Title 45
Towns and Cities

Chapter 51
Environmental Advocacy Act

R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-51-3

§ 45-51-3. Powers and duties.

The municipal conservation commission shall:

(1) Receive complaints from residents or businesses within the municipality regarding safety of drinking water, water quality, or clean air, or other pollutants affecting the environment.

(2) Investigate any complaints requested by a state regulatory agency.

(3) Prepare a report with an appraisal of the validity of the clean air or water problem, the responsible parties, the remedial action required, and identification of the state agency with jurisdiction over the problem, and submit the report to the city council and office of mayor or town administrator.

(4) Serve as liaison for the city or town with all agencies charged under state law with enforcement of all laws and regulations pertaining to air and water quality as stated in subdivision (3).

(5) Serve as advocate for the municipality and its residents before the agency under whose jurisdiction the problem falls; with the objective of securing remedial action.

(6) Assist the office of solicitor in taking legal action to secure court orders requiring the responsible state agency to take remedial action when the action has been unduly delayed or neglected by the agency.

(7) Conduct public information activities to inform the community of the availability of the services of the commission.

History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 556, § 2.