HUNT RIVER GROUNDWATER PROTECTION: ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Author

Roland M. Deblois, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1987

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Community Planning (MCP)

Department

Community Planning and Area Development

First Advisor

John J. Kupa

Abstract

The Hunt River, which forms a natural boundary between the towns of East Greenwich and North Kingstown, is directly associated with an extensive groundwater reservoir; the reservoir is an important source of present and future drinking water supplies. Due to the direct effect that land use has on groundwater quality, legislation is needed to ensure that land uses are regulated to protect potable groundwater supplies. While legislation presently exists on the federal and state level to combat drinking water pollutants, local municipalities are in a position to have more site-specific regulatory influence through the establishment of aquifer recharge overlay districts. Within the overlay districts, land use can be regulated to ensure that the potential for aquifer pollution is minimized. This report focuses on the characteristics of the Hunt River aquifer and its primary recharge area; a model Hunt River Aquifer Protection Ordinance is presented to be considered in whole or part for adoption by the towns of East Greenwich and/or North Kingstown.

Recommended Citation

Deblois, Roland M., "HUNT RIVER GROUNDWATER PROTECTION: ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS" (1987). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 510.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/510