Earth Day Event: University of Rhode Island

April 21, 2023.

When:  April 21, 2023 11 am to 1 pm

Where:  Youngken Medicinal Garden near Woodward Hall

Come celebrate Earth Day at the University of Rhode Island.  This event is sponsored by the Rhode Island Society of Environmental Professionals and the University of Rhode Island Geosciences Department.  Activities include ceremonial tree planting, food, drinks, music, games, geode smashing and a photo contest.  For more information see the below flyer.  Representatives from several local environmental consulting firms will be attending.

EBC Rhode Island Program: 

Status of Solid Waste Management in Rhode Island, Recycling and Food Waste Initiatives

November 1, 2019 at RI Resource Recovery Corp.

When:  November 1, 2019, 7:30 AM-12:00 PM

Where:  Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, RI

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

What does the future hold for Rhode Island's solid waste management needs? Rhode Island, as well as other neighboring areas, are faced with the challenge of managing an increasing volume of solid waste and shrinking landfill capacity.  

This EBC Rhode Island Solid Waste program will bring together key personnel from Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), State Regulators, and leaders in innovative recycling technologies. Topics to be discussed will include current capacity issues at RIRRC, regulatory challenges and changes, and alternative recycling options such as asphalt shingles and food waste. Speakers will present on new ways to reduce the volume of material entering the Central Landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island. Additionally, representatives of three Rhode Island municipalities will provide their perspective on current solid waste issues and best management practices.

FACILITY TOUR: Following the program, attendees will have an opportunity to tour the RIRRC facility. (Space Limited)

University of Rhode Island

College of the Environmental and Life Sciences 

Career Fair

When: 12:00 - 2:00pm, Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Where: URI Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences (CBLS) 2nd Floor
120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI  02881

Meet students looking for employers like you!
Our undergrad and graduate majors include:

• Animal Science & Technology
• Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology
• Biology / Biological Sciences / CMB
• Environmental & Natural Resource Economics
• Environmental Science & Management
• Geology
• Marine Affairs / Marine Biology
• Plant Science
• Wildlife & Conservation Biology
• Anyone with an interest in the environment
• and/or life sciences!

Learn more on URI Handshake.com!

Use the link below to download the URI CELS Career Fair poster for distribution.

Public Notice Documents

RIPDES Remediation General Permit

Final public notice documents for the Draft RIPDES Remediation General Permit (RGP) have been issued. The draft permit was public noticed on February 20, 2019 and continues through March 29, 2019.  

The draft permit is available on the RIDEM/RIPDES webpage located at: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/permits/ripdes/ 
 

Any questions, please contact Aaron Mello:

Aaron Mello, Senior Sanitary Engineer
R.I. Department of Environmental Management
Office of Water Resources/RIPDES Program
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401)222-4700 x7405
Email: aaron.mello@dem.ri.gov 

To receive future RIPDES public notices, consider subscribing to the RIPDES listserv at the RIPDES homepage via the link above. 

8-HOUR HAZWOPER REFRESHER

An 8-hr OSHA HAZWOPER Annual Waste Site H&S refresher will be held at the University of Rhode Island

Date: Saturday, February 23, 2019

Time: 08:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Location: CBLS Building, Room 10

Cost: $125

To register, contact: 

Corey W. Briggs

briggs (at) colden.com

617.259.0172

RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS

State of RI FY 2020 Budget and

RIDEM Environmental Protection

Dear RISEP Members and Friends,

Please see the below message from Terry Gray, Deputy Director for Environmental Protection at RIDEM:

Governor Raimondo will be submitting her budget for State fiscal year 2020 [on January 17, 2019]. Within that budget, there is a proposal to add three additional positions to the Bureau of Environmental Protection to complement our existing efforts to effectively regulate land development projects. With the improvements in our State economy, the level of permitting and field activities related to land development has increased. The three positions proposed in the budget will be established to provide better oversight, compliance monitoring and enforcement; more effective and timely permitting; and additional technical assistance for applicants.

The positions will be funded through an increase in the oil spill response and prevention fee assessed on the import of petroleum into our marine terminals. This is the first increase in that fee since it was established in 1996. To effectively support some of the most active areas of land development in Rhode Island, program support for storm water regulation and brownfields remediation and redevelopment will be added as eligible uses of these funds.

I would be happy to answer any questions or provide further information on this if you'd like. We look forward to your support on this very important proposal.

Thank you.

Terry Gray

Terrence D. Gray, P.E.

Deputy Director for Environmental Protection

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(401) 222-4700 extension 7100 

NEWMOA Technical Training for Waste Site Cleanup Professionals

Back-to-Basics Workshop Part 1:
Developing the CSM & Site Characterization Plan
A Reminder of What is Important, What Practitioners Often Overlook, and
Other Lessons Learned

Agenda: www.newmoa.org/events/agenda.cfm?m=309 

Registration: www.newmoa.org/events/registration.cfm?m=309 

Travel Information: www.newmoa.org/events/travel.cfm?m=309 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Click Here to Learn More!

This workshop will focus on lessons learned when developing an understanding of the nature and extent of contamination at a site including, the conceptual site model (CSM) and site characterization plan. Presenters will share experience with the consequences of data and site conditions that are commonly overlooked. Experienced practitioners can benefit from a refocus on fundamentals and lessons learned. The workshop is also a great learning opportunity for new and junior staff. Topics covered include:

• Common contaminants & businesses that used them
• Understanding subsurface fate & transport
• Developing the CSM
• Developing a site characterization plan
• Lessons learned focus

Presenters Include:

• William Ottaway, New York State DEC
• Michael Smith, Vermont DEC
• Ryan Wymore, CDM Smith

Continuing Education Credits: The workshop has been approved for 5.5 CECs for CT LEPs (course number: CTLEP-459) & 5 CECs for NJ LSRPs (course number: 2018-015). NEWMOA has applied for at least 5.0 CECs for Mass LSPs - the LSP Board is meeting March 21^st. There is a $50 fee to obtain CT LEP, Mass LSP, and/or NJ LSRP CECs - make sure to choose "Private Sector (with CEC)" as your participant type when registering so this fee is included in a single registration payment. Please let us know which type of credits you need when registering. If you want only a general attendance certificate, you do not need to pay the extra fee.

The registration fee is $200 (or $250 if CT, MA, and/or NJ CECs are needed) with a reduced rate of $50 for government officials, non-profit staff, and academic researchers. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided.

The workshop has been approved for 5 CECs for NJ LSRPs (course number: 2018-015) & 5.5 CECs for CT LEPs (course number: CTLEP-459) – the MA LSP Board is not meeting until March 21^st but there is NO reason to think the course will not be approved – every NEWMOA course (20+) has been approved for LSP credits.

Please contact Jennifer Griffith with any questions about this workshop.

Jennifer Griffith, P.E.

Project Manager

Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA)

89 South Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02111

617-367-8558 x303

RHODE ISLAND STATE PLANNING COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
In accordance with the General Laws, Section 42-11-10 and Chapter 42-35, the State Planning Council has under consideration adoption of a draft plan entitled “Water Quality 2035”, an Element of the State Guide Plan. This draft Water Quality Management Plan focuses on the need for careful management of the water resources of the State. It sets long-range goals and policies for the protection and restoration of water quality and aquatic habitats. The Draft highlights current and emerging challenges to achieving our clean water goals. It recognizes that maintaining acceptable quality and quantities of water while balancing the needs of natural systems with human activity and development can be complex. Opportunities to improve and adapt management in response to this challenge are included.

The date, time and locations of the hearings are provided in the following annoucement.  DOWNLOAD HERE:

With heavy hearts, we note the unfortunate and premature loss of two RISEP members who participated actively in our affairs over the years.

Jane Duxbury – Jane, a senior consultant at Ransom Environmental who frequented RISEP’s luncheons and social events, passed away in January 2016.  A talented and dedicated scientist, she enjoyed relaxing with her professional colleagues.  We will miss Jane’s ready smile and camaraderie.  We encourage you to view her obituary and find information about donating to her son’s educational fund at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/burlingtonfreepress/obituary.aspx?pid=177387023

Jim Fraher - Our former RISEP Chair and Honorary Director, Jim Fraher, passed away unexpectedly in March 2016.  A Rhode Island native, Jim had worked in laboratory services, principally for ESS Laboratory and Analytics Environmental, and had served many of our members very capably in this capacity.  We will miss Jim’s cheerful presence at our events.  You may view his obituary at http://www.thequinnfuneralhome.com/obituary/James-R.-Fraher/Warwick-RI/1601182

RISEP is pleased to inform our members about news and events from other environmental organizations in Southern New England.  To add a posting, please contact RISEP here.  

September 24, 2015

DEM ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF BROWNFIELDS REMEDIATION PROJECT GRANTS

Projects Support Rhode Island's Economy and Environment by Revitalizing Communities and Creating Jobs

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is soliciting proposals for brownfields site redevelopment projects that will support the cleanup of contaminated property and contribute to the state's economic vitality. Five million dollars in grant funding, which supports an estimated 365 local jobs, is available over the next four years through the new Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Fund. Rhode Island voters approved creation of the Fund with the passage of the 2014 Clean Water, Open Space, and Healthy Communities Bond. The application deadline is October 26, 2015.

"Rhode Islanders deserve a strong economy and a healthy environment," said Governor Gina Raimondo. "The projects funded by these grants will help move Rhode Island forward by opening up valuable real estate for development, cleaning up contamination, attracting jobs, and promoting public health."

Expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of brownfields – which are now abandoned vestiges of Rhode Island's industrial heritage – may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. It is estimated that Rhode Island has between 10,000 to 12,000 brownfields sites – many of which occupy desirable commercial and industrial space within the state's urban corridor. Remediation and redevelopment of these sites not only reduces the threat to public health and the environment from exposure to uncontrolled contamination, but it also creates and attracts jobs, revitalizes neighborhoods, and increases the local tax base. The Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields program estimates that 7.3 jobs are supported per $100,000 spent on brownfields redevelopment; based on this formula, the Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Fund grants will support an estimated 365 jobs in Rhode Island.

"We look forward to partnering with successful applicants on this new grant opportunity," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Transforming these former industrial sites into productive properties protects the environment and strengthens communities."

The grant program provides funding support and technical assistance to facilitate the return of brownfields to productive re-use. Grant funding will cover 80 percent of a project's cost; a 20 percent match is required. Four categories of grants are available, including pre-development planning, site preparation, redevelopment, and small business assistance grants.
 

• Pre-development planning grants of up to $20,000 are available for determining the feasibility of a brownfields redevelopment project. These grants can be used for the initial efforts to build off past site investigations and assessment work to determine the options and costs of remediation and/or the development of a brownfields site, and development of marketing and public outreach plans.
• Site preparation grants of up to $100,000 are available for sites that have already been identified as a brownfield based on previous site investigation work, but lack an approved Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP). These grants can be used to fill gaps that exist in previously-obtained site investigation data and to develop and analyze potential remedial strategies necessary for an approved RAWP.
• Redevelopment grants of up to $500,000 are available for brownfield sites that already have completed and approved site investigations and an approved RAWP and Remedial Approval Letter or Order of Approval issued by RIDEM. Redevelopment grants will fund the remediation and redevelopment of a brownfields site to bring the site into productive reuse.
• Small business assistance grants of up to $50,000 are available for those small businesses that are currently located on a brownfields site but lack the resources to address contamination. These grants will provide the capital needed to investigate and clean up the site in a manner protective of public health and the environment; this simultaneously restores the value of the underlying property and supports the long-term financial viability of the existing business.

An informational workshop on this grant opportunity is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 in Room 300 at DEM Headquarters at 235 Promenade Street in Providence from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Final proposals and supporting materials must be submitted to RIDEM's Office of Waste Management by 4 p.m. on Monday, October 26. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications electronically to Matthew DeStefano at matthew.destefano@dem.ri.gov. Proposals may also be mailed to the RIDEM Permit Application Center, 235 Promenade Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02908. Government and non-profit agencies, along with private/non-government entities, are eligible to apply. Selection of sites will be determined on a competitive basis.

For more information on this grant opportunity, contact Matthew DeStefano at 401-222-4700, ext. 7141 or via email at matthew.destefano@dem.ri.gov. The Request for Proposals can be found online at www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/waste/pdf/bbrfp15.pdf.

Posted June 9, 2014

Dear RISEP Members and Colleagues:

The New England District, Army Corps of Engineers, is developing a regional general permit for New England (NEGP) to replace the six state PGs in our region, including the RI GP (see BELOW to download the documents and revisions).  The Corps issued a public notice in June 2013.  The Corps plans to issue another public notice this summer to again solicit comments from stakeholders, and to make a permit decision in December 2014.

There will be a meeting with Greg Penta from the Corps Regulatory Division at RIDEM  from 2-5 PM on Thursday, June 12 at 235 Promendade Street Providence, RI, Third Floor, Room 300 to discuss the NE GP with interested Parties.  For more details contact:

Greg Penta

Regulatory Division

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District

696 Virginia Road

Condord, MA  02742-2751

(978) 318-8862

Thank you,

Laura Ernst

RISEP Secretary

401-595-3816

laura@landcoastalservices.com

DOWNLOAD FILES BELOW