The EPA promulgated the Stormwater Phase II Rule, which targets municipal stormwater systems, to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act and to protect the nation's streams, rivers, and beaches from polluted stormwater runoff. In Rhode Island the EPA Phase II Rule is administered by the RIDEM.
Owners of regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) authorized to discharge stormwater under the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) Stormwater General Permit for Small Separate Storm Sewer Systems and from Industrial Activity at Eligible Facilities Operated by Regulated Small MS4s must submit an Annual Report to the RIDEM, Office of Water Resources. The Report tracks progress of compliance with requirements of the general permit. The City is a regulated small MS4.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Phase II Small MS4 General Permit, the City issued a Public Notice on February 8, 2024 regarding the Draft Phase II Annual Report for Year 20 (2023). No public comments were received during the comment period. The 2023 Annual Report was finalized and submitted to RIDEM prior to the March 10, 2024 deadline. The City's Phase II Annual Report for Year 20 - 2023 is provided in the link below.
The following websites provide additional information on the Stormwater Program:
RI Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Stormwater Phase II Compliance Assistance Guide