Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 250 - Department of Environmental Management
Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) – Title 250
Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
Title 250 contains the rules and regulations issued by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, covering environmental protection, natural resource management, pollution control, and related administrative procedures.
Overview of Chapters
Chapter 10 — Administrative Adjudication
Governs administrative hearings conducted by the DEM.
Includes procedures for violations, penalties, and appeals.
Ensures fair hearings for regulated parties.
Chapter 20 — Legal Services
Outlines internal legal processes for DEM enforcement.
Covers administrative rules, notices, and compliance procedures.
Chapter 30 — Management Services
Contains administrative rules for DEM operations.
Covers personnel, recordkeeping, and internal procedures.
Chapter 40 — Agriculture and Resource Marketing
Addresses environmental concerns in agriculture.
Regulates marketing standards, licensing, and permits for agricultural products.
Chapter 50 — Coastal Resources
Regulates coastal construction and shoreline protection.
Establishes rules for beach preservation and coastal management permits.
Chapter 60 — Fish and Wildlife
Rules for hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation.
Defines seasons, licensing, and harvesting limits.
Protects endangered species and habitats.
Chapter 70 — Forest Environment
Governs forest conservation, tree cutting, and forest fire prevention.
Includes rules for forestry operations and arborist registration.
Chapter 80 — Law Enforcement
Rules for enforcement of environmental regulations.
Includes boating safety, hunting/fishing violations, and recreational enforcement.
Chapter 90 — Marine Fisheries
Regulates marine species, fishing gear, quotas, and conservation measures.
Protects commercially and recreationally important fish species.
Chapter 100 — Parks & Recreation
Rules for the use of state parks and recreational lands.
Covers conservation of natural areas, camping, and recreational activities.
Chapter 110 — Planning & Development
Guides open space preservation and environmental planning.
Covers greenway planning, land use, and recreational development.
Environmental Protection Chapters
Chapter 120 — Air Resources
Sets air quality standards and emission limits.
Requires permits for facilities emitting pollutants.
Establishes monitoring and reporting requirements.
Chapter 130 — Compliance & Inspection
Outlines procedures for inspections, compliance checks, and penalties.
Includes dam safety and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Chapter 140 — Waste and Materials Management
Regulates solid and hazardous waste management.
Covers recycling, contaminated site cleanup, and storage of dangerous materials.
Establishes standards for waste facilities and disposal.
Chapter 150 — Water Resources
Governs water quality standards, groundwater protection, and stormwater control.
Sets rules for wastewater discharges and wetland protection.
Includes permitting and environmental review procedures for water projects.
Chapter 160 — Boating
Regulates boat registration, safety, and operation on Rhode Island waters.
Chapter 170 — Resilience & Climate Change
Addresses planning for climate change impacts.
Establishes strategies for environmental resilience and adaptation.
Key Features of Title 250
Applicability
Covers both public and private activities affecting the environment.
Applies to facilities, development projects, and natural resource use.
Definitions
Each chapter defines key terms (e.g., “pollutant,” “discharge,” “permit”) to ensure clarity.
Public Participation
Many rules include public notice, comment periods, and hearings.
Ensures transparency in DEM decision-making.
Enforcement
Rules specify fines, penalties, and administrative procedures for violations.
Includes inspections and compliance requirements.
Environmental Review
Projects seeking state permits or funding may require environmental review.
Ensures alignment with state environmental policies and conservation goals.

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