FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
401 and State Water Quality Certification UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL 401 WQC APPLICATIONS DEM has updated the application requirements for federal 401 Water Quality Certifications to comply with the April 2022 Supreme Court decision to reinstate the 2020 401 Certification Rule. These requirements include submission of the Supplemental WQC Request Form (first file listed below) and a request for a pre-application meeting 30 days before submission of an application. Please see the WQC Application Instructions and Required Enclosures document (second file listed below) for details. Application for Stormwater Construction Permit and Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes View permit status, historical information, and download available documents from our Permit Search below: Water Quality Certifications & Stormwater Permit Search This program is responsible for fulfilling the requirements of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (The Act) and ensuring compliance with the State Water Quality Regulations for projects that impact inland and coastal waters. The Act requires the State to certify all projects that require a Federal permit for activities which involve a discharge that may result from dredging or filling as well as some coastal projects associated with marinas. Ultimately, Section 401 has authority over any activity that has the reasonable potential to discharge pollutants into Waters of the United States and some Waters of the State. This program also requires State WQC for projects that are not covered under Section 401, but have the potential to impact inland and coastal waters. Activities Regulated under the Water Quality Certification Program Discharges subject to Section 401 (requiring a federal permit) In accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, any project that may result in a discharge into Waters of the United States requires a WQC. The following types of projects that require a federal permit (and are not covered by a General Permit) also require a 401 WQC from RIDEM: Hydropower and gas pipeline projects (subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing) Projects requiring a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers permitting that are not covered under a General Permit, which may include: New construction or expansion of a marina Fill or dredge in Waters of the U.S. Discharges subject to State WQC Program Projects that are not subject to a federal permit but have the potential to result in discharge of pollutants into Waters of the State require a State WQC. These projects include but are not limited to the following: Harbor Management Plans Flow Alterations or Water Withdrawals Stormwater Master Plans Applying for a Water Quality Certification (WQC) See the "Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification" document below for application procedures and requirements for various project and activity types. Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Primary Resources Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Application for Stormwater Construction Permit and Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Harbor Management Plan WQC Guidance PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Guidance for Groundwater Withdrawals PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Water Quality Regulations (250-RICR-150-05-1) Water Withdrawals Additional Resources Stormwater Construction Permitting Freshwater Wetland Permitting CRMC Harbor Management Plans Army Corps of Engineers General Permit Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Application for Stormwater Construction Permit and Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
Application Instructions and Required Enclosures for Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
Application for Stormwater Construction Permit and Water Quality Certification PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes