Rhode Island § 46-12-37 - Water Pollution

§ 46-12-37. Waste from seagoing vessels.

The owners and/or agents of any seagoing vessel entering the waters or waterways of this state which intends to transfer or discharge any type of waste or bilge at a certified shore facility or terminal pursuant to the Resource and Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., shall first file a performance bond or other evidence of financial responsibility with the director in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) payable to the state of Rhode Island. In the event the vessel causes damage to the environment, the bond shall be forfeited to the extent of the costs incurred by the state to rectify and clean up the damage to the environment and natural resources of the state and to the extent of any fine levied for violations of water pollution abatement laws. Any seagoing vessel transferring any type of waste or bilge without coverage shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).