Overview

“Island Waters: The Aquidneck Island Water Quality Initiative” is a new program developed by AIPC in partnership with the communities of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, along with the non-profit partners Clean Ocean Access and the Aquidneck Land Trust. In September, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected Island Waters for funding under its Southeast New England Program – one of only 8 such projects selected by EPA this year.

With a single, shared drinking water system, Aquidneck Island is uniquely vulnerable to water pollution caused by stormwater runoff. As a world-class destination for beach-going, sailing, fishing and other forms of water-based recreation, our quality of life, our economy and our environment depend on clean fresh and salt water.

The purpose of Island Waters is to help the three Island communities work together to better manage stormwater pollution. Under this grant, we’re constructing stormwater control measures to reduce problems now, while planning for tomorrow’s funding needs. Outreach is a big part of the project, too, helping homeowners and others to better control run off from yards and rooftops. 

PARTICIPANTS

Local Partners: Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, Town of Portsmouth, City of Newport, Town of Middletown, Aquidneck Land Trust, Clean Ocean Access, Eastern RI Conservation District, RI Dept of Environmental Management, RI Green Infrastructure Coalition

Federal Partner: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Southern New England Program 

GOALS

Island Waters’ goals are to:

  • Develop a sustainable inter-municipal partnership for restoring water quality;
  • Provide the communities with approximately $700,000 in new direct funding for actions to reduce stormwater impacts;
  • Engage and inform thousands of Island residents in watershed stewardship;
  • Evaluate the results of the program, including benefit/cost analysis for the municipalities;
  • Develop a financing plan for future stormwater needs; and
  • Share results with communities elsewhere in New England and the U.S.
PROGRESS & IMPLEMENTATION

In fall 2016, we are developing the Island Waters program. The EPA grant will run for three years, to fall 2019.

OPPORTUNITIES

This section will be periodically updated as opportunities arise within the project. Stay tuned!