Introduced By: Senators O'Leary, McDonald, Walaska, Roberts and Cicilline
Date Introduced : June 29, 1998
WHEREAS, Sewage overflow into Narragansett Bay due to heavy rains can cause an immediate danger to the health and welfare of all Rhode Islanders, especially children and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, There is currently no warning and there is no criterion to ascertain how much rainfall causes overflow into the Bay and at what point is swimming in the Bay endangered; and
WHEREAS, The Narragansett Bay is one of Rhode Island's crown jewels and is a source of immense pride to all Rhode Islanders. It is important that this most precious resource remains clean for our future generations; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests the Department of Health to perform a study to determine how much rainfall causes sewage overflow into Narragansett Bay to the point where swimming and overall health is endangered; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Senate also respectfully requests that the Department of Health initiate a program to warn the public of impending problems in the sewage level in the Bay along with any other safeguards which are necessary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Patricia A. Nolan, Director of the Department of Health.
