Rhode Island's Pollution Problem: What's The Deal?

Rhode Island has a history of pollution problems, with the state's air and water quality being a cause for concern. The American Lung Association's 2020 State of the Air report found that counties in the State of Rhode Island had failing grades for ozone pollution, with Providence and Kent recording an increased number of unhealthy days compared to the previous year. In addition, the state has struggled with toxic chemical releases, as evidenced by an increase in 2021, with facilities releasing pollutants such as ammonia and styrene into the air and water. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has faced criticism for its lack of urgency in addressing environmental issues, with a particular focus on the persistence of pollution problems at three locations. The state also faces challenges with wastewater treatment, as cesspools and stormwater runoff contribute to the contamination of groundwater, drinking water, and coastal areas.

Rhode Island's air quality worsened for ozone pollution

The State of Rhode Island has been facing issues with air quality, particularly concerning ozone pollution. The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report for 2020 revealed that counties in Rhode Island, including Providence and Kent, had more unhealthy days compared to the previous year's report, resulting in failing grades for ozone pollution. The report also highlighted that nearly half of Americans were exposed to unhealthy air during the 2016-2018 period, and ozone pollution posed a significant risk to the health of Rhode Island residents, especially vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, and individuals with lung diseases.

Ozone pollution, also known as smog, is one of the two most widespread outdoor air pollutants in the United States. It is formed by the interaction of sunlight with pollutants emitted by vehicles, power plants, and other sources. Warmer temperatures driven by climate change further exacerbate the formation of ozone and make it more challenging to mitigate. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of lung health, as studies indicate that air pollution can worsen lung conditions and emerging research suggests a potential link between long-term exposure to particle pollution and increased death rates among COVID-19 patients.

The "State of the Air" report for 2020 also noted that Providence experienced a reduction in short-term particle pollution, earning an improved grade in that category. However, Kent showed a slight increase in long-term particle pollution, although both Providence and Kent continued to meet the national standards. Particle pollution, or soot, originates from sources such as coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires, and wood-burning devices. It can have severe health impacts, including triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and even lung cancer.

While the 2020 report highlighted concerning levels of ozone pollution in Rhode Island, there is some positive news in the subsequent years. The 2023 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association showed improvements in Providence's air quality, with the metro area receiving a passing grade for ozone pollution for the first time. Several counties throughout Rhode Island also saw improved grades for ozone pollution, indicating a positive trend. However, it is important to note that these improvements coexisted with worsened grades for particle pollution in some counties.

Despite the improvements, the issue of ozone pollution in Rhode Island remains a concern. The Lung Association continues to advocate for further action, calling on lawmakers to meet the benchmarks set by the Act on Climate, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition to zero-emission transportation. Ensuring clean air for all residents, especially those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, remains a priority for the state and the nation as a whole.

Water pollution from cesspools, stormwater runoff, and combined sewer overflows

Rhode Island has a problem with water pollution from cesspools, stormwater runoff, and combined sewer overflows. More than 25,000 homes in the state use cesspools, which are essentially lined holes in the ground that do not effectively remove bacteria or nutrients from wastewater. This results in the contamination of groundwater, drinking water, and coastal areas. To address this issue, organizations like Save The Bay have advocated for the removal of cesspools through phase-out legislation and the construction and upgrade of wastewater treatment plants to reduce bacteria and nutrient pollution in bodies of water like Narragansett Bay.

Stormwater runoff is another significant contributor to water pollution in Rhode Island. When it rains, polluted water from various sources, including parking lots, streets, highways, lawns, and farms, is washed into the Bay and local rivers. Animal waste, oil, grease, gasoline, fertilizer, garbage, and sand contribute to the pollution of these water bodies. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has implemented a Stormwater Management Program to address this issue. The program focuses on developing and implementing measures to reduce pollutant runoff, improving pollution prevention, and educating municipal and state officials about stormwater management practices.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) also play a role in water pollution in Rhode Island. During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, combined sewers can become overloaded, resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage and stormwater into nearby water bodies. This can lead to the closure of swimming beaches and shellfish beds due to high levels of sewage pollution.

To protect public health, state agencies are responsible for monitoring water quality and closing swimming beaches and shellfish beds when pollution levels pose a risk to human health. Rhode Island has 124 licensed bathing facilities, including 69 marine facilities, along its coastal waters. The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) manages the Beach Monitoring Program, supported by federal funding from the BEACH Act of 2000.

Toxic chemical releases increased in 2021

Rhode Island has had its fair share of pollution problems, with issues of ozone pollution and particle pollution affecting air quality, and wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and stormwater runoff causing toxic pollution in the water.

The state's air quality worsened for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2020 "State of the Air" report. Both Providence and Kent recorded more unhealthy days than in the previous year's report. The report also tracked short-term spikes in particle pollution, which can be extremely dangerous and even lethal.

Water pollution is also a concern, with the Narragansett Bay and its rivers contaminated by decades of direct industrial discharges. Wastewater treatment plants discharge pharmaceuticals, mercury, lead, zinc, copper, and other heavy metals into the bay. Stormwater runoff adds to the problem, picking up gasoline, grease, and oil from paved surfaces and dumping them into the water.

In 2021, there was an increase in toxic chemical releases in Rhode Island. According to the EPA, 76 facilities reported approximately 276,200 pounds of chemical releases to the air, water, and land, compared to 213,000 pounds released in 2020, an increase of 63,000 pounds. The top five chemicals released into the air were from various industries, including electric utilities, primary metals, fabricated metals, plastics, and transportation equipment. These five facilities produced 71% of the state's releases in 2021.

The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is a crucial tool for the public to understand the chemicals used in their communities and the pollution prevention measures undertaken by companies. While there was an overall increase in releases from 2021 to 2022, there was also a 6.5% increase in pollution prevention activities reported under the TRI program during this period.

In 2022, 79 facilities reported approximately 200,200 pounds of releases, a decrease from the previous year, indicating that the efforts of the facilities and the TRI program are having a positive impact on reducing toxic chemical releases in Rhode Island.

Industrial waste and volatile organic compounds

Rhode Island has a history of industrial waste pollution, with sediments in the Bay and its rivers, especially in the Providence and Fall River areas, laced with pollution from decades of direct industrial discharge. The Narragansett Bay Commission and other wastewater treatment plants have made progress in reducing the amount of toxins dumped into the Bay. However, these plants still discharge everyday products such as pharmaceuticals, mercury, lead, zinc, copper, and other "heavy metals" into the Bay.

Stormwater runoff also contributes to the problem, as it picks up gasoline, grease, and oil from paved surfaces and carries them into the Bay. As a result, chemicals from wastewater and stormwater end up in the Bay's sediments and food chain, particularly in bottom-dwelling fish and shellfish.

To address this issue, Rhode Island has implemented the Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 31, which focuses on controlling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from consumer products and industrial maintenance coatings. This regulation adopts the California Air Resources Board's "Method 310: Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Consumer Products (2005)" and the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Rule 1174 Ignition Method Compliance Certification Protocol (1991).

The state has also submitted State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. These revisions update Rhode Island's air pollution control regulations for VOC emissions from consumer products and industrial maintenance coatings. The EPA approved these revisions, which became effective on January 9, 2017, and July 21, 2020, respectively.

Rhode Island is taking steps to control industrial waste and VOC emissions, but the issue of toxic pollution in the state's waterways persists.

Lack of urgency from officials to address pollution problems

Rhode Island has been facing a problem with pollution, and there seems to be a lack of urgency from officials to address these issues. The state's environmental regulations are selectively enforced, and businesses seem to be prioritised over the environment. This has allowed three high-profile pollution problems to persist for over a decade.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has been criticised for its lack of action. For example, in the case of the West Greenwich quarry, it took 16 years for the DEM to issue a notice of violation for environmental violations. Similarly, the improper closure of a landfill has left toxic chemicals in the ground, with residents concerned about the long-term environmental and health impacts. The DEM has also been aware of the illegal operations of the Hopkins Hill Sand & Stone quarry, which has been polluting a nearby conservation area, yet no effective action has been taken.

The state's water bodies, such as Narragansett Bay, have been affected by wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, cesspools, and stormwater pollution. These sources of pollution contribute excessive nutrients, bacteria, metals, and chemicals to the water, harming fish and shellfish populations and causing oxygen depletion.

Air pollution in Rhode Island has also worsened, with counties maintaining failing grades for ozone pollution. Particle pollution, or soot, has also been an issue, with short-term spikes that can be dangerous to public health. Despite the Clean Air Act, unhealthy air driven by extreme heat and climate change continues to put residents' health at risk.

The lack of urgency from officials in addressing these pollution problems has potential health, environmental, and economic implications. It is essential for leaders to take immediate and significant action to protect the well-being of Rhode Island's residents and natural resources.

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