to the confluence with the Blackstone River. North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001002R-23

Dawley Brook. North Smithfield

B


RI0001002R-29

Tributaries to Wilson Reservoir. Burrillville

B


RI0001002R-31

Tributaries to Echo Lake (Pascoag Reservoir). Burrillville, Glocester

B


RI0001002R-36

Tributaries to Nichols Pond. Burrillville, North Smithfield

B


RI0001002R-37

Tributaries to Slatersville Reservoir. Burrillville

B


3. Blackstone River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001003

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001003R-09

Unnamed tributaries to the Blackstone River #2. Woonsocket, North Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0001003R-16

Mussey Brook. Lincoln

B

WARM

RI0001003R-01A

Blackstone River from the MA-RI border to the CSO outfall located at River and Samoset Streets in Central Falls. Woonsocket, North Smithfield, Cumberland, Lincoln and Central Falls.

B1

WARM

RI0001003R-02

Cherry Brook and tributaries. North Smithfield, Woonsocket

B

WARM

RI0001003L-03

Todd's Pond. North Smithfield

A


RI0001003L-05

Social Pond. Woonsocket

B


RI0001003R-03

Mill River. Woonsocket

B


RI0001003R-04

Peters River. Woonsocket

B

WARM

RI0001003L-04

Handy Pond (Upper Rochambeau Pond). Lincoln

B


RI0001003R-06

West Sneech Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

B

COLD

RI0001003R-05

Scott Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

A


RI0001003R-07

Monastery Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

B

WARM

RI0001003R-01B

Blackstone River from the CSO outfall located at River and Samoset streets in Central Falls to the Slater Mill Dam. Central Falls, Pawtucket.

B1{a}

WARM

RI0001003L-01

Scott Pond. Lincoln

B


RI0001003L-02

Valley Falls Pond. Cumberland

B1

WARM

RI0001003R-08

Unnamed tributaries to Blackstone River #1. Woonsocket

B


RI0001003R-10

Unnamed tributaries to Blackstone River #3. Cumberland, Woonsocket

B


RI0001003R-12

Unnamed tributaries to Blackstone River #5. Lincoln

B


4. Woonsocket Reservoir #3 & all Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001004

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001004L-01@

Woonsocket Reservoir #3. North Smithfield, Smithfield

AA


RI0001004L-02@

Woonsocket Reservoir #1. North Smithfield

AA

COLD

RI0001004L-03

Woonsocket Reservoir #2. North Smithfield

AA

COLD

RI0001004L-04

Laporte's Pond. Lincoln

A


RI0001004R-01

Crookfall Brook and tributaries. North Smithfield

AA

COLD

RI0001004R-02

Spring Brook and tributaries. North Smithfield

AA

WARM

5. Sneech Pond & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001005

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001005L-01@

Sneech Pond. Cumberland

AA


6. Abbott Run Brook & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0001006

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0001006L-08

Carl’s Pond. Cumberland

A


RI0001006R-05

Indian Brook. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-06

Burnt Swamp Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-01

Diamond Hill Reservoir. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-05

Miscoe Lake. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-07

Catamint Brook. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-09

Sylvyns Brook. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006R-04

Ash Swamp Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-03

East Sneech Brook. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-09

Little Pond. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-02

Long Brook and tributaries. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-02

Arnold Mills Reservoir (Pawtucket Reservoir). Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-01A

Abbott Run Brook North and tributaries. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-06

Rawson Pond. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006L-07

Howard Pond. Cumberland

AA


RI0001006R-01B

Abbott Run Brook South and tributaries. Abbot Run Brook in MA, back in RI and to confluence with Blackstone Rv. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006R-08

Millers River. Cumberland

AA

COLD

RI0001006L-04

Robin Hollow Pond. Cumberland

AA

WARM

RI0001006L-03@

Happy Hollow Pond. Cumberland

AA

WARM

F. Woonasquatucket River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0002

1. Woonasquatucket River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0002007

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0002007L-11

Primrose Pond. North Smithfield

B


RI0002007R-10A

Woonasquatucket River headwaters including tributaries to Georgiaville Pond, excluding reservoirs and ponds. North Smithfield, Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-05

Latham Brook and tributaries. Smithfield

B


RI0002007L-08

Woonasquatucket Reservoir (Stump Pond/Stillwater Reservoir). Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-13

Unnamed tributaries to Woonasquatucket Reservoir. Johnston

B


RI0002007R-07

Shincott Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-11

Nine Foot Brook and tributaries. Smithfield, Glocester

B

WARM

RI0002007R-02

Cutler Brook and tributaries. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0002007R-14

Unnamed tributaries to Waterman Reservoir. Glocester, Smithfield

B


RI0002007L-04

Waterman Reservoir. Glocester, Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-09

Stillwater River and tributaries. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007L-05

Upper Sprague Reservoir. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007L-06

Lower Sprague Reservoir. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-15

Unnamed tributaries to Slack Reservoir. Smithfield, Johnston

B


RI0002007L-03

Slack Reservoir. Smithfield, Johnston

B

WARM

RI0002007L-01

Hawkins Pond. Smithfield, Johnston

B

WARM

RI0002007R-06

Reaper Brook. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007L-10

Mountaindale Reservoir. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-12

Unnamed tributaries to Stillwater Pond. Smithfield

B


RI0002007L-07

Stillwater Pond. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-16

Unnamed tributaries to Georgiaville Pond. Smithfield

B


RI0002007L-02

Georgiaville Pond. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007L-09

Harris Pond. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-03

Harris Brook and tributaries. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-17

Airport Creek. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-10B




Woonasquatucket River including tributaries from the Georgiaville Pond outlet to the Smithfield WWTF discharge point at Esmond Mill Drive. Smithfield

B

WARM

RI0002007R-04

Hawkins Brook and tributaries. Smithfield

B


RI0002007R-01

Assapumpset Brook and tributaries. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0002007R-10C

Woonasquatucket River and tributaries from the Smithfield WWTF discharge point at Esmond Mill Drive to the CSO outfall at Glenbridge Avenue in Providence. Smithfield, North Providence, Providence, Johnston

B1

WARM

RI0002007R-10D

Woonasquatucket River from the CSO outfall at Glenbridge Avenue to the confluence with the Moshassuck River. Providence

B1{a}

WARM

G. Moshassuck River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0003

1. Moshassuck River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0003008

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0003008R-01A

Moshassuck River headwaters including tributaries, to inlet of Barney Pond. Lincoln

B

COLD

RI0003008R-01B


Moshassuck River and tributaries from Barney Pond outlet to the first CSO discharge point at Weeden Street Bridge. Lincoln, Central Falls, Pawtucket

B

WARM

RI0003008L-02

Barney Pond. Lincoln

B

WARM

RI0003008L-01

Olney Pond. Lincoln

B

WARM

RI0003008R-02

Threadmill Brook. Lincoln

B

WARM

RI0003008R-01C

Moshassuck River and tributaries from the first CSO discharge point at Weeden Street Bridge to the confluence with the Woonasquatucket River. Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence

B{a}

WARM

RI0003008R-03A

West River headwaters, including tributaries to the inlet of Wenscott Reservoir. Providence, North Providence

B

WARM

RI0003008L-05

Wenscott Reservoir (Twin Rivers). North Providence, Smithfield, Lincoln

B

WARM

RI0003008R-03B

West River and tributaries from the outlet of Wenscott Reservoir, including Geneva and Whipple ponds, to the first CSO discharge point located south of the Branch Avenue crossing, off of Vandewater street. North Providence, Providence.

B

WARM

RI0003008L-04

Canada Pond. North Providence, Providence

B


RI0003008R-03C

West River and tributaries from the first CSO discharge point located south of the Branch Avenue crossing, off of Vandewater. Street to the confluence with the Moshassuck River. Providence



B{a}


WARM

H. Ten Mile River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0004

1. Ten Mile River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0004009

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0004009L-01A

Turner Reservoir North of Newman Avenue Dam(Central Pond). East Providence

B1

WARM

RI0004009L-01B

Turner Reservoir South of Newman Avenue Dam. East Providence

B

WARM

RI0004009L-03

Omega Pond. East Providence

B

WARM

RI0004009R-01A

Ten Mile River and tributaries from the MA-RI border to the inlet to Turner Reservoir North, including Slater Park Pond. Pawtucket

B1

WARM

RI0004009R-01B

Ten Mile River and tributaries downstream of Turner Reservoir South to the Omega Pond inlet. East Providence

B

WARM

I. Thames River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0005

1. Tributaries to the Five Mile River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0005047

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0005047R-06

Leeson Brook. Burrillville

B


RI0005047R-05

Cold Spring Brook. Burrillville

B


RI0005047R-04

Croff Farm Brook. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0005047L-05

Cedar Swamp Pond. Burrillville

B


RI0005047L-01

Wakefield Pond. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0005047R-02

Keach Brook and tributaries. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0005047L-02

Peck Pond. Burrillville

B

WARM

RI0005047R-10

Unnamed tributary to Lake Washington. Glocester

B


RI0005047L-04

Lake Washington. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0005047L-10

Wilbur Pond. Burrillville

B


RI0005047L-03

Bowdish Reservoir. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0005047L-08

Clarksville Pond. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0005047R-01

Brown Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Burrillville

B


RI0005047L-09

Hawkins Pond. Glocester

B


RI0005047R-14

Unnamed tributaries through White’s Pond to confluence with Mowry Meadow Brook. Glocester

B

COLD

RI0005047R-03

Mowry Meadow Brook and tributaries (Shady Oak Brook). Glocester

B

WARM

RI0005047R-08

Cady Brook. Glocester

B

COLD

RI0005047R-07

Unnamed tributary to Killingly Pond. Glocester, Foster

B

WARM

RI0005047L-07

Killingly Pond. Glocester

B

WARM

RI0005047R-09

Unnamed tributaries to Bowdish reservoir. Burrillville, Glocester

B


RI0005047R-11

Unnamed tributaries to Wilbur Pond. Burrillville

B


RI0005047R-12

Unnamed tributaries to Wakefield Pond. Burrillville

B


2. Moosup River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0005011

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0005011R-07

Salisbury Brook and tributaries. Foster

A


RI0005011R-06

Quanduck Brook and tributaries. Foster

A

WARM

RI0005011L-06

Clark Pond. Foster

A

COLD

RI0005011R-03

Moosup River and tributaries. Foster, Coventry

A

COLD

RI0005011R-05

West Meadow Brook and tributaries. Foster

A

COLD

RI0005011L-07

Briggs Pond. Coventry

A


RI0005011L-02

Waterman Pond (Sisson Pond). Coventry

A


RI0005011R-02

Warwick Brook and tributaries. Coventry

A

COLD

RI0005011R-10

Unnamed tributary to Koszela Pond. Coventry

A

COLD

RI0005011L-08

Koszela Pond. Coventry

A


RI0005011R-09

Sawmill Brook and tributaries. Coventry

A


RI0005011R-01

Bucks Horn Brook and tributaries. Coventry

A

COLD

RI0005011L-01

Carbuncle Pond. Coventry

A

WARM

RI0005011L-05

Great Grass Pond. Coventry, West Greenwich

A


RI0005011L-04

Whitford Pond. Coventry

A


RI0005011L-09

Little Grass Pond. Coventry

A


RI0005011L-03

Arnold Pond. Coventry

A


RI0005011R-04

Roaring Brook and tributaries. Coventry

A

WARM

3. Beach Pond & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0005010

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0005010L-01

Beach Pond. Exeter

B

WARM

RI0005010R-01

Unnamed tributary to Beach Pond. Exeter

B


J. Pawtuxet River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0006

1. Big River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006012

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006012L-03

Milbrook Pond. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0006012R-04

Congdon River and tributaries. Exeter, West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0006012R-05

Nooseneck River and tributaries. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0006012R-06

Raccoon Brook. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0006012R-02

Big River and tributaries. West Greenwich

A


RI0006012L-01

Carr Pond. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0006012L-02

Tarbox Pond. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0006012R-03

Carr River and tributaries. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0006012R-07

Mud Bottom Brook. West Greenwich

A


RI0006012L-04

Capwell Mill Pond. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0006012L-05

Reynolds Pond to the Harkney Hill Road highway bridge. West Greenwich, Coventry

A

WARM

RI0006012R-01

Bear Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich, Coventry

A

COLD

2. Flat River Reservoir & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006013

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006013R-10

Turkey Meadow Brook and tributaries. Scituate, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-04

Negro Sawmill Brook. Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-06

Pine Swamp Brook. Foster, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-02

Flat River and tributaries. Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-03

McCuster Brook and tributaries. Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-09

Whaley Brook and tributaries. Foster, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013L-01

Flat River Reservoir (Johnson Pond). Coventry

B

WARM

RI0006013R-05

Pierce Brook and tributaries. Scituate, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-01

Boyd Brook. Scituate, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013L-13

Carr Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006013L-04

Quidneck Reservoir. Coventry

B

WARM

RI0006013R-08A


Quidneck Brook headwaters and tributaries to Quidneck Reservoir. Coventry

B


RI0006013R-08B


Quidneck Brook from the outlet of Quidneck Reservoir to Coventry Reservoir (Stump Pond). Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006013R-08C


Quidneck Brook from the outlet of Coventry Reservoir (Stump Pond) to Flat River Reservoir. Coventry

B




RI0006013L-03

Coventry Reservoir (Stump Pond). Coventry

B


RI0006013R-07

Poor Farm Brook and tributaries. Coventry

B


RI0006013L-14

Hall Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006013L-12

Maple Root Pond. Coventry

B


3. Pawtuxet River South Branch & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006014

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006014R-04A


Pawtuxet River South Branch from the Flat River Reservoir dam to the Quidnick Dye Mill dam. Coventry

B

WARM


RI0006014R-03

Old Hickory Brook. West Greenwich, Coventry

B


RI0006014L-01

Mishnock Lake. West Greenwich

B

WARM

RI0006014R-02

Mishnock River and tributaries. West Greenwich, Coventry

B

COLD

RI0006014L-07

Huron Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006014L-02

Tiogue Lake. Coventry

B

WARM

RI0006014L-08

Phelps Pond. West Greenwich

B


RI0006014L-04

Upper Dam Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006014L-06

Middle Dam Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006014R-04B#

Pawtuxet River South Branch from the Quidnick Dye Mill dam to its confluence with the North Branch of the Pawtuxet River. Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick

B1




WARM




RI0006014R-01

Hawkinson Brook and tributaries. West Warwick

B

COLD

RI0006014L-05

Matteson Pond. West Warwick

B


RI0006014R-05

Tributaries to Tiogue Lake. Coventry

B


4. Scituate Reservoir Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006015

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006015L-02

Ponagansett Reservoir. Glocester

AA


RI0006015R-20A




Ponagansett River headwaters and tributaries from the outlet of Ponagansett Reservoir to the confluence with Shippee Brook. Glocester, Foster

AA




WARM




RI0006015R-23

Shippee Brook and tributaries. Foster

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-34

Huntington Brook. Foster

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-20B




Ponagansett River and tributaries from the confluence with Shippee Brook to Scituate Reservoir, excluding Barden Reservoir.

Glocester, Foster

AA




COLD




RI0006015L-05

Shippee Saw Mill Pond. Foster

AA

WARM

RI0006015R-09

Hannah Brook. Glocester

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-01

Allen Richard Brook. Glocester

AA


RI0006015R-13

Killy Brook. Glocester, Foster

AA


RI0006015R-30

Windsor Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Foster

AA

COLD

RI0006015L-09

Brush Meadow Pond. Foster, Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-08

Dolly Cole Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Foster, Scituate

AA

WARM

RI0006015L-06

Barden Reservoir. Foster, Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-17

Paine Brook and tributaries. Foster

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-10

Hemlock Brook and tributaries. Foster

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-26

Swamp Brook. Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-27

Westconnaug Brook and tributaries. Foster

AA


RI0006015L-03

Westconnaug Reservoir. Foster, Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-28

Westconnaug Stream and tributaries. Foster, Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-02

Bear Tree Brook. Foster, Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015L-10

King Pond. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-14

King Brook. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-06

Cork Brook. Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-32

Potterville Brook and tributaries. Foster, Scituate

AA

WARM

RI0006015R-29

Wilbur Hollow Brook and tributaries. Scituate

AA

WARM

RI0006015L-07@

Scituate Reservoir. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-25

Spruce Brook and tributaries. Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-31

Hunt Brook. Glocester

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-19A


Peeptoad Brook headwaters and tributaries to Coomer Lake. Glocester

AA


COLD


RI0006015L-08

Coomer's Lake. Glocester

AA


RI0006015R-19B


Peeptoad Brook and tributaries from the outlet of Coomer Lake to Regulating Reservoir. Glocester, Scituate.

AA


WARM


RI0006015R-18

Mosquitohawk Brook and tributaries. Glocester, Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015L-13

Lake Aldersgate. Glocester

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-11

Huntinghouse Brook. Glocester, Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-22

Rush Brook and tributaries. Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015R-24

Soak Hide Brook. Scituate

AA

COLD

RI0006015L-01

Regulating Reservoir. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-03

Blanchard Brook. Scituate

AA

WARM

RI0006015L-14

Kimball Reservoir. Johnston

AA


RI0006015R-16

Moswansicut Stream. Scituate

AA


RI0006015L-04

Moswansicut Pond. Scituate, Johnston

AA




RI0006015R-05

Bullhead Brook. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-04

Brandy Brook. Scituate

AA


RI0006015L-11

Pine Swamp Pond. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-21

Quonopaug River and tributaries. Scituate

AA


RI0006015L-12

Betty Pond. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-12

Kent Brook and tributary. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-07

Coventry Brook. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-33

Unnamed tributaries to Ponagansett Reservoir. Glocester

AA


RI0006015R-35

Unnamed tributaries to Westconnaug Reservoir. Foster

AA


RI0006015R-36

Unnamed tributaries to Scituate Reservoir. Scituate

AA


RI0006015R-37

Unnamed tributaries to Betty Pond. Cranston, Scituate

AA


5. Pawtuxet River North Branch & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006016

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006016R-06A

Pawtuxet River North Branch from Gainer Memorial Dam to 0.5 mile downstream. Scituate

A

COLD

RI0006016R-03

Colvin Brook. Scituate

B

COLD

RI0006016R-06B

Pawtuxet River North Branch from 0.5 mile downstream of the Gainer Memorial Dam to the Arkwright Dam. Scituate, Coventry, and Cranston

B

COLD

RI0006016R-08

Unnamed tributary #1 to North Branch Pawtuxet River. Scituate, Coventry

A

COLD

RI0006016R-07

Burlingame Brook. Coventry, Scituate

B

COLD

RI0006016R-04

Cranberry Brook. Scituate

B

COLD

RI0006016L-02

J.L. Curran Reservoir (Fiskeville Reservoir). Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006016R-02

Clarke Brook. Cranston

B

COLD

RI0006016R-06C

Pawtuxet River North Branch from the Arkwright Dam to the confluence of the North and South Branches of the Pawtuxet River at Riverpoint. Scituate, Coventry, Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006016L-01

Black Rock Reservoir. Coventry

B

WARM

RI0006016R-01

Black Rock Brook and tributaries. Coventry

B

WARM

RI0006016L-03

Fones Pond. Coventry

B


RI0006016R-05

Lippet Brook and tributaries. Cranston, West Warwick

B

WARM

RI0006016R-10

Unnamed tributary #3 to North Branch Pawtuxet River. Coventry

A


6. Pawtuxet River Main Stem & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006017

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006017R-03#

Pawtuxet River from the confluence of the North and South Branches at Riverpoint to the Pawtuxet Cove Dam at Pawtuxet. West Warwick, Warwick, Cranston

B1

WARM

RI0006017R-01

Furnace Hill Brook and tributaries. Johnston, Cranston

B

COLD

RI0006017L-01

Meshanticut Pond. Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006017R-02

Meshanticut Brook and tributaries. Cranston, Warwick

B

WARM

RI0006017L-02

Three Ponds. Warwick

B


RI0006017R-04

Three Pond Brook. Warwick

B


RI0006017L-10

Tongue Pond. Cranston

B


RI0006017L-07

Spectacle Pond. Cranston

B


RI0006017L-06

Mashapaug Pond. Providence

B

WARM

RI0006017L-05

Roger Williams Park Ponds. Providence

B

WARM

RI0006017L-08

Fenner Pond. Cranston

B


RI0006017L-09

Sand Pond (N. of Airport). Warwick

B


RI0006017R-05

Lakewood Brook. Warwick.

B


7. Pocasset River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0006018

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0006018R-03A

Pocasset River and tributaries from the headwaters to the inlet of Printworks Pond. Johnston, Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-01

Oak Swamp Reservoir. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018R-02A

Dry Brook and tributaries from the outlet of Oak Swamp Reservoir to a point 0.3 miles below Almy Reservoir at the discharge point of Medical Homes of R.I., excluding Almy Reservoir. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-02

Almy Reservoir. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018R-02B

Dry Brook and tributaries from a point 0.3 miles below Almy Reservoir to its confluence with the Pocasset River. Johnston

B1


RI0006018R-01

Cedar Swamp Brook and tributaries. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-03

Simmons Reservoir. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018R-04

Simmons Brook and tributaries. Johnston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-08

Stone Pond. Cranston

B


RI0006018L-04

Randall Pond. Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-07

Dyer Pond. Cranston

B


RI0006018L-05

Print Works Pond. Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006018R-03B

Pocasset River and tributaries from the outlet of Printworks Pond to the confluence with the Pawtuxet River. Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006018L-06

Blackamore Pond. Cranston

B

WARM

RI0006018R-05

Unnamed tributaries to Summons Reservoir. Johnston, Cranston

B


K. Narragansett Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0007

1. Seekonk River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007019

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007019E-01

Seekonk River from the Slater Mill Dam at Main Street in Pawtucket to India Point in Providence. Pawtucket, Providence, and East Providence

SB1{a}


2. Providence River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007020

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007020E-01B

Providence River from its confluence with the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers in Providence south and south of a line from India Point to Bold Point (across the mouth of the Seekonk River), to a line extending from a point on shore due east of Naushon Avenue in Warwick to the western terminus of beach Road in East Providence, including Watchemoket Cove. East Providence, Providence, Cranston and Warwick.

SB1{a}


RI0007020E-01A

Providence River south of a line from a point on shore due east of Naushon Avenue in Warwick to the western terminus of Beach Road in East Providence and north of a line from Conimicut Point in Warwick to Old Tower at Nayatt Point in Barrington. East Providence, Warwick, Barrington

SB{a}


RI0007020R-08

Tributary to Occupessatuxet Cove. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007020R-05

Mosskettuash Brook and tributaries. East Providence

B

WARM

RI0007020R-02

Annawomscott Brook. East Providence, Barrington

B

WARM

RI0007020L-04

Posnegansett Pond. Warwick

A


RI0007020L-06

Prince's Pond (Tiffany Pond). Barrington

SA


RI0007020L-02

Brickyard Pond. Barrington

B

WARM

RI0007020R-01

Mussuchuck Creek. Barrington

B


RI0007020R-03

Tributaries to Echo Lake. Barrington

B

WARM

RI0007020L-07

Echo Lake. Barrington

B

WARM

RI0007020R-07

Tributaries to Passeonkquis Cove. Warwick

B


3. Upper Narragansett Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007024

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007024E-01

Upper Narragansett Bay from Conimicut Point-Nayatt Point boundary south, including waters south of a line from Adams Point, Barrington to Jacobs Point, Warren, to a line from Warwick Point in Warwick through Providence Point on Prudence Island, to Popasquash Point in Bristol. Warwick, Barrington, Bristol, Portsmouth, Warren

SA


RI0007024R-06

Rumstick Run. Barrington

A


RI0007024L-01

Sandy Pond (Little Pond, south of airport). Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-10

Unnamed tributary to Spring Green Pond. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024L-03

Spring Green Pond. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-05

Tributaries to Warwick Pond. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024L-02

Warwick Pond. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-01

Buckeye Brook and tributaries. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-02

Parsonage (Knowles) Brook. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-04

Warner Brook. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024R-03

Lockwood Brook and tributaries. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007024E-02

Old Mill Creek. Warwick

SA


RI0007024R-08

Tributaries to Mill Gut, Colt State Park. Bristol

A


4. Barrington & Runnins Rivers Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007021

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007021R-01

Runnins River and tributaries from the MA-RI border to the Mobil Dam in East Providence. Providence, East Providence

B

WARM

RI0007021R-02

Tributaries to Barrington River. Barrington

A

WARM

RI0007021E-01A

Barrington River from the Mobil Dam in East Providence to the East Bay Bike Path trestle in Barrington approximately 2500 feet north of the confluence with the Palmer River. East Providence, Barrington

SA


RI0007021E-01B

Barrington River from the East Bay Bike Path trestle, south approximately 2500 feet to the confluence with the Palmer River. Barrington

SB1


5. Palmer River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007022

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007022E-01A

Palmer River from the MA-RI border to the East Bay Bike Path trestle in Warren, approximately 2500 feet north of the confluence with the Barrington River. Warren, Barrington

SA


RI0007022E-01B

Palmer River from the East Bay Bike Path trestle in Warren, south approximately 2500 feet to the confluence with the Barrington River. Warren, Barrington

SB1


RI0007022R-02

Unnamed tributary #2 to Palmer River. Warren

A


6. Warren River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007023

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007023E-01A

Warren River from the confluence with the Barrington and Palmer Rivers, approximately 2500 feet south of the East Bay Bike Path trestles, south to a line between the concrete jetty at the north end of the Warren Town Beach through Nun Buoy 18 and its extension to the Barrington Shore. Barrington, Warren.

SB1


RI0007023E-01B

Warren River waters south of a line from the concrete jetty at the north end of the Warren Town Beach through Nun Buoy 18 and its extension to the Barrington shore and north of a line from Adams Point in Barrington to Jacobs Point in Warren. Warren, Barrington.

SB


RI0007023R-01

Tributaries to Warren River. Warren, Bristol

B


7. Greenwich Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007025

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007025R-02

Cedar Brook and tributaries. West Warwick

B


RI0007025R-01

Hardig Brook and tributaries. West Warwick, Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007025R-14

Mill Brook. Warwick

B


RI0007025R-13

Gorton Pond tributary. Warwick

B


RI0007025L-01

Gorton Pond. Warwick

B

WARM

RI0007025R-11

Greenwood Creek. Warwick

B


RI0007025E-01

Apponaug Cove waters north and west of a line from the RIDEM range marker located at the end of Neptune Lane in Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at Cedar Tree Point. Warwick

SB


RI0007025E-07

Mary’s Creek. Warwick

SB


RI0007025E-04A

Greenwich Bay waters north and west of a line from the eastern extremity of Sandy Point on Potowomut Neck, East Greenwich, to the flag pole located at the Warwick Country Club on Warwick Neck; east of a line from the northerly point of Long Point to the southerly point of Chepiwanoxet Point, and east of a line from the RIDEM range marker located on the NECO Pole #6 at the end of Neptune St. in Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at the extension of Capron Farm Drive in Nausauket. Warwick, East Greenwich

SA


RI0007025E-04B

Greenwich Bay waters north and west of a line from the RIDEM range marker located on the NECO Pole#6 at the end of Neptune Street in Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at the extension of Capron Farm Drive in Nausauket, , and east of a line from the RIDEM range marker located at the end of Neptune St. in Chepiwanoxet to the RIDEM range marker located at Cedar Tree Point. Warwick

SA


RI0007025R-06

Baker Creek. Warwick

A


RI0007025R-05

Tuscatucket Brook. Warwick

A

WARM

RI0007025R-09

Southern Creek (Carpenter Brook). Warwick

A

WARM

RI0007025E-02

Brushneck Cove. Warwick

SA


RI0007025E-03

Buttonwoods Cove. Warwick

SA


RI0007025R-07

Fosters Brook. Warwick

B


RI0007025R-08

Oakside Street Brook. Warwick

B


RI0007025E-06A

Warwick Cove north of a line from the easternmost extension of Burr Avenue on Horse Neck to the westernmost extension of Meadow Avenue on the east shore. Warwick

SB


RI0007025E-06B

Warwick Cove south of a line from the easternmost extension of Burr Avenue on Horse Neck to the southernmost point of the Harbor Light Marina parking lot on the east shore and north of a line from the southeastern most riprap jetty at the entrance of Warwick Cove, located at the southeastern end of Oakland Beach to the southern (landward) end of Dorr's Dock on Warwick Neck, excluding the waters noted below in RI0007025E-06C. Warwick

SA


RI0007025E-06C

Warwick Cove in the vicinity of Captain’s Shellfish. Warwick

SB


RI0007025R-16

Saddle Brook. West Warwick, Warwick, East Greenwich

B

COLD

RI0007025R-03

Maskerchugg River. Warwick, East Greenwich

B

WARM

RI0007025R-17

Nichols River. East Greenwich

B

WARM

RI0007025R-04

Dark Entry Brook. Warwick, East Greenwich

B

WARM

RI0007025E-05A

Greenwich Cove south of Long Point. East Greenwich, Warwick

SB1


RI0007025E-05B

Greenwich Cove north of Long Point and west of a line extending from the northerly point of Long Point to the southerly point of Chepiwanoxet Peninsula. East Greenwich, Warwick

SB


RI0007025R-12

Unnamed Brook to Gorton Pond. Warwick

B


8. Potowomut River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007028

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007028R-06

Scrabbletown Brook. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0007028R-03A

Hunt River headwaters to Frenchtown Road. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0007028R-01

Frenchtown Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich, East Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0007028R-04

Mawney Brook and tributaries. East Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0007028R-03B

Hunt River and tributaries from Frenchtown Road to the Brown and Sharpe discharge point located approximately 0.55 miles downstream of Frenchtown Road. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0007028R-02

Fry Brook and tributaries. West Warwick, East Greenwich

B

COLD

RI0007028R-03C

Hunt River from the Brown and Sharpe discharge point located approximately 0.55 miles downstream of Frenchtown Road to Austin Road. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

B1

COLD

RI0007028R-07

Pierce Brook. East Greenwich

B


RI0007028L-01

Potowomut Pond. North Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0007028R-03D

Hunt River, excluding Potowomut Pond, from Austin Road to the tidal waters of the Potowomut River approximately 1000 feet south of the Forge Road Bridge. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0007028R-05

Sandhill Brook and tributaries. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007028E-01A

The water of the Potowomut River west of a line from the RIDEM range marker (41 39.364’N and 71 24.947’W) on the northern shoreline to the southwestern landward end of the stone jetty and CRMC Dock #1971 on the opposite southern shoreline at 51 Pojac Point Road North Kingstown. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

SA


RI0007028E-01B

The waters of the Potowomut River east of a line from the RIDEM range marker (41 39.364’N and 71 24.947’W) on the northern shoreline to the southwestern landward end of the stone jetty and CRMC Dock #1971 on the opposite southern shoreline at 51 Pojac Point Road North Kingstown. East Greenwich, North Kingstown

SA


9. West Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007027

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007027E-03A

West Passage waters south of a line extending from the shore in the vicinity of High Bank Ave, North Kingstown, running due east through buoy N”6” and terminating at the shoreline of Prudence Island; west of a line from the southernmost point on Prudence Island to the northernmost point on Jamestown, and north of a line from Cormorant Point at the mouth of Pettaquamscutt River, Narragansett to Beavertail, Jamestown, excluding all the West Passage, Allen's Harbor and Wickford Harbor waters. Warwick, East Greenwich, Portsmouth, North Kingstown, Jamestown, Narragansett.

SA


RI0007027R-10

Tibbets Creek and tributaries. North Kingstown

A


RI0007027E-01A

Allen's Harbor waters north of a line extending from the westernmost indentation of the cove which is immediately north of the easternmost curve of Westcott Road to the northernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown

SA{b}


RI0007027E-01B

Allen's Harbor waters south and east of a line extending from the westernmost indentation of the cove which is immediately north of the easternmost curve of Westcott Road to the northernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown

SB


RI0007027E-05

Little Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown

SB


RI0007027E-03B

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Piers No. 1 and No. 2 at the Davisville Depot as defined by the following geographical coordinates: RIDEM Range Marker located along the north side of Pier No. 2 Lat 41.6154N/ Long -71.4034W; 41.6165N/ Long -71.4026W; Lat 41.6153N/Long -71.3995W; Nun Buoy 16; Lat 41.6082N/Long -71.4020W and the point south of the end of the bulkhead located south of Pier No. 1 at 41.6115N/Long -71.4098W.North Kingstown.

SB


RI0007027E-03C

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point within 1500 feet of shore from the western end of the carrier pier to a point 1000 feet north of Quonset Point. North Kingstown

SB1


RI0007027E-03D

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point exclusive of those waters described in RI0007027E-03A, RI0007027E-03C, RI0007027E-03E, and RI0007027E-03F, north and east of the intersection of a line extending from Fourth Street, Sauga Point, North Kingstown, southeast to the northeastern most point on Fox Island and a line drawn from the Wickford Lighthouse to Buoy R 6, west of a line from Buoy R 6 to Nun Buoy 10, south of a line from Nun Buoy 10 through F G Buoy 11 extended to the shore. North Kingstown.

SB


RI0007027E-03E*

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point that are south of a line from the northeastern end of the bulkhead at Quonset State Airport to Nun Buoy 10; and north of a line from Nun Buoy 10 through F G Buoy 11 extended to the shore. North Kingstown

SA


RI0007027E-03F*

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Quonset Point that lie within the following intersection of lines: south of a line from the Wickford Lighthouse to Buoy R 6; west of a line from Fox Island to Nun Buoy 8; east and north of a line from the Southerly extension of Second Street in the Sauga Point area in North Kingstown, to the western extremity of Sand Point on Jamestown. North Kingstown

SA


RI0007027E-03G*

West Passage waters in the vicinity of Sauga Point, North Kingstown defined by the intersection of a line from the southerly extension of Second Street in the Sauga Point area to the western extremity of Sand Point on Jamestown, with a line extending from Fourth Street in the Sauga Point area, southeast to the northeastern most point on Fox Island. North Kingstown

SA


RI0007027L-05

Davol Pond. North Kingstown

A


RI0007027L-06

Frys Pond. North Kingstown

A


RI0007027R-11

Hall Creek. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027R-05

Pine River from headwaters to confluence with Mill Creek. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007027R-06

Mill Creek and tributaries from headwaters to Camp Avenue culvert. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007027R-03

Cocumcussoc Brook and tributaries. North Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0007027E-04B

Wickford Harbor including Mill Cove and the estuarine portion of Mill Creek, west of a line extending from the northern extremity of Big Rock Point to the southern extremity of Cornelius Island, and west and south of a line extending from the northern extremity of Cornelius Island, to a point 1000 feet north of Calf Neck. North Kingstown

SB


RI0007027E-04A

Wickford Harbor outer waters and Fishing Cove east of a line extending from the northern extremity of Big Rock Point to the southern extremity of Cornelius Island, and east and north of a line extending from the northern extremity of Cornelius Island to a point 1000 feet north of Calf Neck, and west of Sauga point breakwater and a line from the light at the southern end of Sauga Point breakwater to the northern end of the Poplar Point breakwater. North Kingstown

SA{b}


RI0007027R-02

Belleville Upper Pond Inlet. North Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0007027L-02

Belleville Ponds. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007027L-04

Kettle Hole Pond. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027R-04

Kettle Hole Pond to Secret Lake and tributaries. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027L-03

Secret Lake. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007027R-07

Oak Hill Brook. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027R-01

Annaquatucket River and tributaries. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0007027L-01

Annaquatucket Mill Pond. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027E-02A

Bissel Cove waters west of a line from the RIDEM Range marker on the north shore of Bissel Cove in the vicinity of “The Homestead", to the range marker on the southern shore of Bissel Cove. North Kingstown

SA


RI0007027E-02B

Bissel Cove waters east of a line from the RIDEM Range marker on the north shore of Bissel Cove in the vicinity of ‘The Homestead", to the range marker on the southern shore of Bissel Cove. North Kingstown

SA


RI0007027R-09

Wannuchecomecut Brook and tributaries. North Kingstown

A

WARM

RI0007027E-03H

West Passage waters within a 700 foot radius of the extension Of South Ferry Road at the URI Bay Campus, including the EPA dock located north of South Ferry Road and the GSO dock located south of South Ferry Road. Narragansett

SB


RI0007027R-08

Great Creek freshwater portion from headwaters to estuarine portion in Round Swamp. Jamestown

A


RI0007027E-03I

West Passage waters off Jamestown in the vicinity of West Ferry/Dutch Island Harbor, from a point on the shore of the western coast of Jamestown which is due east of the Dutch Island pier, to the Fort Getty Pier on Beaverhead Point, to a point at the southern terminus of Maple Avenue. Jamestown

SA{b}


RI0007027E-07

Wesquage Pond. Narragansett

SA


RI0007027E-03J

West Passage waters south of a line from the eastern extremity of Sandy Point on Potowomut Neck, East Greenwich, to the flagpole located at the Warwick Country club on Warwick Neck; south of a line from the southernmost extremity of Warwick Point on Warwick Neck, to the northernmost point on Prudence Island (Providence Point); north of a line extending from the shore in the vicinity of High Bank Ave, North Kingstown, running due east through buoy N”6” and terminating at the shoreline of Prudence Island. Warwick, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Portsmouth.

SA


RI0007027E-03K

Fox Hill Pond in its entirety. Jamestown

SA


RI0007027E-03L

Sheffield Cove waters in Jamestown south of a line from the range marker located at the western extension of Maple Avenue to the range marker located at the northernmost point of land on the opposite western shore at the entrance to the cove. Jamestown.

SA


RI0007027E-06

Jenny Pond, Prudence Island. Portsmouth

SA


RI0007027R-18

Unnamed Tributary #2 to Allen's Harbor. North Kingstown

B


RI0007027R-22

Unnamed Tributaries to Wesquage Pond. Narragansett

A


10. Bristol Harbor Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007026

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007026E-01B

Bristol Harbor waters west of a line from range marker located on Pole #20 Popasquash Rd. at the northernmost indentation of Bristol Harbor to the RIDEM range marker located at the northernmost extremity of Hog Island and north of a line from the CRMC Permitted Dock #419 located at 163 Poppasquash Rd to the most north-western corner of the Rockwell Pier municipal parking lot in Bristol Harbor. Bristol

SA{b}


RI0007026E-01A

Bristol Harbor waters north of a line extending from Popasquash Point to the northernmost extremity of Hog Island and west of a line from the northernmost extremity of Hog Island to the northernmost indentation of the harbor and south of a line from the CRMC Permitted Dock #419 located at 163 Poppasquash Rd to the most north-western corner of the Rockwell Pier municipal parking lot in Bristol Harbor. Bristol

SA


RI0007026E-01C

Bristol Harbor waters east of a line extending from the northernmost indentation of Bristol Harbor to the northeast extremity of Hog Island and west of a line extending from McKee's Warf on Bristol Neck to the Coast Guard dock and north of a line extending from the northeast extremity of Hog Island to Mckee's Wharf on Bristol Neck. Bristol

SB


RI0007026E-01D

Bristol Harbor waters east of a line extending from McKee's Wharf north to the Coast Guard dock. Bristol

SB1


RI0007026R-01

Silver Creek. Bristol

B

WARM

RI0007026R-02

Walker Creek and tributary. Bristol

B


RI0007026E-02

Mill Pond. Bristol

SB


11. East Passage Narragansett Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007029

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007029E-01A

East Passage waters south of a line extending from the southernmost tip of Gull Point, Prudence Island, to the southernmost tip of Popasquash Point, Bristol, to the northern tip of Hog Island, to McKee’s Wharf on Bristol Neck; west of a line across the mouth of Mt Hope Bay; south of a line from the southern point on Prudence Island to the northernmost point on Jamestown; north of a line from the southernmost point of Beavertail on Jamestown to the southernmost tip of Brenton Point, Newport; exclusive of the East Passage waters, Coasters Harbor and Coddington Cove waters (RI0007029E-01D, RI0007029E-01N, RI0007029E-01C, RI0007029E-01B, RI0007029E-01E, RI0007029E-01F, RI0007029E-01G, RI0007029E-01H, RI0007029E-01I, RI0007029E-01J, RI0007029E-01K, RI0007029E-01L, RI0007029E-01M, RI0007029E-01O, RI0007030E-01A, RI0007030E-01B, RI0007030E-01C, and RI0007030E-01D) . Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Jamestown.

SA


RI0007029R-05

Mill Creek. Prudence Island, Portsmouth.

A

COLD

RI0007029E-03

Potter Cove. Prudence Island, Portsmouth

SA{b}


RI0007029E-04

Nag Pond. Prudence Island, Portsmouth

SA


RI0007029R-02

Barker Brook. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007029R-03

Bloody Brook. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007029L-01

Melville Ponds. Portsmouth

A


RI0007029R-04

Melville Ponds tributary. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007029R-08

Unnamed tributary #1 to East Passage. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007029E-01D

East Passage waters east of a line drawn from Coggeshall Point southwesterly to the southeastern most point of Dyer Island and the area east of a line drawn from Carr Point northwesterly to the southeastern most point of Dyer Island. Portsmouth

SB1


RI0007029R-01B

Mother of Hope Brook from Redwood Road, Portsmouth, to East Passage, Narragansett Bay. Portsmouth.

B1

WARM

RI0007029R-01A

Mother of Hope Brook from the headwaters south of Greene Lane, Middletown, to Redwood Road, Portsmouth. Middletown, Portsmouth

B

WARM

RI0007029E-01N*

East Passage waters south of a line from the RIDEM range marker located just south of Carr Point to Buoy "GR C" located at Fiske Rock, and north and east of a line from the RIDEM range marker located approximately 2,300 feet north of the former Blue Gold Pier, to Nun Buoy "22". Portsmouth, Middletown

SA


RI0007029R-09

Unnamed tributary #2 to East Passage. Middletown

A

WARM

RI0007029R-10

Unnamed tributary #3 to East Passage. Middletown

A

WARM

RI0007029E-01C

East Passage waters in the vicinity of McAlister Point. Middletown

SA


RI0007029E-01B*

East Passage waters east of a line from range marker painted on the shoreline approximately 500 feet west of the monument flagpole located in Fort Adams State Park to the Rose Island light, east of a line from the Rose Island light to Navy buoy W or "D" located at the southeast side of Gould Island, east of a line from Navy buoy W or "D" off Gould Island to buoy GR C at Fiske Rock, south of a line from buoy GR C at Fiske Rock to the eastern (landward) end of the former dock site located approximately 800 feet north of Greene Lane, Middletown, and west of the Newport Harbor/Coddington Cove SB and SB1 waters described in waterbody ID's RI0007030E-01A, RI0007030E-01B, RI0007030E-01C, and RI0007030E-01D. Newport, Middletown

SA


RI0007029E-01E

East Passage waters within 500 feet of the firing pier at the U.S. Navy torpedo testing station at the northern end of Gould Island. Jamestown

SB


RI0007029E-01F

East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point which are within a 300 foot radius of the Jamestown WWTF outfall. Jamestown

SB1


RI0007029E-01G

East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point, exclusive of those waters described directly above, south of a line extending from the northernmost extremity of Taylor Point to Can Buoy 13, north of a line from a point of land on the Jamestown shore approximately 1000 feet south of the Newport Bridge extending eastward to the northernmost extremity of Rose Island and within 1000 feet of the shoreline of Jamestown. Jamestown

SB


RI0007029E-01H

East Passage waters in the vicinity of East Ferry, Jamestown, and west of a line from Bryer Point to Lincoln Street. Jamestown

SB


RI0007029E-01I

East Passage waters in the vicinity of Wharton's Shipyard which are south and west of a line from a point of land approximately 3000 feet north of Bull Point to the northernmost of "The Dumplings", and west of a line from the northernmost of "The Dumplings" to a point of land approximately 1000 feet north of Bull Point. Jamestown

SB


RI0007029E-01J

East Passage waters bound on the north by a line extending 1000 feet seaward from shore at the base of the Newport Bridge; bound to the east by a line extending 1000 feet seaward of the shoreline and bound to the south by a line extending from Bull Point to buoy G"11", excluding the Class SB waters described in RI0007029E-01H and RI0007029E-01I. Jamestown

SA{b}


RI0007029E-01K

East Passage waters in the vicinity of the Fort Wetherill Boat Basin that are west of the extension of a line from the southeast corner of the pier at Forth Wetherill, through the northeast corner of the pier at Fort Wetherill to the opposite northern shore. Jamestown

SB


RI0007029E-01L

Castle Hill Cove. Newport

SB


RI0007029E-01M*

East Passage waters in the vicinity of Taylor Point and East Ferry, Jamestown, south of a line from the northern most tip of Taylor Point to buoy R14 located off Coasters Harbor in Newport; west of a line from buoy N2 located at the south end of Gould Island through buoy C13, to the House on the rocks located in "The Dumplings"; east of a line from the northernmost tip of Taylor Point to Bull Point which is 1000 feet seaward of the shoreline exclusive of the SB and SA{b} waters described in waterbody ID's: RI0007029E-01K, RI0007029E-01J, RI0007029E-01I, RI0007029E-01H, RI0007029E-01G, and RI0007029E-01F. Jamestown

SA


RI0007029E-02

Mackerel Cove. Jamestown

SA


RI0007029E-01O

East Passage waters south of a line from the northern tip of Prudence Island to the southernmost tip of Popasquash Point, Bristol; north of a line extending from the southernmost tip of Popasquash Point to the southernmost tip of Gull Point, Prudence Island. Portsmouth, Bristol

SA


12. Newport Harbor/Coddington Cove Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007030

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007030E-01A

Coddington Cove waters north of a line from buoy (FLR) bell 14 to Bishop Rock and southeast of a line from buoy (FLR) bell 14 through Nun buoy 16 at Coddington point and its extension to the end of the Coddington Cove breakwater. Newport, Middletown

SB


RI0007030E-01B

Newport Harbor waters in the vicinity of Bishop Rock which are within 500 feet of the Newport marine sewer outfall. Newport

SB1


RI0007030E-01C

Newport Harbor waters east of a line from Fort Adams light to Rose Island light, to buoy (FLR) bell 14 and south of a line from buoy (FLR) bell 14 to Bishop Rock, excluding Coaster's Harbor (RI0007030E-01D) and the inner Newport Harbor waters (RI0007030E-01E). Newport

SB


RI0007030E-01D

Coaster's Harbor waters east of a line from Bishop Rock to the northernmost point of Coaster's Harbor Island and north of the Training Station Road bridge. Newport

SB


RI0007030R-01

Unnamed tributary to Newport Harbor. Newport

B

WARM

RI0007030E-01E

Newport Harbor waters east and south of a line from the southernmost point of Coaster’s Harbor Island to the northern most point of Goat’s Island, then from the southwestern most point of Goat’s Island to the northern most of Fort Adams. Newport

SB


13. Jamestown Water Supply Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007036

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007036L-01@

North Carr Pond. Jamestown

AA


RI0007036L-02@

South Watson Pond. Jamestown

AA


RI0007036R-01

Jamestown Brook. Jamestown

AA

WARM

14. Aquidneck Water Supply Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007035

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007035L-05@

Saint Mary's Pond. Portsmouth

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-10

Sisson Pond. Portsmouth

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-06

Sisson Pond Brook. Portsmouth

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-07

Unnamed tributary to Lawton Valley Reservoir. Portsmouth

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-06@

Lawton Valley Reservoir. Portsmouth

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-04

Lawton Brook. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007035R-01

Bailey's Brook and tributaries. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-03@

North Easton Pond (Green End Pond). Middletown, Newport

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-05

Tributaries to South Easton Pond. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-04@

South Easton Pond. Middletown, Newport

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-02A

Maidford River from the headwaters to the water supply diversion near Paradise Ct. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-02@

Nelson Paradise Pond. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-03

Paradise Brook. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-01@

Gardiner Pond. Middletown

AA

WARM

RI0007035R-02B

Maidford River from the water supply diversion near Paradise Ct. to Hanging Rock Rd., Middletown.

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-07@

Watson Reservoir. Little Compton

AA

WARM

RI0007035L-08@

Nonquit Pond. Tiverton

AA

WARM

RI0007035E-01

Maidford River from Hanging Rock Rd to Third Beach. Middletown

SA


15. Warren Reservoir Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007034

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007034R-01

Upper Kickemuit River from the Kickemuit (Warren) Reservoir north to the RI-MA border. Warren

AA


RI0007034L-01@

Kickemuit Reservoir (Warren Reservoir). Warren

AA


16. Kickemuit River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007033

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007033E-01A

Kickemuit River from the Child Street bridge (Route 103) in Warren, south to the river mouth at "Bristol Narrows" excluding the waters in RI0007033E-01B and RI0007033E-01C. Bristol, Warren

SA


RI0007033E-01B

Kickemuit River south of a line from the eastern extension of Kickemuit Avenue in Bristol to the DEM range marker located on the western tip of Little Neck in Touisset, and north of a line from the DEM range markers located on the east shore and west shore at the entrance to the Kickemuit River including the "Bristol Narrows" in its entirety. Bristol, Warren

SA{b}


RI0007033E-01C

Kickemuit River west of a line from the DEM range marker located on the western tip of Little Neck in Touisset to the brick stack located at 426 Metacom Avenue in Warren (formally known as the Carol Cable Building), north of a line from the eastern extension of Sherman Avenue in Bristol to the western extension of Chase Avenue Touisset, and south of a line from the eastern extension of Harris Avenue in Warren to the "5 MPH No Wake" buoy. Bristol, Warren

SA{b}


RI0007033R-01

Tributaries to Kickemuit River. Warren

A


17. Mt. Hope Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007032

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007032E-01D

Mt. Hope Bay waters south and west of the MA-RI border and north of a line from Borden's Wharf, Tiverton to buoy R "4" and east of a line from buoy R "4" to Brayton Point in Somerset, MA. Bristol, Portsmouth and Tiverton.

SB1


RI0007032E-01C

Mt. Hope Bay waters south of a line from Borden's Wharf, Tiverton, to buoy R "4" and west of a line from buoy R "4" to Brayton Point, Somerset, MA., and east of a line from the end of Gardiner's Neck Road in Swansea to buoy N "2", through buoy C “3” to Common Fence Point, Portsmouth, and north of a line from Portsmouth to Tiverton at the railroad bridge at "The Hummocks" on the northeast point of Portsmouth. Portsmouth

SB


RI0007032E-01A*

Mt. Hope Bay south and west of the MA/RI border, and east of a line from Touisset Point to the channel marker buoy R "4" and south and east of a line from buoy R "4" to the southernmost landward end of Bristol Point and south of a line from Bristol Point to the Hog Island shoal light, to the southwestern extremity of Arnold Point in Portsmouth where a RIDEM range marker has been established; and west of a line from the end of Gardiner's Neck Road, Swansea to buoy N"2", through buoy C”3” to Common Fence Point, Portsmouth excluding the waters defined in RI0007032E-01E. Warren, Portsmouth

SA


RI0007032R-06

Unnamed tributary #5 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007032R-07

Unnamed tributary #6 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007032R-08

Unnamed tributary #7 to Mt. Hope Bay. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0007032E-01B

Mt. Hope Bay waters north and west of a line from the southernmost landward end of Bristol Point to buoy R "4" and west of a line from buoy R "4" to the DEM range marker on Touisset Point, and south of the Bristol Narrows. Bristol, Warren

SA


RI0007032E-01E

Waters approximately 85 feet off the Weyerhauser Dock as defined by the following geographical coordinates:-71.265042 west longitude 41.625144 north latitude;-71.265032 west longitude 41.627148 north latitude;-71.264225 west longitude 41.627147 north latitude;-71.264177 west longitude 41.625455 north latitude. Portsmouth

SB


RI0007032R-01

Founders Brook. Portsmouth

A

WARM

18. Stafford Pond Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0007037

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0007037L-01@

Stafford Pond. Tiverton

AA

WARM

RI0007037R-01

Sucker Brook. Tiverton

A

WARM

RI0007037R-03

Unnamed tributary #1 to South Watuppa Pond, MA. Tiverton

A


L. Pawcatuck River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0008

1. Pawcatuck River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0008039

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0008039L-21

The Reservoir. Exeter

A

WARM

RI0008039R-06D

Chipuxet River headwaters to the entrance of The Reservoir. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-06A

Chipuxet River from the outlet of The Reservoir to the entrance of Yawgoo Mill Pond. North Kingstown, Exeter

A

WARM

RI0008039L-16

Yawgoo Mill Pond. Exeter

A


RI0008039R-06B

Chipuxet River and tributaries from outlet of Yawgoo Mill Pond to the entrance of Hundred Acre Pond. Exeter, South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039L-13

Hundred Acre Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-06C

Chipuxet River from outlet of Hundred Acre Pond to the entrance into Worden Pond, excluding Thirty Acre Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039L-12

Thirty Acre Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039L-07

Worden Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-27A

White Horn Brook headwaters to Route 138. South Kingstown

A

WARM

RI0008039R-08

Genessee Brook and tributaries. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-27B

White Horn Brook and tributaries from Route 138 to the wetlands associated with and due east of, Worden Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039L-11

Larkin Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-15

Mink Brook. South Kingstown

B


RI0008039L-08

Tucker Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-01

Alewife Brook. South Kingstown

B


RI0008039R-18A

Pawcatuck River from Warden Pond to the dam at Kenyon. South Kingstown, Charlestown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-05A

Chickasheen Brook headwaters to Yawgoo Pond. Exeter

A

WARM

RI0008039L-15

Yawgoo Pond. Exeter, South Kingstown

A

WARM

RI0008039R-39

Mud Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown

B


RI0008039L-14

Barber Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-05B

Chickasheen Brook and tributaries from the Yawgoo Pond outlet to the confluence with the Usquepaug river. South Kingstown, Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008039R-21A

Queens River from headwaters south to its entrance into Bear Swamp in Exeter. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-21B

Queens River from its entrance into Bear Swamp to its confluence with Queens Fort Brook. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-29

Pendock River. West Greenwich, Exeter

A


RI0008039R-07

Fisherville Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-30

Dutemple Brook. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-22

Sodom Brook. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039L-25

Dawley Pond. Exeter

A


RI0008039R-31A

Queens Fort Brook headwaters to 3/4 mile south of Victory Highway (Route 102). Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-33

Reuben Brown Brook. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-31B

Queens Fort Brook from 3/4 mile south of Victory Highway (Route 102) to the confluence with the Queens River. Exeter.

B

COLD

RI0008039R-21C

Queens River and tributaries from its confluence with Queens Fort Brook to Glen Rock Reservoir. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008039R-10

Locke Brook and tributaries. Exeter

B

COLD

RI0008039R-32

Rake Factory Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039R-34

Sherman Brook. Exeter, South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039R-09

Glen Rock Brook and tributaries. Richmond, South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039L-19

Glen Rock Reservoir. South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039R-25

Usquepaug River from Glen Rock Reservoir to the confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Richmond, Charlestown, South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0008039R-18B

Pawcatuck River and tributaries from the dam at Kenyon to the beginning of the Carolina Mill Pond in Carolina. Richmond, Charlestown

B1

WARM

RI0008039L-20

James Pond. Exeter

A


RI0008039R-03

Beaver River and tributaries. Exeter, Richmond

A

COLD

RI0008039L-06

Pasquiset Pond. Charlestown

A

WARM

RI0008039R-17

Pasquiset Brook. Charlestown

A

COLD

RI0008039L-22

Maple Lake. Charlestown

A


RI0008039R-18C

Pawcatuck River and tributaries from the entrance to the Carolina Mill Pond to the Bradford Dyeing Associates WWTF discharge point. Richmond, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Westerly

B

WARM

RI0008039L-23

Grass Pond. Richmond

A


RI0008039R-23

Taney Brook. Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008039R-26

White Brook. Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008039R-13

Meadow Brook and tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Richmond

A

COLD

RI0008039L-05

Meadowbrook Pond (Sandy Pond). Richmond

A

COLD

RI0008039L-24

Saw Mill Pond. Charlestown

B


RI0008039R-04

Cedar Swamp Brook and tributaries. Charlestown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-19

Perry Healy Brook and tributaries. Westerly, Charlestown

B

COLD

RI0008039L-02

Watchaug Pond. Charlestown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-20

Poquiant Brook and tributaries. Charlestown

B

WARM

RI0008039R-24

Tomaquag Brook and tributaries. Hopkinton

A

COLD

RI0008039R-18D

Pawcatuck River from the Bradford Dyeing Associates WWTF discharge point to the Route 3 bridge crossing. Hopkinton, Westerly

B1

WARM

RI0008039R-12

McGowan Brook. Westerly

B


RI0008039L-01

Chapman Pond. Westerly

B

WARM

RI0008039R-35

Aguntaug Brook. Westerly

B

WARM

RI0008039R-14

Mile Brook. Hopkinton

B


RI0008039R-38

Wine Brook. Hopkinton

A

COLD

RI0008039R-37

Parmenter Brook and tributaries. Hopkinton

A

COLD

RI0008039R-02A

Ashaway River headwaters including tributaries, south to the Ashaway Road highway bridge. Hopkinton

A

COLD

RI0008039R-02B

Ashaway River and tributaries from the Ashaway Road highway bridge to its confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008039R-18E

Pawcatuck River and tributaries from the Route 3 bridge crossing to the Route 1 highway bridge at the junction of Main Street and Broad Street in Westerly. Westerly

B

COLD

RI0008039R-11

Mastuxet Brook and tributaries. Westerly

B

COLD

RI0008039R-41

Spring Brook and Tributaries. Westerly

B


2. Wood River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0008040

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0008040R-20

White Brook. West Greenwich

A


RI0008040R-02

Breakheart Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008040R-21

Unnamed tributary to Breakheart Pond. Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008040L-15

Breakheart Pond. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

WARM

RI0008040R-01

Acid Factory Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0008040L-16

Eisenhower Lake. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0008040R-19

Factory Brook. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0008040R-14

Phillips Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0008040R-08

Flat River. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008040L-19

Tillinghast Pond. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0008040R-05

Coney Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0008040L-18

Wickaboxet Pond. West Greenwich

A


RI0008040R-10

Kelley Brook. West Greenwich

A

COLD

RI0008040L-21

Hazard Pond. West Greenwich

A


RI0008040R-07

Falls River and tributaries. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008040R-16A

Wood River and tributaries from the headwaters starting at confluence of Flat and Falls Rivers, to the confluence with Roaring Brook. Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond.

A

COLD

RI0008040L-17

Tippencansett Pond. West Greenwich

A

WARM

RI0008040R-13

Parris Brook and tributaries. West Greenwich, Exeter

A

COLD

RI0008040L-12

Deep Pond. Exeter

A


RI0008040R-17

Woody Hill Brook and tributaries. Exeter

A

WARM

RI0008040L-14

Boone Lake. Exeter

B

WARM

RI0008040R-15

Roaring Brook. West Greenwich, Exeter, Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008040L-13

Browning Mill Pond (Arcadia Pond). Exeter, Richmond

B

WARM

RI0008040L-22

Frying Pan Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton

B


RI0008040R-16B

Wood River from confluence with Roaring Brook to the inlet of Wyoming Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040R-18

Baker Brook. Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008040R-22

Moonshine Creek. Richmond

B


RI0008040L-23

Canob Pond. Richmond

B


RI0008040R-23

Canob Brook. Richmond

B


RI0008040L-11

Wyoming Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040R-16C

Wood River and tributaries from the outlet of Wyoming Pond to the inlet of Alton Pond. Richmond, Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040L-07@

Yawgoog pond. Hopkinton

AA

WARM

RI0008040L-06

Wincheck Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040L-08

Grassy Pond. Hopkinton

A


RI0008040R-09

Grassy Brook and tributaries. Hopkinton

A


RI0008040R-12

Moscow Brook and tributaries. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040R-11

Log House Brook. Hopkinton

B


RI0008040L-09

Moscow Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040R-03A

Brushy Brook headwaters including tributaries to Sawmill Road. Exeter, Hopkinton

A

COLD

RI0008040R-03B

Brushy Brook from Sawmill Road to the entrance of Locustville Pond. Hopkinton

B


RI0008040L-10

Locustville Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040R-03C

Brushy Brook from the outlet of Locustville Pond to the confluence with the Wood River. Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040R-06

Diamond Brook and tributaries. Richmond

B

COLD

RI0008040L-02

Carolina Trout Pond. Richmond

A

COLD

RI0008040L-05

Ell Pond. Hopkinton

B


RI0008040L-20

Long Pond. Hopkinton

B


RI0008040R-24

Glade Brook. Hopkinton

A


RI0008040R-04A

Canonchet Brook headwaters including tributaries, excluding all ponds, to Route 3 in Hopkinton. Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040L-04

Ashville Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

RI0008040R-04B

Canonchet Brook from Route 3 in Hopkinton to the confluence with the Wood River. Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040R-25

Unnamed tributary to the Wood River below Alton Pond. Hopkinton

B

COLD

RI0008040R-16D

Wood River and tributaries from the Alton Pond dam to the confluence with the Pawcatuck River. Richmond, Hopkinton, Charlestown

B

WARM

RI0008040L-01

Alton Pond. Hopkinton

B

WARM

3. Tidal Pawcatuck River/Little Narragansett Bay Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0008038

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0008038E-01A

Tidal Pawcatuck River from Route 1 highway bridge to Pawcatuck Rock. Westerly

SB1


RI0008038E-01B

Tidal Pawcatuck River from Pawcatuck Rock to a line from Rhodes Point, RI to Pawcatuck Point, CT. Westerly

SB


RI0008038E-02A

Waters of Little Narragansett Bay within the State of Rhode Island which are north and east of Sandy Point to the state line; and northeast of a line from the RIDEM pole (41° 19’ 17” North, Longitude -71°52’47” West) near the southeastern extremity of Sandy Point to a RIDEM pole (Latitude 41°18’37” North, Longitude -71°52’39” West) on the northern shoreline of Napatree Point; and north of a line from the northernmost extension of land that forms Napatree Point to the westernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of Fosters Cove; and west of a line extending from Pawcatuck Point in Connecticut to Rhodes Point in Rhode Island., Westerly

SA


RI0008038E-02B

Little Narragansett Bay including Watch Hill Cove and the waters of “The Kitchen”, southeast of a line from the northernmost extension of land that forms Napatree Point to the westernmost point of land on the south side of the mouth of Fosters Cove. Westerly

SA{b}


M. Westport River Basin, Waterbody ID number RI0009

1. Adamsville Brook & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0009041

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0009041R-01

Adamsville Brook and tributaries. Tiverton, Little Compton

B

COLD

N. Coastal Waters, Waterbody ID number RI0010

1. Southwest Coastal Ponds Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI001043

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010043E-03

Maschaug Pond. Westerly

SA


RI0010043L-18

Little Maschaug Pond. Westerly

A


RI0010043E-09

Winnapaug Pond. Westerly

SA


RI0010043E-07

Quonochontaug Pond. Charlestown, Westerly

SA


RI0010043R-05

Quonochontaug Brook. Westerly

A

COLD

RI0010043E-04A

Ninigret Pond waters excluding the easternmost waters described in RI0010043E-04B. Charlestown

SA


RI0010043E-04B

Ninigret Pond waters east of a line from the southern landward end of the CRMC Permitted Dock ID# 1647 located at 2 Pequot Drive to the southwest tip of Heather Island, and then from the southwest tip of Heather Islandto the DEM Range marker located at the end of Florence Avenue. Charlestown

SA


RI0010043L-16

Garden Pond. Charlestown

A


RI0010043L-17

West Pond. Charlestown

A


RI0010043L-09

Schoolhouse Pond. Charlestown

A

WARM

RI0010043L-08

Deep Pond. Charlestown

A

WARM

RI0010043L-11

King Tom Pond. Charlestown

A


RI0010043L-04

Cross Mills Pond. Charlestown

A


RI0010043R-01

Cross Mills Stream and tributaries. Charlestown

A

WARM

RI0010043L-15

Perry Pond. Charlestown

A


RI0010043E-02

Green Hill Pond. South Kingstown and Charlestown

SA


RI0010043L-14

Bull Head Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-03

Factory Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043R-02

Factory Pond Stream and tributaries. South Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0010043R-04

Teal Pond Stream. South Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0010043E-08

Trustom Pond. South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043L-13

Mill Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043R-03

Mill Pond to Card Pond. South Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0010043E-01

Cards Pond. South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043E-05

Potter Pond. South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043L-12

Fresh Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-05

White Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-07

Long Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-01

Hothouse Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-02

Cedar Swamp Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043L-06

Wash Pond. South Kingstown

A


RI0010043E-06A

Point Judith Pond waters exclusive of those described in RI0010043E-06B, RI00140043E-06C, RI0010043E-06D, RI0010043E-06E, RI0010043E-06F, RI0010043E-06G, RI0010043E-06H, RI0010043E-06I, RI0010043E-06J, and RI0010043E-06K. Narragansett, South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043E-06B

Upper Point Judith Pond from the mouth of the Saugatucket River at Warner Avenue, downstream to Can Buoy 33. Narragansett, South Kingstown

SB


RI0010043E-06C

Upper Point Judith Pond, south of Can Buoy 33 and north and east of a line from Buttonwood Point to the southern extremity of Cummock Island, to the flagpole at the northwest extremity of Betty Hull Point, excluding the marina area described in RI0010043E-06D. Narragansett, South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043E-06D

Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Billington Cove Marina as shown on the plan entitled "Billington Cove Marina: Marina Perimeter Plan", dated August 1994 by Coastal Engineering Group, Inc., east of a line from the western edge of the rip-rap retaining wall, 221 feet seaward, and west of a line from the flagpole, 280 feet seaward, and north of the line that connects these two lines. South Kingstown

SA{b}


RI0010043E-06E

Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Galilee within 500 feet of the shore from the northern end at the breachway to the western side of the Great Island Road Bridge. Narragansett

SB


RI0010043E-06F

Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Jerusalem within 500 feet of the shore from the breachway to a point approximately 1000 feet north of the State Pier. South Kingston

SB


RI0010043E-06G

Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Snug harbor within 500 feet of shore from Gooseberry Road to High Point. South Kingstown

SB


RI0010043E-06H

Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond east of a line across the western end of the Potter Pond entrance channel located approximately 500 feet west of Succotash Road and west of a line from a point of land on the northern shore of the channel approximately 700 feet east of Succotash Road to a point of land on the southern shore of the channel, exclusive of the waters noted in RI0010043E-06I, RI0010043E-06J, and RI0010043E-06K. South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043E-06I

Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond in the vicinity of the Captain Jacks and Kenport marinas as shown on the plans entitled "Captain Jacks Marina: Marina Site Plan for Jack Piemonte", approved by CRMC on November 15, 1994; and "Marina Perimeter limit for Kenport Marina" approved by CRMC on April 28, 1994. South Kingstown

SB


RI0010043E-06J

Point Judith Pond waters in the channel to Potter Pond east of a line from a point of land on the northern shore of the channel approximately 700 feet east of Succotash Road to a point of land on the southern shore of the channel; and west of a line across the mouth of the channel from Gooseberry Road due south to Succotash Road including the waters of Succotash Salt Marsh. South Kingstown

SA


RI0010043E-06K

Point Judith Pond waters in the vicinity of Champlin's Cove, north of a line from the westernmost extension of Delray Drive to the easternmost extension of Flint Stone Road, located on Harbor Island. Narragansett

SA


RI0010043R-06

Browns Brook. South Kingstown

A

COLD

RI0010043R-07

Smelt Brook and tributaries. South Kingstown

A

COLD

2. Saugatucket River & Tributaries Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010045

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010045R-05A

Saugatucket River headwaters to the Rose Hill Landfill property. South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0010045L-04

Indian Lake. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045R-01

Fresh Meadow Brook & tributaries. South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0010045R-03A

Mitchell Brook headwaters to the Rose Hill Landfill property. South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0010045R-03B

Mitchell Brook from the Rose Hill Landfill to the confluence with the Saugatucket River. South Kingstown

B

COLD

RI0010045R-05B

Saugatucket River and tributaries from the Rose Hill Landfill property to Saugatucket Pond in Wakefield. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045L-01

Saugatucket Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045R-02

Indian Run Brook and tributaries. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045L-02

Asa Pond. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045L-03

Peace Dale Reservoir. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045R-04

Rocky Brook and tributaries. South Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010045R-05C

Saugatucket River from below Saugatucket Pond to the Main Street Dam in Wakefield . South Kingstown

SB


RI0010045L-05

Silver Lake. South Kingstown

B


RI0010045E-01

Saugatucket River from the main Street Dam in Wakefield to the Route 1 overpass. South Kingstown

SB


RI0010045R-07

Tributary to Saugatucket Pond. South Kingstown

B


3. Coastal Shoreline Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010042

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010042C-01

Coastal Waters off the southwestern shoreline from Watch Hill, Westerly to Point Judith, Narragansett extending seaward to 10 meters in depth.

SA


RI0010042C-02

Coastal Waters from Brenton Point, Newport; along the Newport/ Middletown shoreline to Sachuest Point inclusive of Beavertail, Jamestown

SA


RI0010042C-03

Coastal Waters from Sakonnet Point, Little Compton and along the southeastern shoreline to the RI/MA border extending seaward to 10 meters in depth.

SA


RI0010042E-01A

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock which are within a 500 foot radius of the South Kingstown/Narragansett Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility outfall. Narragansett

SB1


RI0010042E-01B

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock, exclusive of those waters described above, within 2500 feet of any point on the shoreline between Continental Road and Hazard Avenue. Narragansett

SB


RI0010042E-01C*

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Tucker's Dock, exclusive of those described above, within 4000 feet of the marine WWTF discharge. Narragansett

SA


RI0010042E-02A

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough within 500 feet of the Narragansett-Scarborough WWTF outfall located approximately 2000 feet from a point of land at the northern boundary of Fort Nathaniel Greene. Narragansett

SB1


RI0010042E-02B

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough that are more than 500 feet but less than 1500 feet away from the WWTF outfall located approximately 2000 feet from a point of land at the northern boundary of Fort Nathaniel Greene. Narragansett

SB


RI0010042E-02C*

Coastal Waters in the vicinity of Scarborough, exclusive of those waters described above, which are within 5600 feet of the WWTF outfall. Narragansett

SA


RI0010042E-03

Lake Canochet/Little Neck Pond. Narragansett

SA


RI0010042M-01

Waters off the southwestern shoreline greater than 10 meters in depth to three miles offshore from Watch Hill, Westerly to Point Judith, Narragansett

SA


RI0010042M-02

Waters extending up the coast from Point Judith, Narragansett to a point just north of Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River near Cormorant Point to Sakonnet Point, Little Compton excluding the waters described in RI0010042E-01A, RI0010042E-01B, RI0010042E-01C, RI0010042E-02A, RI0010042E-02B, RI0010042E-02C, and RI0010042C-02.

SA


RI0010042M-03

Waters off the southeastern shoreline greater than 10 meters in depth to three miles offshore from Sakonnet Point, Little Compton and along the southeastern shoreline to the RI/MA border

SA


RI0010042R-01

Deadman Brook and tributaries. Narragansett

A


4. Tributaries to Pettaquamscutt River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010044

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010044L-02

Silver Spring Lake. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010044R-02

Mattatuxet River and tributaries. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010044R-04

Unnamed tributary to Carr Pond. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010044L-03

Carr Pond. North Kingstown

B

WARM

RI0010044R-01

Gilbert Stuart Stream. North Kingstown

A


RI0010044E-01A

Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River exclusive of the waters noted in RI0010044E-01B, from the headwaters at the end of Gilbert Stuart Stream to the mouth of the river including Pettaquamscutt Cove. North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett

SA


RI0010044E-01B

Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River waters in the vicinity of the marina at Middle Bridge. Narragansett

SA{b}


RI0010044R-03

Crooked Brook. Narragansett

A

WARM

RI0010044R-11

Sprague Brook. Narragansett

A

WARM

RI0010044L-04

Sprague Pond. Narragansett

A

WARM

RI0010044R-10

Mumford Brook. South Kingstown, Narragansett

A


RI0010044R-05

Unnamed Tributary #1 to Pettaquamscutt River. North Kingstown

A


5. Coastal Aquidneck Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010047

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010047L-02

Lily Pond. Newport

A

WARM

RI0010047R-03

Tributaries to Almy Pond. Newport

A

WARM

RI0010047L-01

Almy Pond. Newport

A

WARM

RI0010047R-01

Unnamed tributary #1. Newport

A

WARM

RI0010047R-02

Unnamed tributary #2. Newport

A

WARM

6. Sakonnet River Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010031

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010031E-01C

Sakonnet River from the railroad bridge at the Hummock Point south to the Stone Bridge on Almy Neck in Portsmouth and its extension from the Tiverton shore. Portsmouth, Tiverton

SB


RI0010031R-19

Tributaries to The Cove, Island Park. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031E-03A

The Cove, Island Park north of a line from the southern end of Hummock Point to the RIDEM range marker located at the eastern extremity of a point of land on the western shore of The Cove. Portsmouth

SA


RI0010031E-03B

The Cove, Island Park south of a line from the southern end of Hummock Point to the RIDEM Range marker located at the eastern extremity of a point of land on the western shore of The Cove. Portsmouth

SA


RI0010031E-01B

Sakonnet River waters from the Stone Bridge in Portsmouth/Tiverton south to a line at the mouth of the river extending from Sachuest Point in Middletown to Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, excluding the Portsmouth Park area described in RI0010031E-01A, and the Sakonnet Point marina area described in RI0010031E-01D. Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Little Compton

SA


RI0010031R-07

Unnamed tributary #1 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031R-08

Unnamed tributary #2 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031R-09

Unnamed tributary #3 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031R-10

Unnamed tributary #4 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031R-11

Unnamed tributary #5 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031R-12

Unnamed tributary #6 to Sakonnet River. Portsmouth

A

WARM

RI0010031E-01A

Sakonnet River waters in the vicinity of Portsmouth Park north of a line extending from the southwestern most corner of the Stone Bridge in Tiverton to the easternmost extension of Morningside Lane in Portsmouth. Portsmouth, Tiverton

SA


RI0010031E-01D

Sakonnet River south of a line from the light at the end of the Sakonnet breakwater to the point of land at the end of Goodrich Lane, Little Compton, on the eastern shore of the harbor. Little Compton

SA{b}


RI0010031L-01

Creamer Pond. Tiverton

A


RI0010031R-05A

Sin & Flesh Brook from headwaters to Fish Street. Tiverton

B1

WARM

RI0010031R-05B

Sin & Flesh Brook from Fish Street to main Road (Route 77). Tiverton

B

WARM

RI0010031E-02A

Nannaquaket Pond east of a line extending from the northwesternmost point of Nannaquaket Neck to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Range Marker and west to the easternmost side of the Nannaquaket Bridge. Tiverton

SB


RI0010031E-02B

Nannaquaket Pond south and east of the Nannaquaket Bridge, excluding the waters noted immediately below. Tiverton

SA


RI0010031E-02C

Nannaquaket Pond waters of the area called "The Gut", located at the north end of Nannaquaket Pond, north of the northern side of Route 77 (Main Road). Tiverton

SA


RI0010031R-06

White Wine Brook. Tiverton

A


RI0010031R-01

Borden Brook and tributaries. Tiverton

AA

WARM

RI0010031R-04

Quaker Creek. Tiverton

AA


RI0010031E-04

Sapowet Creek and tributaries. Tiverton

SA


RI0010031R-03

Pachet Brook. Little Compton, Tiverton

AA

WARM

RI0010031R-02

Little Creek. Portsmouth, Middletown

B

WARM

RI0010031R-16

Unnamed Tributary #10 to Sakonnet River. Little Compton

A


RI0010031R-21

Tributaries to Watson Reservoir. Little Compton

AA


7. Southeast Coastal Ponds Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010048

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010048L-02

Round Pond. Little Compton

A


RI0010048L-01

Long Pond. Little Compton

A


RI0010048R-02

Dundery Brook. Little Compton

B

WARM

RI0010048E-01

Briggs Marsh Pond. Little Compton

SA


RI0010048R-04

Sisson Brook. Little Compton

A

WARM

RI0010048L-04

Tunipus Pond. Little Compton

A


RI0010048R-01

Cold Brook and tributaries. Little Compton

A

COLD

RI0010048L-03

Simmons Pond. Little Compton

A

WARM

RI0010048E-02

Quicksand Pond. Little Compton

SA


RI0010048R-03

Tributaries East of Cold Brook. Little Compton

A

COLD

RI0010048R-05

Unnamed Tributary to Tunipus Pond. Little Compton

A


RI0010048R-06

Unnamed Tributary #1. Little Compton

A


RI0010048R-08

Tributaries to Briggs Marsh Pond. Little Compton

A


8. Block Island Waters Subbasin, Waterbody ID number RI0010046

Waterbody ID Number

Waterbody Description

Classification and Partial Use

Fishery Designation

RI0010046C-01

Coastal Waters off the shoreline of Block Island extending seaward to 10 meters in depth exclusive of the waters in RI0010046E-02A, RI0010046E-02B, RI0010046E-02C, and RI0010046E-02D.

SA


RI0010046L-03

Sachem Pond. New Shoreham

A


RI0010046L-04

Middle Pond. New Shoreham

A


RI0010046E-01A

Great Salt Pond north of a line from the northern most extremity of Cormorant Point to the northern most landward dock located at the Block Island Club. New Shoreham

SA


RI0010046E-01B

Great Salt Pond south of a line from the northern most extremity of Cormorant Point to the northern most landward dock located at the Block Island Club excluding the waters described in waterbody ID#s RI0010046E-01C and RI0010046E-01D. New Shoreham

SA{b}


RI0010046E-01C

Great Salt Pond, Trim’s Pond and Harbor Pond New Shoreham

SA{b}


RI0010046E-01D

Great Salt Pond waters south of a line from the end of Payne’s Dock to the end of Block Island Marina dock. New Shoreham

SA{b}


RI0010046E-02A

Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Pebbly Beach, within a 500 foot radius of the New Shoreham marine sewer outfall. New Shoreham

SB1


RI0010046E-02B

Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Pebbly Beach exclusive of the waters described in RI0010046E-02A, which are within 1000 feet of the New Shoreham marine sewer outfall to a point 1000 feet south of the marine sewer outfall. New Shoreham

SB


RI0010046E-02C

Block Island Waters in the vicinity of Old Harbor west of a line from the fixed red light at the end of the northern breakwater to the seaward end of the southern breakwater. New Shoreham

SB


RI0010046E-02D*

Block Island Waters along the eastern coast exclusive of the waters described in RI0010046E-02A, RI0010046E-02B, and RI0010046E-02C, which are within 5,900 feet of the New Shoreham marine sewer outfall. Block Island

SA


RI0010046L-02@

Fresh Pond. New Shoreham

AA


RI0010046L-01@

Sands Pond. New Shoreham

AA


RI0010046M-01

Waters greater than 10 meters in depth to three miles offshore off the shoreline of Block Island exclusive of the waters in RI0010046E-02A, RI0010046E-02B, RI0010046E-02C, and RI0010046E-02D.

SA




Rhode Island Sound. Block Island Sound.

.

SA


1.26 RIDEM Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines for Toxic Pollutants

A. General - Section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1314, requires the USEPA to develop and publish water quality criteria. The USEPA has published criteria for a number of the pollutants listed pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1317, as well as for other toxic substances, based on available toxicological information on the pollutants. Section 303(c)(2)(B) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1313, requires States to adopt numeric criteria to protect the uses of their waters from all toxic pollutants listed pursuant to Section 307(a)(1) (33 U.S.C. § 1317) for which criteria have been published pursuant to Section 304(a)(1) (33 U.S.C. § 1314), and which are present, or could reasonably be expected to be present, at levels that would impair the uses. A complete list of “priority pollutants” is contained in 40 C.F.R. § 423, incorporated above in § 1.3(G) of this Part. § 1.26 of this Part contains the ambient chemical-specific numeric criteria and guidelines for aquatic life and human health which satisfies the requirements of Section 303(c)(2)(B) (33 U.S.C. § 1313). Certain criteria in the table have been modified and approved by EPA in accordance with applicable EPA guidance.

B. § 1.26(J) of this Part contains the acute and chronic aquatic life criteria and minimum data base guidelines for freshwater and saltwater and two sets of human health criteria.

1. The first column of human health criteria represents criteria applicable to waters where the designated route of exposure is due to consumption of drinking water and aquatic organisms.

2. The second column under human health represents criteria applicable to waters where the designated route of exposure is due only to consumption of aquatic organisms.

C. For parameters which have both aquatic life and human health criteria or guidelines, the applicable criteria or guideline is determined by using the more stringent of the aquatic life or human health criteria or guidelines, according to the use of the waterbody.

D. Aquatic Life Criteria - The aquatic life criteria in § 1.26(J) of this Part represents the EPA water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life, pursuant to Section 304(a) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1314, for acute and chronic exposure to toxics in freshwater and saltwater. These toxics are priority metals, organics, pesticides, PCBs, and cyanide.

1. To protect aquatic life, the one hour average concentration of a pollutant should not exceed the acute criteria more than once every three years on the average.

a. An exclusion to this rule are the pesticides and PCBs acute criteria which are considered instantaneous values (§§ 1.26(J)(1) of this Part 1.26(J) of this Part).

2. The four day average concentration of a pollutant should not exceed the chronic criteria more than once every three years on the average.

3. These aquatic life criteria shall be achieved in all waters, except mixing zones, regardless of the waters' classification.

4. The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for freshwaters shall not be exceeded at or above the lowest average 7 consecutive day low flow with an average recurrence frequency of once in 10 years (7Q10).

5. For non-flowing freshwaters, the acute and chronic aquatic life criteria shall not be exceed under the most adverse conditions which will be determined on a case-by case basis.

6. The acute and chronic aquatic life criteria for seawater shall not be exceeded beyond the boundary of the mixing zone(s), as defined and determined by §§ 1.10(B)(5) and 1.10(B)(6) of this Part, and thence throughout the waterbody.

a. If a mixing zone has not been established, these criteria shall not be exceeded in any portion of the receiving water.

7. For purposes of calculating freshwater aquatic life criteria for metals from the equations in § 1.26(M) of this Part, the ambient hardness values shall be used, and shall be consistent with the design flow conditions established by § 1.10 of this Part.

8. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or less than one part per thousand, the applicable criteria are the freshwater criteria.

9. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or greater than ten parts per thousand, the applicable criteria are the saltwater criteria.

10. For waters in which the salinity is between one and ten parts per thousand (brackish), the applicable criteria are the more stringent of the freshwater or saltwater criteria. However, for those waters between one and ten parts per thousand (brackish), the Department may deviate from the general rule if scientifically defensible information and data demonstrates that on a site-specific basis the biology of the waterbody is dominated by freshwater aquatic life and that freshwater criteria are more appropriate; or conversely, the biology of the waterbody is dominated by saltwater aquatic life and that saltwater criteria are more appropriate.

11. The acute and chronic freshwater criteria for 10 metals and the acute and chronic saltwater criteria for 11 metals listed in § 1.26(J) of this Part are presented as dissolved metal criteria (see #5 and #6 § 1.26(J)(1) of this Part). For these metals, the dissolved metal, as opposed to the total recoverable metal, more closely approximates the bioavailable fraction of the metal in the water column.

E. Human Health Criteria - The human health criteria in § 1.26(J) of this Part represent the highest concentration of a pollutant in surface waters that is not expected to pose a significant risk to human health as determined by EPA. For almost all of the pollutants, bioaccumulation properties are used to assess the relative extent of human exposure to the pollutant either directly through ingestion or indirectly through consumption of aquatic organisms. These criteria represent the chronic criteria necessary to protect human health.

1. Ambient water quality criteria for human health are primarily based on two types of biological endpoints:

a. Carcinogenicity and;

b. Toxicity (i.e., all other adverse effects other than cancer).

2. There are essentially two procedures for assessing health effects; one which addresses carcinogens and one which addresses non-carcinogens. The reason for having two methodologies is that, for the purpose of deriving ambient water quality criteria, carcinogenicity is regarded as a non-threshold phenomenon, whereas toxicity is regarded as having a threshold below which there will not be an effect.

a. For those toxic substances which are identified as carcinogens, the criteria have been established at a risk level of 10-5 assuming a lifetime exposure to a 70 kg male consuming 17.5 grams per day of fish and shellfish product and ingesting 2.0 liters of water per day.

b. For those toxic substances which are identified as non-carcinogens, the human health criteria are best estimates of concentrations which are not expected to produce adverse effects in human health assuming a lifetime exposure of a 70 kg male consuming 17.5 grams per day of fish and shellfish products and ingesting 2.0 liters of water per day.

3. The concentration of these pollutants should not exceed criteria under stream conditions that represent long-term average conditions.

a. The stream design flow to be used to implement both carcinogen and noncarcinogen human health criteria is the harmonic mean flow which is a long term mean flow value calculated by dividing the number of daily flows analyzed by the sum of the reciprocals of those daily flows.

b. For non-flowing freshwaters, the human health criteria shall not be exceed under the most adverse conditions which will be determined on a case-by case basis.

4. For seawaters, the ambient human health water quality criteria for carcinogens and non-carcinogens are applicable when the most adverse hydrographic and pollution conditions occur at the particular point of evaluation.

F. Ammonia Criteria - The criteria presented in § 1.26 (L) of this Part represent the ammonia criteria for aquatic life use.

1. Averaging Periods and Frequency of Exceedances

a. Chronic criteria - The ambient concentration, averaged over a period of 30 days, shall not exceed the chronic criterion more than once every three years on average. The highest four-day average ambient concentration should not exceed a concentration 2.5 times greater than the chronic criterion.

b. Acute - The ambient concentrations, averaged over one hour shall not exceed the acute criterion more than once every three years on average.

2. Early Life Stage Absent (ELS-Absent) Provision

a. This provision allows for a relaxation of the chronic criteria when early life stages (ELS) of fish are not present, since at low ambient water temperatures, adult and juvenile fish are less sensitive to ammonia toxicity than are early life stages of fish. As ambient water temperature decreases, it is appropriate to relax the ammonia chronic criterion in waterbodies where it is determined, to the Director’s satisfaction, that early life stages are not present. The chronic criteria applicable when ELS are absent are found in § 1.26(L)(1)(c) of this Part.

b. The Director has determined that the ELS-Absent Provision applies to:

(1) The entire Blackstone River during the period November 1 to April 30.

(2) The main stem of the Pawtuxet River during the period November 1 to April 30.

(3) The Woonasquatucket River from Georgiaville Pond to the confluence with the Mosshasuck River during the period November 1 to April 30.

G. Site Specific Criteria

1. Criteria, 40 C.F.R. § 131.11(b)(1)(ii) provides States with the opportunity to adopt water quality criteria that are modified to reflect local environmental conditions. Certain criteria are developed as site specific criteria in accordance with State and EPA procedures and guidance.

a. Aquatic life criteria may be subject to site-specific modification procedures. Aquatic life guidelines may be modified following the procedures outlined in § 1.26(H) of this Part.

(1) Aquatic life site specific criteria modification procedures are based on EPA's "Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water Effect Ratios for Metals, EPA-823-B-94-001, February 1994, and subsequent site specific criteria modification guidance documents published in a memo from Jeanette Wiltse, Director of EPA’s Health and Ecological Criteria Division on December 3, 1997; and EPA’s Streamlined Water Effect Ration Procedure for Discharges of Copper, EPA-822-R-01-005, March 2001.

b. Human health criteria are subject to site-specific criteria development utilizing the methodology in EPA guidance. Human health guidelines may be modified utilizing the methodology in the EPA guidance manual, "Assessing Human Health Risk from Chemically-Contaminated Fish and Shellfish" (EPA - 503/8-89-002), incoporated in § 1.3 of this Part, and the methodology published in the Federal Register on November 28, 1980 (45 FR 79347) entitled "Water Quality Criteria Documents; Availability, Appendix C - Guidelines and Methodology used in Preparation of Health Effect Assessment Chapters of the Consent Decree Water Criteria Documents," incorporated above in § 1.3(E) of this Part

2. Water Effect Ratios (WERs) were developed for 5 metals; cadmium, copper, lead, silver and zinc for portions of the Pawtuxet River (§ 1.26(M) of this Part) using total recoverable metals. The WERs are then used to derive acute site specific criteria for the State’s aquatic life criteria as indicated in § 1.26(M) of this Part. Chronic site specific criteria are then calculated using the derived acute site specific criteria, as indicated in § 1.26(M) of this Part.

a. The resulting acute and chronic site specific criteria are as total recoverable metals. The conversion factors noted in § 1.26(J)(3) and § 1.26(K) of this Part cannot be applied to the site specific criteria.

b. The WERs and resulting site specific criteria apply only to the segments of the Pawtuxet River classified as B1 (§ 1.25 of this Part)

c. The WERs were developed using the procedures outlined in § 1.29 of this Part and EPA’s “Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water Effect Ratios for Metals” (EPA 823-B-94-001).

3. Site specific dissolved copper criteria have been adopted for the Blackstone River, Ten Mile River (including run-of-the-river impoundments Slater Park Pond, Turner Reservoir North and South, and Omega Pond), and the Woonasquatucket River from the Smithfield WWTF discharge to the mouth of the river (§ 1.26(J) of this Part).

H. Freshwater Minimum Data Base Guidelines - RIDEM has derived freshwater guidelines for many pollutants for which EPA water quality criteria are not available. In order for guidelines to be derived, the toxicity data base for the pollutants must meet minimum requirements. These guidelines are given in § 1.26(J) of this Part and are marked with an asterisk (*), which is in § 1.26(J)(1) of this Part. The data base must contain at least two acute toxicity test results expres­sed as either an EC50 or an LC50. The two acute toxicity test results shall consist of:

1. One daphnid (D. magna or D. pulex)

2. One fish, either:

a. fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

b. bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

c. rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

3. For every pollutant which meets these minimum data requirements, acute and chronic guidelines are derived using the following equations:

a. The uncertainty factor, 0.05, is intended to provide an adequate margin of safety to protect most aquatic organisms from acutely toxic effects.

b. The acute guideline is divided by an acute to chronic ratio of 45 to yield the chronic guideline.

I. Priority Pollutants Without Criteria or Guidelines - Any pollutant listed on the most recent EPA priority pollutant list published in accordance with Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1317 (listed in 126 Priority Pollutants, 40 C.F.R. § 423, incorporated above in § 1.3(G) of this Part) or additional criteria EPA has established for non-priority pollutants, for which there is no RIDEM ambient water quality criteria or guide­line, shall be regulated in accordance with §§ 1.8(D)(2) and (3) of this Part.


J. Table of Acute and Chronic Aquatic Life Criteria and Minimum Database Guidelines for Freshwater and Saltwater and Human Health Criteria

CHEMICAL NAME







CAS Number

AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA (µg/l)









CARCINOGEN

HUMAN HEALTH CRITERIA (µg/l) 2

For Consumption of:

Water and Aquatic Organisms

Aquatic Organisms Only

FRESHWATER

SALTWATER

ACUTE

CHRONIC

ACUTE

CHRONIC

PRIORITY POLLUTANTS:

TOXIC METALS & CYANIDE

Antimony

7440360

450*

10*

-

-

no

5.6

640

Arsenic 5,6

7440382

340

150

69

36

yes

0.18

1.4

Asbestos

1332214

-

-

-

-

yes

7x106 fibers/l


Beryllium

7440417

7.5*

0.17*

-

-

yes

-

-

Cadmium 5,6

7440439

@

@

40

8.8

no

-

-

Chromium III 5

16065831

@

@

-

-

no

-

-

Chromium VI 5,6

18540299

16

11

1100

50

no

-

-

Copper 5,6

7440508

@

@

4.8

3.1

no

1300

-

Copper (Site Specific) 7

7440508

20.41

14.45

-

-

no

1300

-

Cyanide

57125

22

5.2

1.0

1.0

no

140

140

Lead 5,6

7439921

@

@

210

8.1

no

-

-

Mercury 5,6

7439976

1.4

0.77

1.8

0.94

no

0.14

0.15

Nickel 5,6

7440020

@

@

74

8.2

no

610

4600

Selenium 6

7782492

20

5

290

71

no

170

4200

Silver 5,6

7440224

@

-

1.9

-

no

-

-

Thallium

7440280

46*

1.0*

-

-

no

0.24

0.47

Zinc 5,6

7440666

@

@

90

81

no

7400

26000

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Acrolein

107028

2.9*

0.06*

-

-

no

190

290

Acrylonitrile

107131

378*

8.4*

-

-

yes

0.51

2.5

Benzene

71432

265*

5.9*

-

-

yes

22

510

Bromoform

75252

1465*

33*

-

-

yes

43

1400

Carbon tetrachloride

56235

1365*

30*

-

-

yes

2.3

16

Chlorobenzene

108907

795*

18*

-

-

no

130

1600

Chlorodibromomethane

124481






4.0

130

Chloroform

67663

1445*

32*

-

-

yes

57

4700

Dichlorobromomethane

75274

-

-

-

-

yes

5.5

170

1,2-Dichloroethane

107062

5900*

131*

-

-

yes

3.8

370

1,1-Dichloroethylene

75354

580*

13*

-

-

yes

330

7100

1,2-Dichloropropane

78875

2625*

58*

-

-

yes

5.0

150

1,3-Dichloropropene

542756

-

-

-

-

no

0.34

21

Ethylbenzene

100414

1600*

36*

-

-

no

530

2100

Methyl bromide

74839

-

-

-

-

no

47

1500

Methyl chloride

74873

-

-

-

-

yes

-

-

Methylene chloride

75092

9650*

214*

-

-

yes

46

5900

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

79345

466*

10*

-

-

yes

1.7

40

Tetrachloroethylene

127184

240*

5.3*

-

-

yes

6.9

33

Toluene

108883

635*

14*

-

-

no

1300

15 mg/l

1,2-Trans-dichloroethylene

156605

-

-

-

-

no

140

10 mg/l

1,1,1-Trichloroethane

71556

-

-

-

-

no

-

-

1,1,2-Trichloroethane

79005

900*

20*

-

-

yes

5.9

160

Trichloroethylene

79016

1950*

43*

-

-

yes

25

300

Vinyl chloride

75014

-

-

-

-

yes

0.025

2.4

ACID ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

2-Chlorophenol

95578

129*

2.9*

-

-

no

81

150

2,4-Dichlorophenol

120832

101*

2.2*

-

-

no

77

290

2,4-Dimethylphenol

105679

106*

2.4*

-

-

no

380

850

2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol

534521






13

280

2,4-Dinitrophenol

51285

31*

0.69*

-

-

no

69

5300

4-Nitrophenol

88755

-

-

-

-


-

-

Pentachlorophenol

87865

@

@

13

7.9

yes

2.7

30

Phenol

108952

251*

5.6*

-

-

no

21 mg/l

1700 mg/l

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

88062

16*

0.36*

-

-

yes

14

24

BASE NEUTRAL COMPOUNDS

Acenaphthene

83329

85*

1.9*

-

-

no

670

990

Anthracene

120127

-

-

-

-

no

8300

40 mg/l

Benzidine

92875

-

-

-

-

yes

0.86 ng/l

2.0 ng/l

Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons 4


-

-

-

-

yes

0.038

0.18

Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether

111444

-

-

-

-

yes

0.30

5.3

Bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether

108601

-

-

-

-

no

1400

65 mg/l

Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

117817

555*

12*

-

-

yes

12

22

Butyl benzyl phthalate

85687

85*

1.9*



no

1500

1900

2-chloronaphthalene

91587

-

-

-

-

no

1000

1600

1,2-dichlorobenzene

95501

79*

1.8*

-

-

no

420

1300

1,3-dichlorobenzene

541731

390*

8.7*

-

-

no

320

960

1,4-dichlorobenzene

106467

56*

1.2*

-

-

no

63

190

3,3’-dichlorobenzidene

91941

-

-

-

-

yes

0.21

0.28

Diethyl phthalate

84662

2605*

58*

-

-

no

17 mg/l

44 mg/l

Dimethyl phthalate

131113

1650*

37*

-

-

no

270 mg/l

1.1 g/l

Di-n-Butyl phthalate

84742

-

-

-

-

no

2000

4500

2,4-Dinitrotoluene

121142

1550*

34*

-

-

yes

1.1

34

1,2-Diphenylhydrazine

122667

14*

0.31*

-

-

yes

0.36

2.0

Fluoranthene

206440

199*

4.4*

-

-

no

130

140

Fluorene

86737

-

-

-

-

no

1100

5300

Hexachlorobenzene

118741

-

-

-

-

yes

2.8 ng/l

2.9 ng/l

Hexachlorobutadiene

87683

-

-

-

-

yes

4.4

180

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

77474

0.35*

0.008*

-

-

no

40

1100

Hexachloroethane

67721

49*

1.1*

-

-

yes

14

33

Isophorone

78591

5850*

130*

-

-

yes

350

9600

Naphthalene

91203

115*

2.6*

-

-


-

-

Nitrobenzene

98953

1350*

30*

-

-

no

17

690

N-Nitrosodimethylamine

62759

-

-

-

-

yes

6.9 ng/l

30

N-Nitrosodi-N-propylamine

621647

-

-

-

-

yes

0.05

5.1

N-Nitrosodiphenylamine

86306

293*

6.5*

-

-

yes

33

60

Pyrene

129000

-

-

-

-

no

830

4000

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

120821

75*

1.7*

-

-


35

70



PESTICIDES/PCBs

Aldrin

309002

3.0$

-

1.3$

-

yes

0.49 ng/l

0.5 ng/l

alpha BHC

319846

-

-

-

-

yes

26 ng/l

49 ng/l

beta BHC

319857

-

-

-

-

yes

91 ng/l

170 ng/l

gamma BHC (Lindane)

58899

0.95$


0.16$

-

yes

0.98

1.8

Chlordane

57749

2.4$

0.0043

0.09$

0.004

yes

8.0 ng/l

8.1 ng/l

4,4-DDT

50293

1.1$

0.001

0.13$

0.001

yes

2.2 ng/l

2.2 ng/l

4,4-DDE

72559

-

-

-

-

yes

2.2 ng/l

2.2 ng/l

4,4-DDD

72548

-

-

-

-

yes

3.1 ng/l

3.1 ng/l

Dieldrin

60571

0.24

0.056

0.71$

0.0019

yes

0.52 ng/l

0.54 ng/l

Endosulfan alpha

959988

0.22$

0.056

0.034$

0.0087

no

62

89

Endosulfan, beta

33213659

0.22$

0.056

0.034$

0.0087


62

89

Endosulfan (sulfate)

1031078

-

-

-

-

no

62

89

Endrin

72208

0.086$

0.036

0.037$

0.0023

no

0.059

0.06

Endrin aldehyde

7421934

-

-

-

-

no

0.29

0.30

Heptachlor

76448

0.52$

0.0038

0.053$

0.0036

yes

0.79 ng/l

0.79 ng/l

Heptachlor epoxide

1024573

0.52$

0.0038

0.053$

0.0036

yes

0.39 ng/l

0.39 ng/l

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)3

1336363

-

0.014

-

0.03

yes

0.64 ng/l

0.64 ng/l

2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin)

1746016

-

-

-

-

yes

5 x 10-8

5.1 x 10-8

Toxaphene

8001352

0.73

0.0002

0.21

0.0002

yes

2.8 ng/l

2.8 ng/l

Tributyltin

**

0.46

0.072

0.42

0.0074

no

-

-

NON PRIORITY POLLUTANTS:

OTHER SUBSTANCES

Aluminum

7429905

750?

87?

-

-


-

-

Ammonia

7664417

#

#

#

#

no

-

-

4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether


18*

0.4*

-

-


-

-

Chloride

16887006

860,000

230,000






Chlorine

7782505

19

11

13

7.5




4-Chloro-2-methylphenol


15*

0.32*

-

-


-

-

1-Chloronaphthalene


80*

1.8*

-

-


-

-

4-Chlorophenol

106489

192*

4.3*

-

-


-

-

2,4-Dichloro-6-methylphenol


22*

0.48*

-

-


-

-

1,1-Dichloropropane


1150*

26*

-

-


-

-

1,3-Dichloropropane

142289

303*

6.7*

-

-


-

-

2,3-Dinitrotoluene


17*

0.37*

-

-


-

-

2,4-Dinitro-6-methyl phenol


12

0.26

-

-


-

-

Iron

7439896


1000




300


Pentachlorobenzene

608935

13*

0.28*

-

-


-

-

Pentachloroethane


362*

8.0*

-

-


-

-

1,2,3,5-Tetrachlorobenzene


321*

7.1*

-

-


-

-

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane

630206

980*

22*

-

-


-

-

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol

58902

7*

0.16*

-

-


-

-

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol


8.5*

0.19*

-

-


-

-

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol

95954

23*

0.51*

-

-




2,4,6-Trinitrophenol

88062

4235

94

-

-


-

-

Xylene

1330207

133 *

3.0 *

-

-




1. Key for § 1.26(J) of this Part

Symbol

Meaning 

*

RIDEM minimum database guidelines.

**

Only data generated in toxicity and bioconcentration tests on TBTCl (tributyltin chloride; CAS 1461-22-9), TBTF (tributyltin floride; CAS 1983-10-4), TBTO [bis(tributyltin) oxide; CAS 56-35-9], commonly called “tributyltin oxide” and TBTS[bis(tributyltin) sulfide; CAS 4808-30-4], commonly called “tributyltin sulfide” were used in the derivation of the water quality criteria concentrations for aquatic life presented herein. All concentrations from such tests are expressed as TBT, not as tin and not as the chemical tested.

n

Freshwater criteria for aluminum are for waters in which the pH is between 6.5 and 9

#

See § 1.26(L) of this Part for ammonia criteria

@

See § 1.26(K) of this Part for criteria equations

-

No criteria recommendation.

$

The aquatic life criteria for these compounds were issued in 1980 utilizing the 1980 Guidelines for criteria development. The acute values shown are final acute values which, by the 1980 Guidelines, are instantaneous values as contrasted with a Criteria Maximum Concentration (CMC)which is a one-hour average.

1

Carcinogens calculated at 10-5 risk

2

Criteria are in µg/l unless otherwise noted: µg/l = micrograms/liter, ng/l = nanograms/liter, mg/l = milligrams/liter

3

Polychlorinated Biphenyl criteria apply to total PCBs (e.g. the sum of all cogener or all isomer or homolog or Aroclor analyses.)

4

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons criteria apply to each of the following: indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (CAS Number 193395), dibenzo(ah)anthracene (CAS Number 53703), benzo(a)anthracene (CAS Number 56553), benzo(a)pyrene (CAS Number 50328), benzo(b)fluoranthene (CAS Number 205992), benzo(k)fluoranthene (CAS Number 207089), chrysene (CAS Number 218019)

5

Freshwater aquatic life criteria values in § 1.26(J) of this Part for the following parameters are presented as dissolved criteria using the EPA recommended conversion factors (CF), as listed in § 1.26(J)(2) of this Part

6

Saltwater aquatic life criteria values in § 1.26(J) of this Part for the following parameters are presented as dissolved criteria using the EPA recommended conversion factors, as listed in § 1.26(J)(3) of this Part

7

Site specific criteria for dissolved copper apply for the following waters: Blackstone River (RI0001003R-01A and RI0001003R-01B) From the MA/RI border to the mouth of the river, Ten Mile River (RI0004009R-01A and RI0004009R-01B) From the MA/RI border to the mouth of the river including Slater Park Pond (included in Ten Mile River (RI0004009R-01A), Turner Reservoir North (RI0004009L-01A) and South (RI0004009L-01B), and Omega Pond (RI0004009L-03). Woonasquatucket River (RI0002007R-10C and RI0002007R-10D) From the Smithfield WWTF discharge to confluence with Moshassuck River.

2. Table of EPA Recommended Conversion Factors (CF)-Freshwater Values

Metal

Acute CF

Chronic CF

Arsenic

1.000

1.000

Cadmium

1.136672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]

1.101672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]

Chromium III

0.316

0.86

Chromium VI

0.982

0.962

Copper

0.96

0.96

Lead

1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]

1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]

Mercury

0.85

0.85

Nickel

0.998

0.997

Silver

0.85

(no freshwater criteria)

Zinc

0.978

0.986

 

NOTE: (ln H) = natural log of Hardness, using any hardness as appropriate.

 

 

3. Table of EPA Recommended Conversion Factors (CF)-Saltwater Values

Metal

Conversion Factor

Arsenic

1

Cadmium

0.994

Chromium III

(no saltwater criteria)

Chromium VI

0.993

Copper

0.83

Lead

0.951

Mercury

0.85 (see Note below)

Nickel

0.99

Selenium

0.998

Silver

0.85

Zinc

0.946

 

Note: Conversion factors on this table were calculated for acute criteria only. Conversion factors for chronic criteria are not currently available. In the absence of chronic conversion factors saltwater acute conversion factors are used. Chronic criteria for mercury cannot be converted to dissolved because it is based on mercury residues rather than toxicity.





K. Freshwater Criteria Equations and Base e Exponential Values







Parameter

ACUTE (µg/l)



CHRONIC (µg/l)




CF =

ma =

ba =

CF =

mc =

bc =

Cadmium

@

1.0166

-3.924

@

0.7409

- 4.719

Chromium III

0.316

0.8190

3.7256

0.86

0.819

0.6848

Copper

0.96

0.9422

-1.700

0.96

0.8545

-1.702

Lead

#

1.273

-1.46

#

1.273

-4.705

Nickel

0.998

0.846

2.255

0.997

0.846

0.0584

Silver

0.85

1.72

-6.52

-

-

-

Zinc

0.978

0.8473

0.884

0.986

0.8473

0.884

Pentachlorophenol*

-

1.005

-4.869

-

1.005

-5.134



1. Hardness values in § 1.26(K) of this Part are in mg/l as CaCO3

2. Key for § 1.26(K) of this Part

Symbol

Meaning 

*

substitute pH for hardness in the equations for pentachlorophenol

-

no recommended value

@

Cadmium conversion Factors:

acute CF = 1.136673 - [(ln H) x 0.041838)]

chronic CF = 1.101672 - [(ln H) x 0.041838]

[ln H]

natural log of hardness

#

Lead conversion factors

acute and chronic CF = 1.46203 - [(ln H) x 0.145712]

 

NOTE: When an ambient hardness of less than 25 mg/l is used to establish for lead or cadmium, the hardness dependent Conversion Factor (CF) should not exceed one.

L. Ammonia Criteria

1. Freshwater

a. Acute Criteria as Total Ammonia Nitrogen (mg N/L)



pH

Acute Criterion with

Salmonids present

Acute Criterion with

Salmonids absent

6.5

32.6

48.8

6.6

31.3

46.8

6.7

29.8

44.6

6.8

28.1

42.0

6.9

26.2

39.1

7.0

24.1

36.1

7.1

22.0

32.8

7.2

19.7

29.5

7.3

17.5

26.2

7.4

15.4

23.0

7.5

13.3

19.9

7.6

11.4

17.0

7.7

9.65

14.4

7.8

8.11

12.1

7.9

6.77

10.1

8.0

5.62

8.40

8.1

4.64

6.95

8.2

3.83

5.72

8.3

3.15

4.71

8.4

2.59

3.88

8.5

2.14

3.20

8.6

1.77

2.65

8.7

1.47

2.20

8.8

1.23

1.84

8.9

1.04

1.56

9.0

0.885

1.32

b. Chronic Criteria for Fish Early Life Stages Present, mg N/L

Temperature and pH-Dependent Values of the Chronic Criterion for Fish Early Life Stages Present

pH

Temperature, C

0

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

6.5

6.67

6.67

6.06

5.33

4.68

4.12

3.62

3.18

2.80

2.46

6.6

6.57

6.57

5.97

5.25

4.61

4.05

3.56

3.13

2.75

2.42

6.7

6.44

6.44

5.86

5.15

4.52

3.98

3.50

3.07

2.70

2.37

6.8

6.29

6.29

5.72

5.03

4.42

3.89

3.42

3.00

2.64

2.32

6.9

6.12

6.12

5.56

4.89

4.30

3.78

3.32

2.92

2.57

2.25

7.0

5.91

5.91

5.37

4.72

4.15

3.65

3.21

2.82

2.48

2.18

7.1

5.67

5.67

5.15

4.53

3.98

3.50

3.08

2.70

2.38

2.09

7.2

5.39

5.39

4.90

4.31

3.78

3.33

2.92

2.57

2.26

1.99

7.3

5.08

5.08

4.61

4.06

3.57

3.13

2.76

2.42

2.13

1.87

7.4

4.73

4.73

4.30

3.78

3.32

2.92

2.57

2.26

1.98

1.74

7.5

4.36

4.36

3.97

3.49

3.06

2.69

2.37

2.08

1.83

1.61

7.6

3.98

3.98

3.61

3.18

2.79

2.45

2.16

1.90

1.67

1.47

7.7

3.58

3.58

3.25

2.86

2.51

2.21

1.94

1.71

1.50

1.32

7.8

3.18

3.18

2.89

2.54

2.23

1.96

1.73

1.52

1.33

1.17

7.9

2.80

2.80

2.54

2.24

1.96

1.73

1.52

1.33

1.17

1.03

8.0

2.43

2.43

2.21

1.94

1.71

1.50

1.32

1.16

1.02

0.897

8.1

2.10

2.10

1.91

1.68

1.47

1.29

1.14

1.00

0.879

0.773

8.2

1.79

1.79

1.63

1.43

1.26

1.11

0.973

0.855

0.752

0.661

8.3

1.52

1.52

1.39

1.22

1.07

0.941

0.827

0.727

0.639

0.562

8.4

1.29

1.29

1.17

1.03

0.906

0.796

0.700

0.615

0.541

0.475

8.5

1.09

1.09

0.990

0.870

0.765

0.672

0.591

0.520

0.457

0.401

8.6

0.920

0.920

0.836

0.735

0.646

0.568

0.499

0.439

0.386

0.339

8.7

0.778

0.778

0.707

0.622

0.547

0.480

0.422

0.371

0.326

0.287

8.8

0.661

0.661

0.601

0.528

0.464

0.408

0.359

0.315

0.277

0.244

8.9

0.565

0.565

0.513

0.451

0.397

0.349

0.306

0.269

0.237

0.208

9.0

0.486

0.486

0.442

0.389

0.342

0.300

0.264

0.232

0.204

0.179

c. Chronic Criteria for Fish Early Life Stages Absent, mg N/L

Temperature and pH-Dependent Values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Absent

pH

Temperature, C

0-7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15*

16*

6.5

10.8

10.1

9.51

8.92

8.36

7.84

7.35

6.89

6.46

6.06

6.6

10.7

9.99

9.37

8.79

8.24

7.72

7.24

6.79

6.36

5.97

6.7

10.5

9.81

9.20

8.62

8.08

7.58

7.11

6.66

6.25

5.86

6.8

10.2

9.58

8.98

8.42

7.90

7.40

6.94

6.51

6.10

5.72

6.9

9.93

9.31

8.73

8.19

7.68

7.20

6.75

6.33

5.93

5.56

7.0

9.60

9.00

8.43

7.91

7.41

6.95

6.52

6.11

5.73

5.37

7.1

9.20

8.63

8.09

8.58

7.11

6.67

6.25

5.86

5.49

5.15

7.2

8.75

8.20

7.69

7.21

6.76

6.34

5.94

5.57

5.22

4.90

7.3

8.24

7.73

7.25

6.79

6.37

5.97

5.60

5.25

4.92

4.61

7.4

7.69

7.21

6.76

6.33

5.94

5.57

5.22

4.89

4.59

4.30

7.5

7.09

6.64

6.23

5.84

5.48

5.13

4.81

4.51

4.23

3.97

7.6

6.46

6.05

5.67

5.32

4.99

4.68

4.38

4.11

3.85

3.61

7.7

5.81

5.45

5.11

4.79

4.49

4.21

3.95

3.70

3.47

3.25

7.8

5.17

4.84

4.54

4.26

3.99

3.74

3.51

3.29

3.09

2.89

7.9

4.54

4.26

3.99

3.74

3.51

3.29

3.09

2.89

2.71

2.54

8.0

3.95

3.70

3.47

3.26

3.05

2.86

2.68

2.52

2.36

2.21

8.1

3.41

3.19

2.99

2.81

2.63

2.47

2.31

2.17

2.03

1.91

8.2

2.91

2.73

2.56

2.40

2.25

2.11

1.98

1.85

1.74

1.63

8.3

2.47

2.32

2.18

2.04

1.91

1.79

1.68

1.58

1.48

1.39

8.4

2.09

1.96

1.84

1.73

1.62

1.52

1.42

1.33

1.25

1.17

8.5

1.77

1.66

1.55

1.46

1.37

1.28

1.20

1.13

1.06

0.990

8.6

1.49

1.40

1.31

1.23

1.15

1.08

1.01

0.951

0.892

0.836

8.7

1.26

1.18

1.11

1.04

0.976

0.915

0.858

0.805

0.754

0.707

8.8

1.07

1.01

0.944

0.885

0.829

0.778

0.729

0.684

0.641

0.601

8.9

0.917

0.86

0.806

0.756

0.709

0.664

0.623

0.584

0.548

0.513

9.0

0.790

0.740

0.694

0.651

0.610

0.572

0.536

0.503

0.471

0.442

* At 15 C and above, the criterion for fish ELS absent is the same as the criterion for fish ELS present.





2. Saltwater: criteria as total ammonia (mg/l)

a. Acute Water Quality Criteria for Saltwater Aquatic Life Based on Total Ammonia (mg/l).


Temperature, (?C)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

pH

Salinity = 10 g/kg

7.0

270

191

131

92

62

44

29

21

7.2

175

121

83

58

40

27

19

13

7.4

110

77

52

35

25

17

12

8.3

7.6

69

48

33

23

16

11

7.7

5.6

7.8

44

31

21

15

10

7.1

5.0

3.5

8.0

27

19

13

9.4

6.4

4.6

3.1

2.3

8.2

18

12

8.5

5.8

4.2

2.9

2.1

1.5

8.4

11

7.9

5.4

3.7

2.7

1.9

1.4

1.0

8.6

7.3

5.0

3.5

2.5

1.8

1.3

0.98

0.75

8.8

4.6

3.3

2.3

1.7

1.2

0.92

0.71

0.56

9.0

2.9

2.1

1.5

1.1

0.85

0.67

0.52

0.44


Salinity = 20 g/kg

7.0

291

200

137

96

64

44

31

21

7.2

183

125

87

60

42

29

20

14

7.4

116

79

54

37

27

18

12

8.7

7.6

73

50

35

23

17

11

7.9

5.6

7.8

46

31

23

15

11

7.5

5.2

3.5

8.0

29

20

14

9.8

6.7

4.8

3.3

2.3

8.2

19

13

8.9

6.2

4.4

3.1

2.1

1.6

8.4

12

8.1

5.6

4.0

2.9

2.0

1.5

1.1

8.6

7.5

5.2

3.7

2.7

1.9

1.4

1.0

0.77

8.8

4.8

3.3

2.5

1.7

1.3

0.94

0.73

0.56

9.0

3.1

2.3

1.6

1.2

0.87

0.69

0.54

0.44


Salinity = 30 g/kg

7.0

312

208

148

102

71

48

33

23

7.2

196

135

94

64

44

31

21

15

7.4

125

85

58

40

27

19

13

9.4

7.6

79

54

37

25

21

12

8.5

6.0

7.8

50

33

23

16

11

7.9

5.4

3.7

8.0

31

21

15

10

7.3

5.0

3.5

2.5

8.2

20

14

9.6

6.7

4.6

3.3

2.3

1.7

8.4

12.7

8.7

6.0

4.2

2.9

2.1

1.6

1.1

8.6

8.1

5.6

4.0

2.7

2.0

1.4

1.1

0.81

8.8

5.2

3.5

2.5

1.8

1.3

1.0

0.75

0.58

9.0

3.3

2.3

1.7

1.2

0.94

0.71

0.56

0.46

To convert these values to mg/liter N, multiply by 0.822



b. Chronic Water Quality Criteria for Saltwater Aquatic Life Based on Total Ammonia (mg/l).



Temperature (?C)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

pH

Salinity = 10 g/kg

7.0

41

29

20

14

9.4

6.6

4.4

3.1

7.2

26

18

12

8.7

5.9

4.1

2.8

2.0

7.4

17

12

7.8

5.3

3.7

2.6

1.8

1.2

7.6

10

7.2

5.0

3.4

2.4

1.7

1.2

0.84

7.8

6.6

4.7

3.1

2.2

1.5

1.1

0.75

0.53

8.0

4.1

2.9

2.0

1.40

0.97

0.69

0.47

0.34

8.2

2.7

1.8

1.3

0.87

0.62

0.44

0.31

0.23

8.4

1.7

1.2

0.81

0.56

0.41

0.29

0.21

0.16

8.6

1.1

0.75

0.53

0.37

0.27

0.20

0.15

0.11

8.8

0.69

0.50

0.34

0.25

0.18

0.14

0.11

0.08

9.0

0.44

0.31

0.23

0.17

0.13

0.10

0.08

0.07


Salinity = 20 g/kg

7.0

44

30

21

14

9.7

6.6

4.7

3.1

7.2

27

19

13

9.0

6.2

4.4

3.0

2.1

7.4

18

12

8.1

5.6

4.1

2.7

1.9

1.3

7.6

11

7.5

5.3

3.4

2.5

1.7

1.2

0.84

7.8

6.9

4.7

3.4

2.3

1.6

1.1

0.78

0.53

8.0

4.4

3.0

2.1

1.5

1.0

0.72

0.50

0.34

8.2

2.8

1.9

1.3

0.94

0.66

0.47

0.31

0.24

8.4

1.8

1.2

0.84

0.59

0.44

0.30

0.22

0.16

8.6

1.1

0.78

0.56

0.41

0.28

0.20

0.15

0.12

8.8

0.72

0.50

0.37

0.26

0.19

0.14

0.11

0.08

9.0

0.47

0.34

0.24

0.18

0.13

0.10

0.08

0.07


Salinity = 30 g/kg

7.0

47

31

22

15

11

7.2

5.0

3.4

7.2

29

20

14

9.7

6.6

4.7

3.1

2.2

7.4

19

13

8.7

5.9

4.1

2.9

2.0

1.4

7.6

12

8.1

5.6

3.7

3.1

1.8

1.3

0.90

7.8

7.5

5.0

3.4

2.4

1.7

1.2

0.81

0.56

8.0

4.7

3.1

2.2

1.6

1.1

0.75

0.53

0.37

8.2

3.0

2.1

1.4

1.0

0.69

0.50

0.34

0.25

8.4

1.9

1.3

0.90

0.62

0.44

0.31

0.23

0.17

8.6

1.2

0.84

0.59

0.41

0.30

0.22

0.16

0.12

8.8

0.78

0.53

0.37

0.27

0.20

0.15

0.11

0.09

9.0

0.50

0.34

0.26

0.19

0.14

0.11

0.08

0.07

To convert these values to mg/liter N, multiply by 0.822



M. Freshwater Water Effect Ratios and Site Specific Criteria Equations

Parameter

Acute



Chronic



(Acute Site Specific x 2) ? National Acute:Chronic Ratio



WER@

ma =

ba =

National Acute:Chronic Ratio

Cadmium

2.2

1.0166

-3.924

--

Copper

4.77

0.9422

-1.700

2.823

Lead

0.19

1.273

-1.46

51.29

Silver

2.85

1.72

-6.52

--

Zinc

1.63

0.8473

0.8840

2.208

@WER=Water Effect Ratio

--=no recommended value, use chronic value as calculated in Table 2.



1.27 The Implementation of the Antidegradation Provisions of the Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations

A. Introduction - Antidegradation Standard

1. § 1.20 of this Part is based on the Federal Antidegradation Policy requirements, 40 C.F.R. § 131.12 and adopted under the authority of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 46-12, 42-17.1 and 42-35.

2. Antidegradation is one of the minimum elements required in state water quality standards. The provisions of the State Antidegradation Regulations have as their objective the maintenance and protection of various levels of water quality and uses.

3. The Rhode Island Antidegradation provisions consist of four (4) tiers of water quality protection which are defined in general terms in § 1.20 of this Part.

B. Applicability - Antidegradation applies to all new or increased projects or activities which may lower water quality or affect existing water uses, including but not limited to all 401 Water Quality Certification reviews and any new, reissued, or modified RIPDES permits. This Antidegradation Implementation Policy describes the general strategy the State will use to determine on a case-by-case basis whether, and to what extent, water quality may be lowered.

C. Preconditions for Implementation of Antidegradation Procedures

1. At the onset of the antidegradation review, a determination by the State, of whether the proposed activity can be considered a new or increased activity, must be made.

a. A new activity in terms of application of this Antidegradation Implementation Policy shall refer to any activity which commenced after November 28, 1975.

b. An increased activity shall refer to:

(1) A proposed increase in loadings to a waterbody.

(2) For discharges covered by existing RIPDES permits an evaluation of an increased loading shall constitute a comparison of the present permit limit with the newly calculated permit limit. If the new permit limit is less than or equal to the old limit, it would not be considered an increased activity. If the comparison indicates that the new permit limit is greater than the old limit, it would be considered an increased activity.

(3) An increase in a flow alteration over the existing use.

2. If the above evaluations result in a determination that the proposed activity is not a new or increased activity, then there would be no further review of the proposed activity under the Antidegradation Implementation Policy. If the above evaluations result in a determination that the proposed activity is a new or increased activity, then the activity will be reviewed for consistency with this Antidegradation Implementation Policy.

D. Antidegradation Protections for Tier 1 and Tier 2

1. Tier 1 - Protection of Existing Uses

a. General - This provision applies to all surface waters.

(1) An existing use can be established by demonstrating that a use(s) has actually occurred since November 28, 1975, and the water quality is suitable to allow the existing use or;

(2) By demonstrating that although a designated use(s) has not occurred the water quality is suitable to allow such a use(s) to occur, unless there are physical problems which prevent the use and which cannot be remedied.

b. Under Tier 1, a proposed activity or discharge cannot partially or completely eliminate any existing uses nor the water quality needed to maintain and protect those uses.

c. The proposed activity cannot violate the class-specific criteria for minimum water quality of the assigned water quality standard of a waterbody.

(1) The more stringent of instream aquatic life criteria or applicable human health criteria for toxic pollutants must be met in all waters, regardless of the classification.

d. The Department may make requests for evidence/data for applications of proposed activities or discharges in accordance with § 1.27(E)(3) of this Part.

2. Tier 2 - Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters

a. General - In a waterbody where, for any parameter, the existing water quality exceeds that level necessary to support the propagation of fish and wildlife and recreation in and on the waters, regardless of the use designation, that water shall be considered high quality for that parameter.

(1) All parameters do not need to be better quality than the ambient criteria for the water to be deemed a "high quality water". Instead, a waterbody is assessed as being high quality on a parameter-by-parameter basis.

b. That high quality shall be maintained and protected, except for insignificant changes in water quality as determined by the Director and in accordance with § 1.27(E) of this Part.

c. Significant changes in water quality may be allowed if it can be proven to the Director by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value, and the Director finds, after full satisfaction of the intergovernmental coordination and public participation provisions of the RI Continuing Planning Process, that allowing the water quality degradation is necessary to accommodate important economic and social benefit in the area in which the receiving waters are located § 1.27(E)(5) of this Part.

(1) In allowing any such significant change in water quality, the Director shall assure water quality adequate to fully protect existing and designated uses.

d. In allowing a change in water quality, significant or insignificant, all reasonable measures to minimize the change shall be implemented.

(1) Adequate scientifically valid documentation shall demonstrate that existing and designated uses, water quality to protect those uses, and all applicable water quality standards, will be fully protected.

(2) Achievement of the highest statutory and regulatory requirements for all new and existing point sources and all cost effective and reasonable best management practices for nonpoint source controls, shall be assured.

3. Special Resource Protection Water - If the waterbody is a Special Resource Protection Water (SRPW), a special subset of High Quality Waters, additional requirements appear in Tier 2½ of this Antidegradation Policy.

4. Outstanding National Resource Water - If the waterbody is an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW), a special subset of High Quality Waters, additional requirements appear in Tier 3 of this Antidegradation Policy.

E. Assessment Process for Determining Special Resource Protection and Outstanding National Resource Waters

1. Assess waterbody for high quality on a parameter-by-parameter basis:

a. Characterize the existing instream water quality and compare to the State's instream water quality criteria to assess for high quality water on a parameter-by-parameter basis.

(1) Instream water quality is characterized by the applicable flows associated with the most adverse conditions as stated in § 1.10(C) of this Part, background water quality levels (as determined by the Director), and all point source loadings and nonpoint source contributions and in accordance with § 1.12(B) of this Part.

(2) If this analysis indicates that the water is not high quality, then Tier 1 of the policy is the applicable level of protection.

(3) If this analysis indicates that the water is high quality, then continue with the Tier 2 antidegradation evaluation.

2. Define the remaining assimilative capacity of the receiving water:

a. The remaining assimilative capacity or buffer of the receiving water is equivalent to the difference between the State's instream water quality criteria and the existing instream water quality.

3. Request and obtain evidence/data for applications involving activities potentially impacting High Quality Waters:

a. If it is determined that a high quality water is involved in a request for an approval of a discharge or other activity, and sufficient supplemental data is not available, RIDEM may request that the applicant provide, at a minimum, the following information prepared by a qualified professional. All engineering analyses and documentation must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a professional engineer registered in the State pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-8. All biological and scientific analyses and documentation shall be prepared by individuals qualified in the scientific field.

(1) Adequate recent instream water quality data, and engineering analyses to calculate probable water quality impacts due to the discharge or activity, and evidence that the existing instream water uses, and the level of water quality necessary to protect those uses will be maintained and protected.

(2) Adequate scientific/engineering-based evidence describing the magnitude and duration of any lowering of water quality due to the discharge or activity by itself, and in combination with other discharges or activities presently occurring. Such evidence must also show that all water quality criteria applicable to the High Quality Water in question will not be violated.

(3) All documentation required by any other applicable RI Water Quality Regulation or which the Director determines is necessary.

(4) Where RIDEM determines that the information/documentation provided by the applicant is insufficient to make a valid determination, the Department has the authority to require additional information from the applicant before a decision is made. Failure to provide the required information shall result in denial of all approvals for the activity or discharge.

4. Determine if the discharge or activity will significantly impact the waterbody:

a. For any water quality parameter, increments of water quality within any High Quality Water which exceed the minimum water quality criteria of that water's assigned water quality standard. Degradation of water quality increments by the applicant shall only be allowed if the extent of degradation expected can be adequately documented, and it can be demonstrated by the applicant through full intergovernmental coordination and public participation process that the discharge or activity is necessary to achieve important economic or social benefit to the State, as required in § 1.27(D)(2) of this Part.

b. Any new or increased discharge or activity could lower existing water quality and thus require the important benefit demonstration. RIDEM will:

(1) Evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, using BPJ and all pertinent and available facts, including scientific and technical data and calculations as provided by the applicant; and

(2) Determine whether the incremental loss is significant enough to require the important benefits demonstration described below.

c. Some of the considerations which will be made to determine if an impact is significant in each site specific decision are:

(1) Percent change in water quality parameter value and their temporal distribution;

(2) Quality and value of the resource;

(3) Cumulative impact of discharges and activities on water quality to-date;

(4) Measurability of the change;

(5) Visibility of the change;

(6) Impact on fish and wildlife habitat; and

(7) Impact on potential and existing uses.

d. As a general guide, any discharge or activity which consumes greater than 20% of the remaining assimilative capacity § 1.27(E)(2) of this Part will be considered a significant impact and will be required to demonstrate important economic or social benefits to justify the activity § 1.27(E)(5) of this Part.

e. Any proposed percent consumption of the remaining assimilative capacity may be deemed significant and invoke full requirements to demonstrate important economic or social benefits.

5. Demonstration that the discharge or activity is necessary to achieve important economic or social benefits to the State:

a. When the Department determines from BPJ and documentation provided by the applicant that a proposed new or increased discharge or activity would result in a significant impact to the existing water quality of a High Quality waterbody, the Department requires that the applicant demonstrate by a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a probative value that the discharge or activity is necessary to achieve important economic or social benefits to the State. The applicant shall submit evidence to the Department, including but not limited to:

(1) Adequate scientific and technical evidence describing the magnitude and duration of the lowering of water quality.

(2) Adequate evidence detailing the extent of the important economic or social benefits that will accrue to the State from the proposed activity.

(3) Adequate scientific and technical evidence which demonstrates that the discharge or activity is necessary and methods of alternative production, alternative methods of treatment, or alternative sites for the activity will not achieve the important social or economic benefits.

b. Where RIDEM determines that the information/documentation provided by the applicant is insufficient to make a valid determination, the Department has authority to require additional information from the applicant before a decision is made.

c. Upon receipt and review of the applicant's antidegradation socioeconomic benefits demonstration, the Department may either determine that the significant change in water quality is not necessary to provide important economic or social benefit and deny the proposed new or increased discharge, or tentatively accept the demonstration and provide the opportunity for public comment on the action that may lower water quality in a high quality waterbody. The public participation requirement will be met by providing the public with the opportunity to comment and the opportunity to request a public hearing § 1.27(E)(6) of this Part.

6. Public Participation

a. When the Department determines that a proposed new or increased discharge or activity would result in either significant or insignificant impacts to the existing water quality of any High Quality waterbody, the Department will cause and approve public notice to be given by the applicant, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35, and said notice shall include:

(1) description of the proposed activity;

(2) Statement of the State's antidegradation policy and how the activity complies with the State's policy;

(3) A determination that existing uses will be maintained and protected;

(4) Summary of the expected water quality impact;

(5) Summary of the important economic or social benefits to the State.

(6) The notice shall invite written comments to be submitted to DEM, Water Resources, and shall provide an opportunity to request a public hearing.

b. For RIPDES permit related activities, this public notice may be a part of the normal public participation procedures involved with the issuance of a RIPDES permit.

c. Intergovernmental coordination and review will be fulfilled by submitting a copy of the public notice to the following agencies, requesting comment to be submitted to DEM, Water Resources by the public comment deadline.

d. State Agencies


(1) Governor's Policy Planning Office; RI Division of Statewide Planning, Department of Administration; RI Water Resources Board; RI Department of Economic Development; RI Office of Drinking Water Quality, Department of Health; RI Coastal Resources Management Council (as applicable).

e. Federal Agencies

(1) US EPA Region I; US Army Corps of Engineers; US Fish and Wildlife Service; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Park Service (as applicable).

(2) Once all public comment has been received (following the comment deadline), the Director of RIDEM or the Director's designee will respond to all significant comments. If significant evidence of need in terms of public interest, significant new technical information, or significant and valid disagreement as to technical conclusions exist, the Director or the Director's designee will hold a public hearing.

(3) Following this public participation process, the Director or the Director's designee will render a decision as to the allowance or denial for such activity to take place. If the application is denied, the applicant may revise the submittal to decrease or eliminate the projected impact to High Quality Waters, and resubmit the application for consideration under the full review process.

F. Antidegradation Protections for Tier 2½ and Tier 3

1. Tier 2½ - Protection of Water Quality for SRPWs

a. Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPWs) are a special subset of High Quality Waters. SRPWs are subject not only to Tier 2 protection but also special protection under Tier 2½ of the Antidegradation Policy. Waterbodies which have been designated as SRPWs are listed in § 1.28 of this Part.

b. Under Tier 2½, there shall be no measurable degradation of the existing water quality necessary to protect the characteristic(s) which cause the waterbody to be designated as a SRPW. The new or increased discharge or activity will not be allowed unless the applicant can provide adequate scientific and technical documentation and engineering plans which can prove, to the satisfaction of the Director, that specific pollution controls and/or other mitigation measures and BMPs will completely eliminate any measurable impacts to water quality necessary to protect the characteristics which cause the waterbody to be designated a SRPW.

c. If the RIDEM, using BPJ and scientific and technical knowledge of proper modern pollution control engineering practices, agrees that the specified pollution controls and/or BMPs will protect the SRPW from all measurable degradation, those agreed-to measures will be conditions required of the applicant in an approval. Any avoidance of such conditions by the applicant will result in automatic revocation of the approval and potential enforcement action. The burden of proof rests on the applicant.

d. Notwithstanding that all public drinking water supplies are SRPWs, public drinking water suppliers may undertake temporary and short term activities within the boundary perimeter of a public drinking water supply impoundment for essential maintenance or to address emergency conditions in order to prevent adverse effects on public health or safety, provided that these activities comply with the requirements set forth in § 1.20(B) of this Part (Tier 1 Protection of Existing Uses) and § 1.20(C) of this Part (Tier 2 Protection of Water Quality in High Quality Waters).

2. Tier 3 - Protection of Water Quality for ONRWs

a. Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) are a special subset of High Quality Waters. ONRWs are subject not only to Tier 2 protection but also special protection under Tier 3 of the Antidegradation Policy.

b. Under Tier 3, the State cannot allow any degradation of the existing water quality necessary to protect and maintain ONRWs. There shall be no new or increased discharge to ONRWs or to tributaries to ONRWs that would result in lower water quality in the ONRW.

c. The State may allow some limited activities that result in temporary and short-term changes in the water quality of an ONRW. Such activities must not permanently degrade water quality or result in water quality lower than that necessary to protect the existing uses in the ONRW. During any period of time when, after opportunity for public participation in the decision, the State allows temporary degradation, all practical means of minimizing such degradation shall be implemented.

1.28 Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPWs)

A. The following list contains surface waters of the State which have been designated by the Department as SRPWs. RIDEM objectively established a list of SRPWs. This list of designated SRPWs includes the waterbody name, location and water quality classification for each SRPW. Additional information on SRPWs is available from RIDEM.

B. Special Resource Protection Waters (SRPWs) are high quality surface waters identified by the Director as having significant ecological or recreational uses, which may include but are not limited to: wildlife refuge or management areas; public drinking water supplies; State and Federal parks; State and Federal designated Estuarine Sanctuary Areas; waterbodies containing critical habitats, which may include but are not limited to waterbodies identified by the RIDEM Natural Heritage Program as critical habitat for rare or endangered species; wetland types or specific wetlands listed as rare, threatened, endangered, of special interest or of special concern by the RI Natural Heritage Program; waterbodies identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior on the Final List of Rivers for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.





























B. Table of Special Resource Protection Waters


Basin Name

Subbasin Name

Waterbody Name

Waterbody ID Number

Town

SRPW Categories

Recreation

Ecological Habitat

State Park

Federal Park

State Estuarine Area

Federal Estuarine Area

Critical Habitat (Rare and Endangered Species)

Unique Fresh Water Wetland

Wild & Scenic


Drinking Water Supply


Conservation Area


Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Abbott Run Brook

RI0001006R-01

Cumberland










X


Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Ash Swamp

RI0001006R-04

Cumberland


X





X

X




Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Ash Swamp Brook

RI0001006R-04

Cumberland


X





X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Asheville Pond

RI0008040L-04

Hopkinton

X


X




X




X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Bailey Brook

RI0007035R-01

Middletown










X


Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Barden Reservoir

RI0006015L-06

Scituate










X


Narragansett: Basin

Barrington & Runnins Rivers

Barrington River Estuary

RI0007021E-01A/B, RI0007021R-01

Barrington,

East Providence

X

X





X




X

Thames River Basin

Beach Pond & Tribs

Beach Pond

RI0005010L-01

Exeter

X


X




X





Narragansett: Basin

West Passage Narragansett Basin

Belleville Pond

RI0007027L-02

North Kingstown

X

X





X





Pawtuxet River Basin

Big River & Tribs

Big River

RI0006012R-02

West Greenwich


X





X





Thames River Basin

Tribs to Five Mile

Bowdish Reservoir

RI0005047L-03

Glocester

X

X

X




X





Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Briggs Marsh

RI0010048E-01

Little Compton


X





X

X



X

Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Brown Point Marsh

No WBID

Little Compton


X










Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Cards Pond

RI0010043E-01

South Kingstown




X








Thames River Basin

Tribs to Five Mile

Cedar Swamp Pond

RI0005047L-05

Burrillville


X





X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Chapman Pond/

Crandall Swamp

RI0008039L-01

Westerly


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Cold Brook

RI0010048R-01

Little Compton







X





Thames River Basin

Tribs to Five Mile

Cold Spring Brook

RI0005047R-05

Burrillville


X





X





Thames River Basin

Tribs to Five Mile

Croff Farm Brook

RI0005047R-04

Burrillville


X





X





Blackstone River Basin

Woonsocket Reservoir #3 & all Tribs

Crookfall Brook

RI0001004R-01

North Smithfield, Cumberland










X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Deep Pond

RI0010043L-08

Charlestown


X





X

X




Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Diamond Hill Reservoir

RI0001006L-01

Cumberland










X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Diamond Pond/Bog Complex

RI0008040R-06

Richmond


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Donovan Marsh

No WBID

Little Compton


X










Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

East Sneech Brook

RI0001006R-03

Cumberland







X



X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Ell Pond

RI008040L-05

Hopkinton

X


X




X




X

Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Factory Pond

RI0010043L-03

South Kingstown


X





X

X




Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck Rive r& Tribs

Fisherville Brook, from headwaters north of Henry Brown Rd. in West Greenwich to Route 102 in Exeter

RI0008039R-07

West Greenwich, Exeter


X





X




X

Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Fogland Point Marsh

No WBID

Tiverton


X





X





Coastal Waters

Block Island Waters

Fresh Pond

RI0010046L-02

New Shoreham










X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Fresh Pond

No WBID

Charlestown


X





X





Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Galilee Bird Sanctuary

RI0010043E-06A/E

Narragansett, South Kingstown


X

X









Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water & Supply Tribs

Gardiner Pond

RI0007035L-01

Middletown




X






X

X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Gennesee Swamp

RI0008039R-08

South Kingstown


X





X





Narragansett: Basin

Greenwich Bay

Gorton Pond

RI0007025L-01

Warwick

X

X





X

X



X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Grass Pond

RI0008039L-23

Richmond


X





X

X



X

Coastal Waters

Block Island Waters

Great Salt Pond and Marshes

RI0010046E-01A

New Shoreham







X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Great Swamp

RI0008039L-07

South Kingstown


X

X




X





Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Green Hill Pond

RI0010043E-02

South Kingstown







X





Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Happy Hollow Pond

RI0001006L-03

Cumberland










X


Narragansett: Basin

Potowomut River

Hunt River

RI0007028R-03B

North Kingstown


X





X




X

Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Huntinghouse Brook

RI0006015R-11

Scituate


X





X





Narragansett: Basin

Jamestown Water Supply

Jamestown Brook

RI0007036R-01

Jamestown










X


Narragansett: Basin

Warren Reservoir

Kickemuit Reservoir

RI0007034L-01

Warren



X







X

X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Lawton Valley Reservoir

RI0007035L-06

Portsmouth










X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Little Maschaug Pond

RI0010043L-18

Westerly







X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Tidal Pawcatuck River/Little Narragansett Bay

Little Narragansett Bay

RI0008038E-02A/B

Westerly

X






X





Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Long Brook

RI0001006R-02

Cumberland


X





X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Long Pond

RI0008040L-20

Hopkinton

X


X




X




X

Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Long Pond

RI0010048L-01

Little Compton


X





X

X




Blackstone River Basin

Blackstone River & Tribs

Lonsdale Marsh Complex (Blackstone River)

RI0001003R-01A

Lincoln, Central Falls, Cumberland


X





X

X




Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Maidford River

RI0007035R-02A/B

Middletown







X



X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Maschaug Pond

RI0010043E-03

Westerly







X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Matunuck Hills Complex- Long, White, Spectacle, Hot House and Lily Ponds

RI0010043L-07 (Long), RI0010043L-05 (White), RI0010043L-01 (Hothouse),

No WB ID for Spectacle and Lily Ponds

South Kingstown


X





X

X



X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

McGowan Swamp

RI0008039R-12

Westerly


X





X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Meadowbrook Pond

RI0008039L-05

Richmond


X





X

X




Pawtuxet River Basin

Pawtuxet River South Branch & Tribs

Mishnock Swamp

RI0006014L-01

Coventry







X





Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Moswansicut Pond

RI0006015L-04

Scituate










X


Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply Tribs

Nelson Pond

RI0007035L-02

Middletown










X

X

Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Ninigret Pond

RI0010043E-04A

Charlestown

X

X


X



X

X



X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Nonquit Pond

RI0007035L-08

Tiverton


X








X


Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

North Easton Pond

RI0007035L-03

Middletown










X


Narragansett: Basin

Jamestown Water Supply

North Carr Pond

RI0007036L-01

Jamestown










X


Narragansett: Basin

Palmer River

Palmer River

RI0007022E-01A/B

Barrington, Warren


X





X




X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Paradise Brook

RI0007035R-03

Middletown










X


Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Pawcatuck Reservoir (Arnold Mills Reservoir)

RI0001006L-02

Cumberland










X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Pawcatuck River

RI0008039R-18A/C/E

Charlestown, Westerly,

South Kingstown,

Richmond, Hopkinton







X


X


X

Coastal Waters

Tribs to Pettaquamscutt River

Pettaquamscutt River (Narrow River)

RI0010044E-01A

North Kingstown, South Kingstown,

Narragansett


X





X

X



X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Phantom Bog

No WBID

Hopkinton


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Point Judith Pond

RI0010043E-06A-I

South Kingstown, Narragansett


X

X








X

Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Ponagansett Reservoir

RI0006015L-02

Glocester










X


Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Ponagansett River

RI0006015R-20A/B

Foster, Glocester

X


X







X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Potters Pond

RI0010043E-05

South Kingstown

X

X





X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Queen River, from William Reynolds Road in Exeter to Dugway Bridge Road in South Kingstown.

RI0008039R-21A/B/C

Exeter,

South Kingstown


X





X




X

Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Quicksand Pond

RI0010048E-02

Little Compton


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Quonochontaug Pond

RI0010043E-07

Charlestown, Westerly

X

X





X





Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Regulating Reservoir

RI0006015L-01

Scituate










X


Blackstone River Basin

Abbott Run Brook & Tribs

Robin Hollow Pond

RI0001006L-04

Cumberland










X


Narragansett: Basin

Barrington & Runnins River

Runnins River

RI0007021R-01

Barrington, East Providence








X





Coastal Waters

Block Island Waters

Sachem Pond

RI0010046L-03

New Shoreham

X






X





Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Sakonnet River -

waters in the vicinity of Sachuest Point and Third Beach, Middletown, RI as defined under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

RI0010031E-01B


X

X


X



X





Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Sakonnet River -

waters in the vicinity of Sakonnet Harbor as defined by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

RI0010031E-01D


X

X





X





Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Sakonnet River -

waters in the vicinity of Sakonnet Point as defined by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and the US Fish and Wildlife's designation of Significant Coastal Habitat for the Rhode Island Sound - Buzzards Bay Beach Complex under the Northeast Coastal Areas Study.

RI0010031E-01B


X

X





X





Coastal Waters

Block Island Waters

Sands Pond

RI0010046L-01

New Shoreham










X


Coastal Waters

Sakonnet River

Sapowet Marsh

No WBID

Tiverton



X




X





Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Schoolhouse Pond

RI0010043L-09

Charlestown


X

X




X

X




Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Scituate Reservoir

RI0006015L-07

Scituate










X


Blackstone River Basin

Branch River & Tribs

Screech Hole Bog

No WBID

Burrillville


X





X

X




Blackstone River Basin

Branch River & Tribs

Scwindels Swamp Preserve

No WBID

Glocester


X





X





Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Shippee Saw Mill Pond

RI0006015L-05

Foster

X









X


Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Sisson Pond

RI0007035L-10

Portsmouth










X


Blackstone River Basin

Branch River & Tribs

Smith & Sayles Reservoir

RI0001002L-07

Glocester

X






X




X

Blackstone River Basin

Sneech Pond & Tribs

Sneech Pond

RI0001005L-01

Cumberland










X


Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

South Easton Pond

RI0007035L-04

Newport










X


Narragansett: Basin

Jamestown Water Supply

South Watson Pond

RI0007036L-02

Jamestown



X







X

X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

St. Mary’s Pond

RI0007035L-05

Portsmouth










X


Narragansett: Basin

Stafford Pond

Stafford Pond

RI0007037L-01

Tiverton

X






X



X


Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Succotash Marsh

No WBID

South Kingstown







X





Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Tippencansett Pond

RI0008040L-17

West Greenwich, Exeter


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Trustom Pond

RI0010043E-08

South Kingstown




X



X





Coastal Waters

Southeast Coastal Ponds

Tunipus Pond

RI0010048L-04

Little Compton


X










Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Twin Pond

No WBID

Narragansett







X





Blackstone River Basin

Blackstone River & Tribs

Valley Falls Pond

RI0001003L-02

Cumberland


X





X





Blackstone River Basin

Wallum Lake & Tribs

Wallum Lake

RI0001001L-01

Burrillville

X


X




X



X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Watchaug Pond

RI0008039L-02

Charlestown

X

X

X




X

X



X

Narragansett: Basin

Aquidneck Water Supply & Tribs

Watson Reservoir

RI0007035L-07

Little Compton










X


Narragansett: Basin

West Passage Narragansett Bay

Wesquage Pond

RI0007027E-07

Narragansett







X




X

Pawtuxet River Basin

Scituate Reservoir & Tribs

Westconnaug Reservoir

RI0006015L-03

Scituate, Foster










X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Wickaboxet Pond

RI0008040L-18

West Greenwich


X





X

X




Coastal Waters

Southwest Coastal Ponds

Winnapaug Pond & Salt Marsh

RI0010043E-09

Westerly







X




X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Wood River

RI0008040R-16A/B/C/D

Richmond, Hopkinton, Westerly

X






X


X



Blackstone River Basin

Woonsocket Reservoir #3 & all Tribs

Woonsocket Reservoir #1

RI0001004L-02

North Smithfield










X


Blackstone River Basin

Woonsocket Reservoir #3 & all Tribs

Woonsocket Reservoir #3

RI0001004L-01

North Smithfield










X


Pawcatuck River Basin

Pawcatuck River & Tribs

Worden Pond

RI0008039L-07

South Kingstown

X

X

X




X

X



X

Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Wyoming Pond

RI0008040L-11

Hope Valley

X











Pawcatuck River Basin

Wood River & Tribs

Yawgoog Pond

RI0008040L-07

Hopkinton

X









X


1.29 Rhode Island Site Specific Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria Development Procedure

A. Introduction - There is valid scientific rationale for the contention that the National criteria derived using the November 28, 1980 National guidelines, 45 FR 79341, may be underprotective or overprotective at specific sites. National water quality criteria proposed under Section 304(a) (33 U.S.C. § 1314) or Section 307(a)(1) (33 U.S.C. § 1317) toxic pollutants are based on laboratory toxicity tests in which aquatic organisms were exposed to known concentration of toxicants in laboratory water and, thus, may not adequately represent site water and effluent effects. The underlying intent of adopting water quality criteria into the State’s standards is to establish a set of conditions which, if consistently achieved, will not impair the biological integrity of the aquatic community residing in the waterbody.

B. A prominent aspect of the National criteria is a provision allowing for modification to reflect local environmental conditions. Incorporating site specific water quality criteria into discharge permits will still ensure that the aquatic community is adequately protected from the effects of toxic pollutant discharges, while considering the mitigation of toxicity due to characteristics of a local waterbody and effluent. The need to reevaluate the National criteria and develop site specific criteria can emerge from many factors including:

1. High natural ambient concentrations relative to standards or criteria.

2. The presence of substances for which water quality based effluent limits are below analytical detectability.

3. The possibility of complex or synergistic interactions of chemicals within the effluent and/or site water.

4. Observed beneficial or detrimental effects on the receiving water biota.

C. RIDEM developed this site specific criteria procedure using a Mostly Sanitary Secondary Treatment Plant's (MSSTP) effluent and designated site water in 1990. Due to the uncertainties associated with the instream fate of pollutant loading after discharge, RIDEM will not allow for unchecked or maximum attenuation of toxicity by various physical/chemical parameters in every effluent. Using a MSSTP effluent will afford a consistent, predictable baseline behavior of specific pollutants when attenuated by standard sanitary, secondary effluent components (TSS, alkalinity, pH etc.) This procedure will allow for a moderate amount of attenuation of toxicity by a discharge and site water while addressing the concern of instream fate of pollutant loadings. Site specific criteria may also be developed using the procedures outlined in the EPA document entitled Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water-Effect Ratios for Metals (EPA-823-B-94-001). Since the EPA WER Guidance procedures allow for the evaluation of more site specific characteristics (which may attenuate toxicity) than the RIDEM policy, a more rigorous testing program may be required when following the EPA WER Guidance than that described herein.

D. The new criteria developed will be applied only to sites where there are existing discharges and will be administered uniformly to disallow any significant fluctuations in toxicity that may occur due to inconsistencies in the influent component or overall treatment.

E. Documentation of the factors that exist at a facility or within a basin, which necessitate site specific criteria development, shall be submitted to RIDEM. This documentation shall include:

1. Any previous effluent or instream bioassay test results and/or evaluation of the impact of the discharge on the resident aquatic community.

2. Characterization of existing water quality conditions at the site or within the basin.

3. The parameters for which site specific criteria are to be developed should be listed with an explanation of why the National criteria for these parameters can not be met.

4. An indication of what levels of the parameters of concern could be attained after institution of an aggressive pretreatment program and exploration of other municipal standard treatment controls.

F. The municipal effluent and site water data generated from this procedure will be applied to industries as a baseline for permit derivation.

G. The criteria developed from one site may be applied to additional sites, if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that the hydrologic, ecological and physiographic conditions are consistent between the two sites.

H. New permit limits will be developed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and laws, including antibacksliding and antidegradation prohibitions.

I. Necessary modifications to all permits will be based on compliance bioassay monitoring results.

J. Methodology - The RIDEM site specific criteria testing protocol narrowly limits the degree to which mitigation of toxicity may be considered. The RIDEM policy allows that the criteria may be applicable to a number of discharges and site waters. However, the RIDEM protocol is expected to result in more stringent criteria compared to the criteria resulting from following the EPA WER Guidance. EPA's WER Guidance (EPA-823-B-94-001) should be consulted for further information concerning alternative testing and data analysis procedures.

1. The site specific criteria shall be developed using a Mostly Sanitary Secondary Treatment Plant's (MSSTP, as designated by RIDEM) effluent with site water. This MSSTP will be a standard secondary facility with little or no industrial input. An efficient Wastewater Treatment facility which handles primarily domestic flow will offer the situation of limited buffering of toxicity due to chemicals from industrial inputs and/or domestic organic loadings to the WWTF. This set of tests will represent a best case scenario which can be applied to almost all facilities in the State. Future routine toxicity test results shall be used to monitor continued compliance and may determine if more stringent or lenient permit limits and/or requirements are needed for all facilities.

2. The site should be defined on the basis of expected changes in the relevant parameters' biological availability and/or toxicity due to physical and chemical variability of the site water.

a. These changes in toxicity cannot result from components present in the effluent of an upstream discharge.

b. Due to the complexity of factors, RIDEM will be responsible for delineating sites.

c. It is expected that a site and site water will be defined on a basin-wide level.

3. These bioassay tests shall be conducted in accordance with protocol listed in as specified in § 1.29 of this Part. Additional methods such as protocols listed in 40 C.F.R. § 136, incorporated above in § 1.3(A) of this Part, may be considered at the discretion of the Director

a. At a minimum, these tests shall consist of acute toxicity testing of 2 species including a fish (freshwater = fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas; marine = silversides, Menidia spp.) and an invertebrate (freshwater = Ceriodaphnia spp.; marine = shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia).

b. Effluent testing shall be conducted on a pre-chlorinated, 24 hour flow proportioned (samples collected hourly), composite effluent sample of the MSSTP. A 100% effluent sample shall be analyzed to determine the concentration(s) of the parameter(s) of concern.

4. Acute tests shall be run on the MSSTP effluent diluted with a designated site water (MSSTP mixture) at a ratio of 20 site water:1 effluent, because it represents 75% of the dilution factors established for discharges in Rhode Island.

a. The Director may approve a testing protocol which is based upon the actual ratio of effluent and site water which will result under the receiving water design flow specified in § 1.10(C) of this Part. In this case, the site specific criteria will only be applicable to the particular site evaluated.

b. An acute screening test shall be conducted on the MSSTP mixture sample, by spiking with one toxicant of concern at concentrations high enough to determine a statistically valid LC50, which is <100%, for that toxicant relevant to each species being tested. Then at least five toxicant concentrations, spaced evenly above and below the previously determined LC50, and a control shall be tested.

(1) Two replicates per concentration are required and the number of organisms per replicate will depend on the species being tested.

c. In the case of freshwater testing, the hardness of the site water must be monitored at the time the tests are conducted to allow for calculations of the criteria based on hardness.

d. Each complete set of tests shall be conducted on three different occasions (dates).

(1) Chemical analyses, including hardness, of the site water and MSSTP effluent combined sample will have to be conducted to confirm the concentration of the spiked chemical on selected dilutions during each testing occasion.

e. Selected dilutions shall include low, medium, and high concentrations on one replicate and one species.

(1) Chemical analyses of these dilutions shall be conducted on a portion of the sample taken immediately prior to the addition of the organisms.

f. Dissolved metal analyses must be conducted if the results of the toxicity testing will be used to establish site specific criteria for dissolved metals.

g. Similar tests shall be conducted on a control of laboratory water spiked with the toxicant of concern at concentrations not only equivalent to those observed in the effluent, but also which will allow for a statistical comparison with the National criteria.

h. Using the data from both sets of replicates, the LC50, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals shall be obtained for each species tested in the laboratory water, relative to each toxicant of concern, for each of the three testing occasions. The laboratory water LC50 test results shall be compared to the National acute LC50 values obtained for each testing occasion to confirm the validity of these site specific tests.

i. Using the data from both sets of replicates, the LC50, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals shall be obtained for each species tested in the MSSTP mixture, relative to each toxicant of concern for each of the valid testing occasions.

j. Species-specific water effect ratio shall be calculated for each of the valid testing occasions by dividing the laboratory water LC50 into the MSSTP mixture LC50.

k. Two species-specific final WER shall be calculated as the geometric mean of the valid WERs (from each species).

(1) These two specific WERs shall be compared to see if they are significantly different (p < 0.05). If these two species-specific WERs are not different, then the final site specific WER is the geometric mean of these two WERs. If the two species-specific water effect ratios are statistically different, then the WER from the most sensitive species shall be the final site specific WER.

l. If the final site specific WER is not significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the National Acute Criteria is the Site Specific acute criteria. If the final site specific WER is significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the Site Specific Criteria shall be calculated by multiplying the final site specific WER times the National freshwater acute criteria formula or the National saltwater acute criteria, as appropriate.

m. The Director may determine not to use all of the valid testing occasions to calculate the final site specific WER if necessary to protect aquatic life.

5. If a National acute/chronic ratio was used to develop the National chronic criteria for the chemical of interest, the site specific chronic criteria is calculated by multiplying the site specific acute criteria by 2 and then dividing by the National acute/chronic ratio.

6. If the National acute/chronic ratio for the toxicant of concern does not exist, a site specific chronic criteria can also be obtained by testing species for chronic toxicity. Tests shall be conducted using the same species requirements within §§ 1.29(I)(3)(a) and 1.27(I)(4) of this Part.

a. The Director may approve a testing protocol which is based upon the actual ratio of effluent and site water which will result under the receiving water design flow specified in § 1.10(C) of this Part. In this case the site specific criteria will only be applicable to the particular site evaluated.

b. The chronic tests shall be conducted in accordance with protocol listed in 40 C.F.R. § 136, incorporated above in § 1.3(A) of this Part, , incorporating any deviations from protocol listed below.

c. A chronic screening test shall be conducted on the MSSTP and site dilution water mixture by spiking with one toxicant of concern at concentrations high enough to determine a statistically valid chronic toxic effect value for that toxicant relevant to each species being tested. Then at least five toxicant concentrations, spaced evenly above and below the previously determined chronic toxic effect value, and a control, shall be tested.

(1) The number of replicates per concentration and the number of organisms per replicate will depend on the species being tested in accordance with the EPA protocol.

d. Chronic testing will also follow the requirements listed in §§ 1.29(I)(4)(c) through (e) of this Part.

e. Using the data from all sets of replicates, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC), Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and Maximum Acceptable Toxicant Concentration (MATC) for each species tested in the lab water tests, relative to each toxicant of concern, for each of the three testing occasions. The results of the laboratory water test obtained for each testing occasion are compared with the National chronic value to determine the validity of these site specific tests.

f. Using the data from all sets of replicates, the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC), Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and Maximum Acceptable Toxicant Concentration (MATC) shall be obtained for each species tested in the MSSTP effluent, relative to each toxicant of concern for each of the valid testing occasions.

g. Species-specific water effect ratios shall be calculated for each of the valid occasions by dividing the chronic value from the laboratory water test into the chronic value from the MSSTP effluent test.

h. Two species-specific final WERs shall be calculated as the geometric mean of the valid WERs (from each species).

(1) If the two species-specific WERs are not significantly different (confidence limits overlap), then the final site specific WER is the geometric mean of these two WERs. If the two species-specific final WERs are significantly different from each other, then the WER from the most sensitive species shall be the final site specific WER.

i. If the final site specific WER is not significantly different from a value of one (1.0), then the National chronic criteria equals the site specific chronic criteria. If the final site specific WER is significantly different from a value of one (1.0), the site specific Chronic Criteria can be calculated by multiplying the final site specific WER by the National Freshwater Chronic Criteria Formula or the National Saltwater Chronic Criteria, as appropriate.

j. The Director may determine not to use all of the valid testing occasions to calculate the final site specific WER if necessary to protect aquatic life.

K. Permit Limits and Requirements

1. The information obtained from the three testing occasions will be reviewed by RIDEM to determine the Final Site Specific criteria for each parameter evaluated.

2. If the results from these test procedures do not change the National criteria, the National criteria would apply to all dischargers on the waterbody and would be used to derive permit limits where necessary. Chemical specific limits will be developed for those pollutants which would cause an excursion above the National criteria and will be incorporated into permits on a case-by-case basis.

a. Dischargers would be required to redesign their facility, if necessary, to ensure compliance with the National criteria and permit limits. Bioassay monitoring requirements and whole effluent toxicity (WET) limits may be developed and incorporate into permits, as necessary, based on previous bioassay test results, continual toxicity during compliance monitoring and new data from dilution studies.

3. If the results from these test procedures justify changing the National criterion to a site specific criterion, these new ambient criteria would apply to all dischargers on within the designated site and would be used to derive permit limits.

a. For freshwaters, the site specific criteria will be established by multiplying the National criteria, determined at the hardness anticipated during the design receiving water flow, by the final water effect ratio(s).

b. These permits may include chemical specific limits and/or whole effluent toxicity limits. Whole effluent toxicity limits and specifics of bioassay monitoring requirements will be based on previous bioassay test results, continual toxicity during compliance monitoring and new data from dilution studies.

4. If toxicity testing is incorporated into a permit,

a. Facilities with 20:1, or less dilution may be required to conduct chronic toxicity tests.

b. Facilities with a 20.1-100:1 dilution may be required to conduct acute tests.

c. Facilities with greater than 100:1 dilution may also be required to conduct acute toxicity tests.

d. WET limits may be developed based on EPA's acute and/or chronic Toxic Units Method although meeting a minimum LC50 may be required if best professional judgement deems it is necessary.

e. Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIE) and Toxicity Reduction Evaluations (TRE) may be required of any discharger if bioassay compliance monitoring indicates continual toxicity.

f. Bioassessment studies may be required to ensure the integrity of the instream aquatic community.



Title 250 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Chapter 150 Water Resources
Subchapter 05 Water Quality
Part 1 Water Quality Regulations (250-RICR-150-05-1)
Type of Filing Amendment
Regulation Status Inactive
Effective 08/19/2018 to 08/19/2018

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 46-12, 42-17.1 and 42-17.6., and in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35

Purpose and Reason:

The purpose of this amendment is to reformat the regulation in accordance with the RICR, to add an Incorporated Materials section, and to make additional non-technical changes. Reformatting of the regulation in accordance with RICR includes, but is not limited to, renumbering, movement of text, and elimination of duplicative or non-regulatory text, among other format changes. The two comments received during the public commenting period were not pertinent to the proposed changes that were the subject of the public notice. The Department did not make any additional changes to the proposed rules. Minor technical changes to formatting to conform to RICR were made by the Secretary of State since the rule proposed in the public notice.