§ 42-17.1-2.3. Watershed-based management. (a) In order to accomplish the duties and responsibilities for the protection, development, planning, and utilization of the natural resources of the state, the director is authorized: (1) to plan, coordinate, integrate, manage, exercise and/or implement the powers set forth in this chapter on a watershed basis for the purposes of preserving and/or improving ecosystem functionality, protecting public health, safety and welfare, and providing for the use of natural resources, including for recreational and agricultural purposes; (2) to work in conjunction with the Rhode Island rivers council and in cooperation with federal, interstate, state, local and private agencies and community organizations and watershed groups and associations and persons to effectuate watershed-based management, as appropriate and desirable; (3) to cooperate with the coastal resources management council in the preparation and adoption of a marine resources development plan as provided for in § 46-23-6(1)(v)(A); and (4) to coordinate and administer the activities of the department to achieve the purposes of systems level planning by the state; and within areas subject to the jurisdiction of the coastal resources management council, to administer its programs and exercise its powers and duties consistent with the marine resources development plan and in those areas which are not subject to the jurisdiction of the coastal resources management council to administer its programs and exercise its powers and duties in a manner that contributes to meeting the purposes and goals of the marine resources development plan.

(b) Cumulative effects and potential cumulative effects of regulatory actions, including, but not limited to, the issuance of permits and approvals, on a geographic basis, shall be incorporated, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection 42-17.1-2(14), to the extent practicable and reasonable by the department into watershed-based management and planning.

History of Section. (P.L. 2004, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 465, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 23.)