Rhode Island § 46-12-5 - Water Pollution

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 46-12-5 — Water Pollution, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46-12-5. Water Pollution

R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-12-5

§ 46-12-5. Prohibitions.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to place any pollutant in a location where it is likely to enter the waters or to place or cause to be placed any solid waste materials, junk, or debris of any kind whatsoever, organic or non organic, in any waters.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant into the waters except as in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated hereunder and pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(c) It shall be unlawful to construct or install any industrial, commercial, or other establishment, to make any modification or addition thereto, or to undertake any development which may result in the discharge of any pollutant into the waters of the state, unless the discharge is made to a system or means to prevent pollution approved by the director.

(d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) above, an applicant seeking a water quality certification from the department of environmental management in connection with the disposal of dredge material at a site as provided for in § 46-23-18.3 and in a manner consistent with a comprehensive program as provided for in § 46-23-6(1)(ii)(H), shall be granted said water quality certification if the department of environmental management determines that the proposal is consistent with the water quality standards adopted pursuant to § 46-12-3(24).

History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1914, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 125, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 634, § 3; P.L. 1966, ch. 261, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 46-12-4; P.L. 1970, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 271, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 281, § 4.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 46-12-5

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 46-12-5 cover?

Section 46-12-5 ("Water Pollution") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 46-12-5?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 46-12-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 46-12-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.