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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Update on RIDEM New Freshwater Wetlands Rules
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am writing to provide you with updated information regarding the new Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater Wetlands Act.
<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management recently filed with the RI Secretary of State its new Freshwater Wetlands Rules, referenced as
<b>250-RICR-150-15-3</b> in the RI Code of Regulations. This action will result in a new effective date of<span style="color:red">
</span><b>July 1, 2022</b> for full implementation of these new rules. These rules will supersede an earlier pending version referenced as 250-RICR-150-15-2 on January 13, 2022. As applicable, all persons should continue to follow the current rules, referenced
as 250-RICR-150-15-1, until the new rules take effect July 1, 2022.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">To support the transition to the new rules, on its website RIDEM has launched a new fillable form for submittal of questions about the new Freshwater Wetlands Rules. The form is accessed through a button available on the webpage: <a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/permits/pn-wetland.php">http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/permits/pn-wetland.php</a> <span style="color:red">.
</span> The form system facilitates the submittal of questions to appropriate staff for a prompt response and its use is encouraged. RIDEM will also be generating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document related to the new rules in the coming weeks.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Additionally, RIDEM, in collaboration with the RI Coastal Resources Management Council, will be hosting a series of workshops on the new Freshwater Wetlands Rules beginning in January 2022. The workshops will focus on the application process
including the new wetlands buffer standard. The first workshop has been scheduled for
<b>January 26, 2022</b> at 3:00 pm and will be conducted remotely. Additional details on how to participate in the workshop will be forthcoming.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">RIDEM will continue to post updated information about the new Freshwater Wetlands Rules, training opportunities, guidance and outreach materials on its website at the following link:
<b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#44546A"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/newwetlandsrules">www.dem.ri.gov/newwetlandsrules</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#44546A"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cordially, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#44546A"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sue Kiernan, Deputy Administrator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">RIDEM Office of Water Resources<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">401-222-4700 e x2777600<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Sue.kiernan@dem.ri.gov">Sue.kiernan@dem.ri.gov</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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