By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
More than 40 years after Rhode Island outlawed cesspools, a new law requires that cesspools be closed every time a home changes hands.
“The elimination of cesspools is good for our economy,” said Governor Gina Raimondo Wednesday, as she conducted a ceremonial signing of the bill at Save the Bay, the environmental group which lobbied for its passage.
“We’re going to get people back to work replacing these cesspools. I’m glad to see the builders are here and I thank you for your support. It’s good for our environment,” she said.
“Today we are recognizing that there is no place in our state where pollution is acceptable,” said Rep. Teresa Tanzi, (D-Narragansett, South Kingstown), the bill’s House sponsor.
“As we all know, cesspools don’t treat waste, they merely dispose of it deep underground where it contaminates the groundwater, watersheds, the Bay and potentially drinking water if a well is nearby,” said Sen. Susan Sosnowski, (D-New Shoreham, South Kingstown), sponsor of the bill in the Senate.
The state Department of Environmental Management estimates about 25,000 cesspools remain in Rhode Island, as many as 500 may be phased out each year under the law.
