Coventry Pond Safe For New Fish After Vandals Push Portable Toilet In

COVENTRY, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will restock the Carbuncle Pond in Coventry with fish on Wednesday, following tests confirming the water is high quality after being vandalized.

DEM officials said the pond will be stocked with Atlantic Sebago salmon and rainbow trout. The department submitted water samples to the Rhode Island Department of Health after vandals pushed a portable toilet into the pond last month.

"Although the chances of the toilet contaminating the entire 39-acre pond were slim, DEM did not stock it for Veterans Day weekend as originally planned out of an abundance of caution," DEM officials said in a statement. "DEM appreciates the efforts of two local couples who removed the toilet from the pond on Nov. 13."

DEM officials strongly condemned acts of malicious and criminal vandalism. If you suspect vandalism or a solid waste violation such as illegal dumping on DEM-managed property, contact the 24-hour Dispatch Center at 401-222-3070.