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.
Compliance and Inspection Air Pollution Program This program investigates public complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to visible emissions, odors, fugitive dust and exterior lead paint removal and performs compliance monitoring of exterior lead paint removal activities and businesses/facilities with a history of noncompliance. Dam Safety Program This program investigates citizen complaints relating to, and performs compliance monitoring inspections of, dams whose failure could cause loss of life or significant property damage. Freshwater Wetland Program This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to freshwater wetlands. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Disposal Program This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to onsite wastewater treatment disposal (OWTS/septic systems or cesspools). Hazardous Waste Program This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to hazardous waste and performs compliance monitoring of hazardous waste generators. Medical & Solid Waste Program This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM relating to medical waste and solid waste and performs compliance monitoring of medical waste generators. Underground Storage Tanks Program This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to underground storage tanks and performs compliance monitoring of underground storage tanks. Water Pollution Program This program investigates complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to surface water and groundwater and performs compliance monitoring of construction projects involving stormwater runoff. Prev Next Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Slide 6 Slide 7 Slide 8 Overview The OC&I is responsible for the regulatory enforcement activities related to Air, Waste, and Water. The OC&I investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental laws and regulations and performs compliance monitoring of regulated activities. The OC&I coordinates with other DEM divisions and offices regarding their compliance monitoring of regulated, permitted or licensed activities and facilities. Compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, permits and licenses is enforced through both informal and formal enforcement actions. Formal enforcement includes orders and assessment of penalties that are subject to appeal and enforceable through the courts. The OC&I has eight internal programs to carry out the functions and responsibilities assigned as listed below: Air Pollution- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to visible emissions, odors, fugitive dust and exterior lead paint removal and performs compliance monitoring of exterior lead paint removal activities and businesses/facilities with a history of noncompliance. Dam Safety- This program investigates citizen complaints relating to, and performs compliance monitoring inspections of, dams whose failure could cause loss of life or significant property damage. Freshwater Wetlands- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to freshwater wetlands. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Disposal- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to onsite wastewater treatment disposal (septic systems or cesspools). Hazardous Waste- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to hazardous waste and performs compliance monitoring of hazardous waste generators. Medical & Solid Waste- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM relating to medical waste and solid waste and performs compliance monitoring of medical waste generators. Underground Storage Tanks- This program investigates citizen complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to underground storage tanks and performs compliance monitoring of underground storage tanks. Water Pollution- This program investigates complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to surface water and groundwater and performs compliance monitoring of construction projects involving stormwater runoff. Historical Element Topics US EPA Enforcement & Compliance History Online (ECHO) EPA Review of DEM Enforcement Program -Federal FY 2017 EPA Review of DEM Enforcement Program -Federal FY 2012 EPA Review of DEM Enforcement Program -Federal FY 2007 Partner Links Report an Environmental Complaint DEM's Office of Compliance and Inspection (OC&I) investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental laws and regulations and performs compliance monitoring of regulated activities. Compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, permits, and licenses is enforced through both informal and formal enforcement actions. Note: Complaints are public records and information you forward to OC&I will be available for public review UNLESS you advise us that you wish to remain anonymous. Report via Email During business hours (weekdays, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): 401-222-1360 After-hours emergency: 401-222-3070