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 the 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, a public hearing has been tentatively scheduled to consider the City of Newport’s Phase II Stormwater Annual Report, if requested. Requests for a Public Hearing must be submitted in writing to the attention of Robert C. Schultz, Jr., General Manger & Chief Engineer. Notice should be taken that if the City of Newport receives a request from twenty-five (25) people, a governmental agency or subdivision, or an association having no less than twenty-five (25) members on or before 4:00 PM, February 21, 2025, if requested the public hearing will be held at the following time and place: February 28, 2025 at 10:00 am Lawton Valley Water Treatment Plant Conference Room 2154 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 Interested persons should contact the City of Newport in advance to confirm if a hearing will be held at the time and location noted above. The City's Phase II Annual Report for Year 21 - 2024 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