Permit Assistance/CCEC
Here at the RIEDC, we know that the last thing a new or growing business needs to worry about is losing its way in a tangle of regulatory requirements or falling behind schedule because of regulatory delays. The Corporation provides technical assistance, resources and coordination for companies seeking permits from Rhode Island regulatory bodies.
Benefits to you:
- Liaison and advocacy on your behalf with various state departments on regulatory and permitting issues.
- Counseling for your business on key issues impacting regulatory and permit approvals.
- Fast-track permitting treatment through the state’s Expedited Permitting Process is available for projects that qualify.
Professionals are on hand to personally help business owners complete permit forms regarding regulatory approvals required by the state. Companies which qualify for Certificates of Critical Economic Concern enjoy expedited permit approvals, and are able to fast-track their business plans.
The bottom line? The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is prepared to help you cut through the red tape and expedite permitting whenever possible. For instance, Fidelity Investments 240,000 square foot facility in Smithfield was fully operational a short fourteen months after groundbreaking thanks to the services offered through Regulatory Assistance.
Department of Environmental Management
If your business will have an effect on the environment, it is required to meet standards set by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Regulatory Section, including the Divisions of Air and Hazardous Materials, Water Resources, and Groundwater and Freshwater Wetlands. Standards must be met in the areas of wetlands disturbance, liquid discharges, air contaminants, solid wastes and the treatment, generation, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- The Division of Air and Hazardous Materials should be contacted whenever the operations of a company will cause the emission of air contaminants such as hydrocarbons, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, carbon monoxide, or lead. Approval is needed to construct, improve, or modify any equipment capable of becoming a source of air pollution, including air pollution control systems. In addition, all major sources of air pollution must possess an operating permit outlining the general emission parameters of the company. Approval by the division is required before a building permit can be issued. Call 401-222-2797.
- The Division of Ground water and Fresh water Wetlands has jurisdiction over fresh water wetlands. Generally these areas are protected from any form of distur-bance, and a permit must be obtained from DEM to conduct work in or near a fresh water wetland. Activities which alter the biological or hydrological character of a fresh water wetland normally require permit approval. These include filling, draining, running a ditch or drain, changing water flow into or out of a stream, swamp marsh, bog or any other fresh water wetland. Call Ground water at 401-222-2234 and Fresh water at 401-222-6820.
- The Division of Water Resources regulates discharges to Rhode Island 's waters and issues Water Quality Certifications for projects which require other permits where water quality may be affected. The certification by DEM is a finding that the proposed activities will not affect attainment of water quality standards. The Division of Water Resources also administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Under this program, DEM issues permits and enforces effluent limitations for discharges directly into state waters. Discharges to municipal wastewater treatment facilities must comply with DEM regulations for pre treatment. Call 401-222-3961.
- The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council must approve any development or operation within the coastal area, as well as activities which may affect coastal resources. Shoreline protection facilities, physiographical features, tidal marshes, sand dunes, etc., come under the Management Council's jurisdiction. Activity within one mile of the shoreline which might adversely affect the coastal zone is reviewed by the Council for planning purposes. Call 401-222-3429.
For further information you can access the Department of Environmental Management's website at www.dem.ri.gov.
William Parsons