Jurisdiction
Photo Example of Jurisdiction
The regulatory authority of the CRMC is generally defined by the area extending from the territorial sea limit (three miles offshore), to two hundred (200) feet inland from any coastal feature, to watersheds, and to certain activities that occur anywhere within the state.
Activities which occur in the State's tidal waters are under the jurisdiction of the CRMC. These waters have been categorized into six prioritized Water Types, and range from Conservation areas to Industrial Ports.
After water types, coastal features are the most identifiable element of the CRMC's jurisdiction. These coastal features are: coastal beaches; dunes; barrier islands; coastal wetlands; cliffs, bluffs, and banks; rocky shores; and, manmade shorelines. Each coastal feature has an extended contiguous area of two hundred (200) feet from their inland border. Cultural features that have historical or archaeological significance are also within the jurisdiction of the CRMC as required by the Federal regulations. Freshwater wetlands in the vicinity of the coast also come under the authority of the CRMC.
Also, for activities which occur within watersheds of poorly flushed estuaries, the CRMC has developed Special Area Management Plans to address the specific environmental concerns of those priority management areas. In addition to those activities captured under other CRMC management programs, certain activities which occur throughout these SAMP watersheds are regulated.
Lastly, certain proposed state-wide activities also come under the authority of the CRMC. These include power-generating plants; petroleum storage facilities; chemical or petroleum processing; minerals extraction; sewage treatment and disposal plants; solid waste disposal facilities; and, desalination plants. The CRMC assumes the responsibility of informing parties proposing these activities if a CRMC application needs to be submitted.
Voice 401-783-3370 • Fax 401-783-3767 • E-Mail cstaff1@crmc.ri.gov
