Coventry Dam Owner Must Raise Water To Comply With New State Law: DEM

COVENTRY, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) issued a compliance order Wednesday, demanding the owner of the dam at Johnson's Pond in Coventry raise the water level.

In the compliance order, DEM officials cited dam owner Soscia Holdings, LLC, for violating a recently passes law that requires dams be operated "in a manner that is consistent with historic use." That use is determined by the DEM director.

The bill was sparked by a dispute between Coventry residents and Soscia Holdings. Residents did not approve of how owners were managing water levels and led to the Town Council calling on DEM to conduct an environmental study of the pond. Residents have argued parts of the pond have been drained to the point rocks and plant life were exposed. People also reported seeing dying fish and turtles.

Soscia Holdings ownership told WPRI 12 the bill takes away their rights as owners, and is now taking the DEM to federal court.

According to DEM officials, Soscia Holdings also violated state water regulations that forbid "anthropogenic activities that adversely affect the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of the habitat."

DEM officials said they are working with the Attorney General's Office to enforce the compliance order, which is effective for 45 days, and may be renewed for an additional period of 45 days.

More On Johnson's Pond Situation

• Gov. McKee To Sign Bill Protecting Johnson's Pond In Coventry
• Johnson's Pond Protection Stops 'Purposeful Flooding': Sen. Raptakis