880-RICR-00-00-4
880-RICR-00-00-4. Quonset Business Park Development Package (version Amendment, 11/04/2021 to 01/04/2022)
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Purpose and Intent
A. The purpose of the
Development Regulations (the "Regulations") is to outline
requirements for land development, building construction, and
utilities in the Quonset Business Park (the "Park").
B. The Regulations described
herein represent a commitment by Quonset Development Corporation
("QDC" or the “Corporation") to develop a
successful and well-planned business park, optimize the efficiency of
utility infrastructure, conserve limited resources, protect the
natural environment, and provide a competitive platform for
businesses to thrive in a manner that is compatible with the
surrounding community. The Park is designed to provide prime sites
for quality industrial development, offices, mixed use development
and marine-related industries to create new job opportunities for
Rhode Island workers and to increase State and local tax revenues.
C. QDC continues to maintain a
collaborative relationship with the Town of North Kingstown to
develop the Park in a manner that is consistent with the goals of QDC
and the Town. Administrative agreements between the Town and QDC, the
development and maintenance of shared infrastructure, and the
regulatory process in the Park have all been structured to ensure a
streamlined approach to development in the Park. The Municipal
Services Agreement (MSA, as amended August 17, 2016), the Sewer
Services Agreement (as amended August 17, 2016) and the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU, December 16, 2010) are examples of documents that
help to define the relationship between the Town and QDC. The
regulatory components of these agreements are codified in these
Regulations.
4.2 Legal
Authority
A. The Corporation shall have
and may exercise all general powers set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws
Chapter 42-64.10.
4.3 Incorporation
by Reference
A. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate 40 C.F.R Part 403 (2018) by reference, not
including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the
extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these
Regulations.
B. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate 14 C.F.R. Part 77 (2011) by reference, not
including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the
extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these
Regulations.
C. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate 33 C.F.R. § 105.275 (2018) by reference,
not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to
the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with
these Regulations.
D. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate 33 C.F.R. Part 136 (2018) by reference, not
including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the
extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these
Regulations.
E. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate "Rhode Island Department of
Transportation, Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge
Construction" (2013) by reference, not including any further
editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
F. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the "Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management’s Rhode Island Soil and Sediment
Control Handbook" (2016) by reference, not including any further
editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
G. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the "National Fire Protection Association
291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of
Hydrants" (2016) by reference, not including any further
editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
H. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the "American Standard for Nursery Stock
Z60.1" (2004) by reference, not including any further editions
or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions
therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
I. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the "Institute of Transportation Engineers
Parking Generation, 4 th Edition" (2010) by reference,
not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to
the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with
these Regulations.
J. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the "Water Pollution Control Federation’s
Manual of Practice No. 9, Design and Construction of Sanitary and
Storm Sewers" (1986) by reference, not including any further
editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
K. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "International Organization
for Standardization (ISO)” by reference, not including any
further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that
the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations:
1. Fire Suppression Rating
Schedule (2012)
2. 8179-1, Ductile Iron Pipes,
Fittings, Accessories and Their Joints, External Zinc-Based Coating,
Part 1: Metallic Zinc with Finishing Layer" (2017)
L. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES)" standards by reference, not including any further
editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
1. The Lighting Handbook
(2011)
2. Lighting for Exterior
Environments RP-33-14 and Lighting for Parking Facilities RP-20-14
(2014)
M. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "American National Standard
Institute (ANSI)" standards by reference, not including any
further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that
the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.
1. S1.4, American National
Standard Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters, Part 1 (2014)
2. S12.51, Acoustics –
Determination of Sound Power Levels and Sound Energy Levels of Noise
Sources Using Sound Presser (2012)
N. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "American Association of
State Highway Transportation Officials" standards by reference,
not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to
the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with
these Regulations.
1. M252, Standard
Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene Drainage Pipe (2018)
2. M294, Standard
Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe, 300- to 1500-mm
(12-to 60-in.) Diameter (2018)
3. T99, Standard Method of
Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg Rammer
and a 305-mm Drop (2017)
O. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "American Water Works
Association (AWWA)” standards by reference, not including any
further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that
the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations:
1. M31, Manual of Water Supply
Practices Requirements for Fire Protection (1998)
2. C909, Molecularly Oriented
Polyvinyl Chloride Pressure Pipe, 4in. or Larger (2016)
3. C502, Dry Barrel Fire
Hydrant (2005)
4. C800, Underground Service
Line Valves and Fittings (2012)
5. C900, Standard Test Method
for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete (2015)
6. C151/A21.51, Ductile-Iron
Pipe, Centrifugally Cast (2017)
7. C500, Metal-Seated Gate
Valves for Water Supply Service (2009)
8. C509, Resilient-Seated Gate
Valves for Water Supply Service (2015)
9. C504, Rubber-Seated
Butterfly Valves (2015)
10. C110/A21.10, Ductile-Iron
and Gray Iron Fittings (2012)
11. C111/A21.11, Rubber-Gasket
Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings (2017)
12. C115/A21.15, Flanged
Ductile-Iron Pipe with Ductile-Iron or Gray-Iron Threaded Flanges
(2011)
13. C150/A21.50, Thickness
Design of Ductile-Iron Pipe (2014)
14. C117/A21.4, Cement-Mortar
Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings (2016)
15. C905, Polyvinyl Chloride
Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings, 14 in. through 48 in. for
Water Transmission and Distribution (2010)
16. C901, Polyethylene
Pressure Pipe and Tubing, ¾ In. through 3 In. for Water
Service (2017)
17. C600, Standard Test Method
of Thermal Shock Test on Glass Pipe (2015
P. These Regulations hereby
adopt and incorporate the following "American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM)" standards by reference, not
including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the
extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these
Regulations:
1. D3139, Standard
Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible
Elastomeric Seals (2011)
2. D3034, Standard
Specification for Type PSM Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Sewer Pipe and
Fittings (2016)
3. F679, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Large-Diameter Plastic
Gravity Sewer Pipe and Fittings (2016)
4. F794, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Profile Gravity Sewer Pipe
and Fittings Based on Controlled Inside Diameter (2014)
5. F949, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Corrugated Sewer Pipe with a
Smooth Interior and Fittings (2015)
6. F949, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Compounds and Chlorinated
Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (2011)
7. D2444, Standard Practice
for Determination of the Impact Resistance of Thermoplastic Pipe and
Fittings by Means of a Tup (Falling Weight) (2017)
8. D2321, Standard Practice
for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and
Other Gravity-Flow Applications (2018)
9. D3212, Standard
Specification for Joints for Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using
Flexible Elastomeric Seals (2013)
10. F477, Standard
Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic
Pipe (2014)
11. D1785, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40,
80 and 120 (2015)
12. D2241, Standard
Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Pressure-Rated Pipe (SDR
Series) (2015)
13. D3350, Standard
Specification for Polyethylene Plastic Pipe and Fitting Materials
(2014)
14. C76, Standard
Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer
Pipe (2017)
15. C507, Standard
Specification for Reinforced Concrete Elliptical Culvert, Storm
Drain, and Sewer Pipe (2018)
16. C443, Standard
Specification for Joints for Concrete Pipe and Manholes, Using Rubber
Gaskets (2017)
17. C877, Standard
Specification for External Sealing Bands for Concrete Pipe, Manholes,
and Precast Box Sections (2016)
4.4 Definitions
A. The following words, terms
and phrases, when used in this package, shall have the meaning stated
herein:
1. "Accessory use"
means a use of land or a building, or portion thereof, customarily
incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or
building. An accessory use shall not be permitted without the
principal use.
2. "Act" means
Quonset Development Corporation Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.10-1
et seq .
3. "Airport" means
Quonset State Airport located in the Town of North Kingstown, Rhode
Island.
4. "Alteration"
means an action that changes one (1) or more of the exterior
architectural features of a structure or its appurtenances, including
but not limited to the erection, construction, reconstruction, or
removal of any structure or appurtenance.
5. "Applicant" means
an owner or authorized agent of the owner submitting an application.
6. "Application"
means the completed form or forms and all accompanying documents,
exhibits and fees required of an applicant.
7. "Aviation facilities"
means infrastructure including runways, taxiways, buildings, parking,
hangar storage, terminals and navigational aids.
8. “Best management
practices” or “BMPs” means as defined in 40 C.F.R.
§ 403.3 incorporated in § 4.3(A) of this Part.
9. "Biochemical oxygen
demand" or "BOD" means the quantity of oxygen utilized
in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard
laboratory procedure in five (5) days at twenty degrees Celsius (20°
C), expressed in milligrams per liter.
10. "Buffer" means
land which is maintained in either a natural or landscaped state and
is used to screen and/or mitigate the impacts of development on
surrounding areas, properties or rights-of-way.
11. "Building" means
any structure used or intended for supporting any use or occupancy.
When any portion thereof is completely separated from every other
portion thereof by a division wall without openings then each portion
shall be deemed to be a separate building.
12. "Building drain"
means that part of the lowest piping of a drainage which receives the
discharge from soil and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the
building and conveys it to the storm sewer.
13. "Building height"
means the vertical distance from grade, as determined by the TRC, to
the top of the highest point of the roof or structure. The distance
may exclude spires, chimney, flag poles, solar panels and the like,
except as may be required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
14. "Building sewer"
means the extension from a building’s sanitary sewer piping to
the point of connection to the QDC sewer or another place of
disposal.
15. "Certificate of
approval" means a notice issued by the TRC to the applicant that
the development meets the requirements of the Regulations and that
the applicant may proceed with the permitting process. Notice
consists of stamped development plans signed by the Managing Director
(or his/her designee).
16. "Client" means a
developer who is or may be entering into an agreement with the QDC
for development of a given parcel of land within the Park.
17. "Chemical oxygen
demand" or "COD" means the quantity of oxygen utilized
in the chemical oxidation of wastewater under standard laboratory
procedures.
18. "Coastal features"
means coastal features are defined in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-23.
19. “Coastal zone”
means the jurisdictional area of the Coastal Resources Management
Council regulated by 650-RICR-20-00-1 ,
Red Book.
20. "Conservation areas"
means land that is undeveloped and is maintained in its natural state
such as forest, salt marsh, tidal mud flat, wetlands, watersheds and
water supply land.
21. “Construction
activity” means land clearing and grubbing, grading,
excavation, demolition and building of structures above or below
ground.
22. "Development"
means the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural
alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; land
disturbance; any change of use, alteration or extension of the use of
land.
23. "Development plan
review" means the process whereby authorized officials review
the site plans, maps, engineered drawings and other documents of a
proposed development to determine the compliance with the stated
purposes and standards of these Regulations.
24. "Director" or
"Managing director" means the managing director of the QDC
or his/her designee.
25. “Discharge permit”
means a permit issued by the EPA (or State under authority delegated
pursuant to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, 33
U.S.C. § 1317) that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to
waters of the United States, whether the permit is applicable on an
individual, group or general area-wide basis.
26. "District" means
land use district.
27. "Division of
Planning" means that division created within the Department of
Administration by R.I Gen. Laws § 42-11-10(b)(2).
28. "Education and
training" means land uses intended for the training in general,
technical or professional education.
29. "Effective date"
means the date these Regulations become effective as set forth in
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-4(e).
30. "FAA" means
Federal Aviation Administration.
31. "Floatable oil"
means oil, fat or grease in a physical state such that it will
separate by gravity from wastewater by treatment in an approved
pretreatment facility. A wastewater shall be considered free of
floatable oil if it is properly pretreated and does not interfere
with the collection system.
32. "Garbage" means
solid wastes from the domestic and commercial preparation, cooking,
dispensing, and sale of food.
33. "General
manufacturing" means manufacturing, fabrication or processing;
assembly or packaging; printing and publishing plant; millwork; and
work with outside operations and storage.
34. "Gross floor area"
means the total area of a building measured by taking the outside
dimensions of the building at each level intended for occupancy or
storage.
35. “Groundwater”
means natural water that occurs below the surface of the earth, where
it occupies space in soils or geologic strata and flows within
aquifers below the water table.
36. "Hazardous materials"
means any material, including any substance, waste, or combination
thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration, physical,
chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly
contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human
health, safety, property or the environment when improperly treated,
stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
37. "Historic property"
means:
a. Any district, site,
building, structure, or object listed in the State Register.
Properties may be listed in the State Register through concurrent
listing in the National Register of Historic Places or alternatively
for the purpose of these Regulations the Rhode Island Historical
Preservation & Heritage Commission may determine that properties
meet the criteria for registration.
b. Any building, site, object
or artifact of historical, architectural, or archaeological interest
listed in the catalog of State-owned historic properties; or
c. Any archaeological
resource, including specimens, sites, and underwater resources
subject to permits or advisories pursuant to the R.I. Gen. Laws §
42-45-1 et seq .
38. "Hotel" means a
building, group of buildings or a portion thereof used or offered for
residential occupancy for any period less than one (1) month, with or
without meals, and in which a building or portion thereof may be
certain public rooms or halls for the service of food or drink.
39. “Illicit connection”
means any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface,
which allows an illicit discharge to enter the storm drain system,
including but not limited to any conveyance which allows
non-stormwater discharge, including sewage, process wastewater and
wash water to enter the storm drain system, and any connections to
the storm drain system from floor drains and sinks not authorized by
the appropriate permitting authority.
40. “Illicit discharge”
means any unauthorized discharge to the stormwater collection system,
including but not limited to, sewage, industrial wastewater, wash
water, cooling water and stormwater.
41. "Improvements"
means changes, alterations, or modifications made to land or
structures.
42. "Industrial cooling
water" means water used to reduce temperature in an industrial
process.
43. "Industrial user"
means a user who discharges or has the capacity to discharge
industrial wastewater or industrial sewage directly or indirectly
into the sewer.
44. "Industrial
wastewater" means the liquid wastes resulting from industrial
manufacturing, trade or business processes.
45. "Interference"
means as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 403.3 incorporated in §
4.3(A) of this Part.
46. "Land" means
surface of earth above sea level.
47. "Light manufacturing"
means land uses limited to manufacturing of non-noxious products that
can be shipped in trucks or containers and conducted entirely
indoors. Buildings shall have minimal smokestacks, silos, cooling
towers and such structures.
48. "Lot" means:
a. The basic development unit
for determination of lot area, depth, and other dimensional
Regulations; or
b. A parcel of land whose
boundaries have been established by some legal instrument such as a
recorded deed or recorded map and which is recognized as a separate
legal entity for purposes of transfer of title.
49. "Lot frontage"
means that portion of a lot abutting a street. Nonconforming frontage
shall not be added to meet the minimum frontage requirements.
50. "Marine business"
means water dependent commercial activities related to marina and
other vessel service activities.
51. "Marine construction
support" means land-based construction activities that use the
water as the primary means for moving the product from the land
construction area to its permanent location.
52. "Marine industrial"
means water dependent industries in direct support of seaport for
facilitating waterborne cargo operations, fisheries development and
marine construction activities.
53. "Marine structures"
means structures to support the transfer of cargo and people from
marine vessel to land areas such as piers, jetties, ramps, bulkheads
or mooring structures.
54. "Master plan"
means the most recently adopted and approved Quonset Business Park
Master Land Use and Development Plan.
55. “Municipal separate
storm sewer system” or “MS4” means any facility
designed or used for collecting and/or conveying stormwater,
including but not limited to any roads with drainage systems,
highways, QDC streets, curbs, gutters, catch basins, piped storm
drains, pumping facilities, structural stormwater controls, ditches,
swales, natural and man-made, or altered drainage channels,
reservoirs, and other drainage structures and which is:
a. Owned and/or maintained by
the Quonset Development Corporation,
b. Not a combined sewer and,
c. Not part of a publicly
owned treatment works.
56. "Natural outlet"
means any outlet into a natural watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or
other body of surface or groundwater.
57. "New source"
means as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 403.3 incorporated in §
4.3(A) of this Part.
58. “Non-stormwater
discharge” means any discharge to the storm drain that is not
composed entirely of stormwater.
59. "Open space"
means any land that is primarily undeveloped, including public and
semipublic open lands, and private development requiring little or no
construction. The purpose of this designation is to provide for the
conservation of land and other natural and scenic resources.
60. "Parks with
facilities" means land that is primarily undeveloped whose
purpose is to provide recreation and relaxation activities such as
but not limited to beaches, playgrounds and picnic areas.
61. "Pass through"
means as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 403.3 incorporated in §
4.3(A) of this Part.
62. "Performance
standards" means a set of criteria or limits relating to
elements which a particular use or process either must meet or may
not exceed.
63. "Permit" means
an authorization, license or equivalent control document issued by
the QDC, unless otherwise identified.
64. "Permitted uses"
means uses authorized by these Regulations for a particular land use
district.
65. "Person" means
any individual, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation,
trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution,
utility, cooperative, municipality, any political subdivision of a
municipality, this State, any department or agency of the Federal
government, or any other legal entity.
66. "Personal convenience
services" means property uses intended to provide personal
services to occupants of the park such as, but not limited to,
barber, beauty shops, cleaning, and tailoring.
67. "pH" means the
logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams
per liter of solution.
68. "Pollutant"
means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage,
garbage, sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials,
heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand and cellar dirt and
industrial, municipal, agricultural or other pollution-causing
agents.
69. "Pretreatment"
means as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 403.3 incorporated in §
4.3(A) of this Part.
70. "Principal use"
means the main or primary purpose for which a building, other
structure and/or lot is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which
they may be used, occupied or maintained under this chapter.
71. "Privately-owned
wastewater treatment facilities" means pump stations, collection
systems and/or wastewater treatment facilities privately owned by
users, individuals, corporations, associations, or State or Federal
agencies, with said facilities ultimately being connected to
Quonset’s wastewater treatment or collection system whose
wastewater design flows are in excess of thirty thousand (30,000)
gallons per day.
72. "Professional and
business services" means property uses intended to provide
support services for primary economic development activities such as
industrial and corporate offices including professional offices, such
as, but not limited to medical, legal, engineering and accounting and
business services, such as, but not limited to, photocopying,
equipment repair, repair shops (computers, watches, etc.).
73. "Professional
offices" means operations designed to attract and serve
customers or clients on the premises with low-volume traffic such as
lawyer, doctor, dentist, architect, engineer, realtor, accountant,
travel agency, stockbroker, insurance agency, computer processing
services and the like.
74. "Properly shredded
garbage" means the wastes from the preparation, cooking and
dispensing of food that have been shredded to such a degree that all
particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally
prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one half
inch (1/2”) (1.27 centimeters) in any dimension.
75. "Residential
boundary" means building setback measurements taken from the
proposed building foundation to the lot line of an approved
residential parcel identified as such on Town Plat Maps and excluding
open space, common areas, and undevelopable areas.
76. "Quonset Development
Corporation" or "QDC" means a real estate development
and management company organized as a subsidiary of the Rhode Island
Commerce Corporation, R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.10-6.
77. "QDC sewers"
means a sewer regulated, operated and maintained by QDC for the
purpose of affording sewage collection service to its users.
78. "Recreation tourism"
means property use intended to support recreational or tourism
activities that use the water as a primary resource or amenity.
79. "Regulation"
means a type of "delegated legislation" promulgated by a
State, Federal or local administrative agency given authority to do
so by the appropriate legislature.
80. "Research and
development" means a use for research, design, prototype
development, and testing of new products or ideas.
81. "Restaurant"
means a public eating place or food court that serves a substantial
portion of its food for consumption at tables or counters located on
the premises or a carryout retail service business which sells
ready-to-eat foods primarily for consumption off the premises. A
carryout restaurant does not include fast food restaurant that are
designed for rapid food delivery to customers. All restaurants with
drive-through service are considered fast food restaurants and are
prohibited.
82. "Retail stores"
means establishments engaged in; sales of food (excluding fish and
shellfish) drugs, clothing, jewelry, stationery, or similar personal
or specialty items, and the like.
83. "Rhode Island
Commerce Corporation" or "RICC" means the parent
corporation of the QDC, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-64.
84. "Road" means a
public means of access in the Park via a State or Town right of way
to abutting land. Certain roads may be gated for security purposes.
85. "Sanitary sewer"
means a sewer that carries sewage and to which storm, surface and
ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
86. "Sewage" means a
combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, commercial
buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with
such ground, surface, and storm waters as may be present.
87. "Sewage treatment
plant" means any arrangement of devices and structures used for
treating sewage.
88. "Sewage works"
means all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing
of sewage.
89. "Sewer" means a
pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
90. "Shall" means
mandatory; “May” means permissive.
91. "Shipping" means
uses intended for the transportation and distribution of products and
goods.
92. "Significant
industrial user" means as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 403.3
incorporated in § 4.3(A) of this Part.
93. "Site control
documentation" means a document defining the purchase and sales
or lease agreement entered into between the QDC and the Client.
94. "Site plan"
means the development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the
existing and/or the proposed conditions of the lot.
95. "Site readiness
program" means a program undertaken by the Quonset Development
Corporation beginning in 2010 to design, pre-engineer, and pre-permit
vacant available parcels in the Park.
96. "Slug" means any
discharge of water, sewage or industrial waste that in concentration
of any given constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds a user’s
average discharge and adversely affects the sewer and/or the
performance of the sewage treatment plant.
97. "Solar energy system"
means a system of panels containing photovoltaic cells, either on a
rooftop or on the ground, including all necessary appurtenances, that
is intended to generate power for consumption on site, or for sale to
the grid.
98. "Solid waste"
means garbage, refuse and other discarded solid material generated by
residential, institutional, commercial, industrial, and agricultural
sources, but does not include solids or dissolved material in
domestic sewage or sludge, nor does it include hazardous waste as
defined in the Hazardous Waste Management Act, R. I. Gen. Laws
Chapter 23-19.1.
99. "Storm drain" or
“Storm sewer” means a conveyance that carries storm and
surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and industrial
waste, other than unpolluted cooling water.
100. "Storm drain system"
means any infrastructure in which its sole purpose is to intercept,
collect, retain or detain, and convey rainwater runoff to a point of
discharge (i.e. outlet/outfall), including but not limited to:
underground injection, State and Federally regulated Wetlands,
streams, brooks, river, tidal wetlands, Narragansett Bay.
101. “Stormwater”
means any surface flow, runoff, and/or drainage consisting entirely
of water from any form of natural precipitation and resulting from
such precipitation.
102. "Structure"
means a combination of materials to form a construction for use,
occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below,
the surface of land or water.
103. "Subdivision"
means the division, re-division, of a lot, tract or parcel of land
into two (2) or more lots, tracts, or parcels. Any adjustment to
existing lot lines of a recorded lot by any means shall be considered
a subdivision. All re-subdivision activity shall be considered a
subdivision. The division of property for purposes of financing
constitutes a subdivision.
104. "Survey, Class I"
means surveys of developed (or soon to be developed) commercial and
residential property, performed to a high degree of positional
accuracy. Most urban and suburban boundary surveys, large-scale
construction projects, title surveys, and subdivision of land should
be performed to this standard.
105. "Suspended solids"
means solids that either float on the surface of, or are in
suspension in, water, sewage, or other liquids, and which are
removable by laboratory filtering.
106. "The park"
means Quonset Business Park.
107. "Technical review
committee" or "TRC" means the committee described in §
4.8.3(A)(1) of this Part.
108. "Temporary"
means a time frame of eighteen (18) months or less as it applies to
lighting, signage, and buildings.
109. "Town" means
the Town of North Kingstown.
110. "Toxic" means
any substance listed as toxic under § 307(a)(1) of the Clean
Water Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq ., or
listed under the Hazardous Substances Right-to-Know Act, R.I. Gen.
Laws § 28-21-1 et seq ., or as may otherwise be designated
by the Director from time to time.
111. "Toxic materials"
means any substance or combination of substances which, because of
quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to
water supplies or to human health.
112. "Undeveloped"
means land that has not had improvements made either to the land or
on the land.
113. "USEPA" means
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
114. "Use" means the
purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed,
arranged, or intended, or for which land or buildings are occupied or
maintained.
115. "User" means,
for the purpose of wastewater, the owner of any residential,
commercial, or industrial property or any publicly owned building or
non-profit institution with a direct or indirect connection to the
sewer.
116. "Variance"
means permission from the TRC or the QDC Board to depart from the
literal requirements of these Regulations as they relate to
performance, utility and design standards.
117. "Waivers" means
permission from the TRC to omit information that would otherwise be
required in a Development Plan Review application.
118. "Warehousing"
and "Wholesaling" means uses that include industrial;
distribution center, sorting facilities, parcel delivery center;
storage facilities, and the like.
119. “Wastewater”
means any water or other liquid, other than uncontaminated
stormwater, discharged from a facility.
120. "Watercourse"
means a channel in which a flow of water occurs either continuously
or intermittently.
121. "Waterfront uses"
means uses intended for marine-related and marine-enhanced uses such
as waterborne cargo operations, fisheries development, boat building,
shipyards, ferry terminals, and marine construction activities; water
dependent commercial activities related to marina and other vessel
service activities; structures to support the transfer of cargo and
people from marine vessel to land areas such as piers, bulkheads, or
mooring structures; land based construction activities that use the
water as the primary means for moving the product from the land
construction area to its permanent location; uses in support of
recreational or tourism activities that use the water as a primary
resource or amenity such as sea plane operations; accessory marine
supply retail, boat and marine equipment rentals; and accessory food
service retail.
122. "Wetlands,
freshwater" means as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-1-20. A
marsh, swamp, bog, pond, river, river or stream flood plain or bank,
area subject to flooding or storm flowage; emergent or sub-emergent
plant community in any body of freshwater; or area within fifty feet
(50’) of the edge of a bog, marsh, swamp, or pond as defined in
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-1-20.
123. "Wholesale"
means any sale for resale but not for direct consumption and not open
to the general public.
124. "Wind energy system"
or "WES" means a device that converts wind energy into
electrical energy. A WES typically consists of a tower, nacelle body
and a rotor with two or more blades. A WES includes all equipment,
machinery, and structures utilized in connection with the conversion
of wind to electricity, and includes, but is not limited to,
transmission, storage, collection and supply equipment, substations,
transformers, service and access roads, and wind monitoring and
meteorological towers. A WES may be gear driven, employing one (1) or
more gears connecting a low-speed shaft to a high-speed shaft for the
purpose of increasing rotational speeds at the generator over and
above the rotational speed of the rotor, or may be direct drive,
which does not alter shaft rotational speed from the rotor to the
generator. WESs also include Alternative Design Wind Energy Systems,
which shall include any WES other than one that is rotor driven. WESs
include both free-standing and building mounted systems. WESs shall
also include associated wind monitoring and/or meteorological towers.
125. "Wind monitoring"
or "Meteorological tower" means a temporary tower equipped
with devices to measure wind speeds and direction used to determine
how much wind power a site can be expected to generate (referred to
as “Met Tower”).
126. "Yard, front"
means yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of
which shall be the least distance between the front lot line and the
front of any building. Frontage on any public street is considered to
be a front yard. A corner lot may have more than one (1) front yard.
127. "Yard, rear"
means a yard extending across the full width of the lot between the
rear most main building and the rear lot line, the depth of which
shall be the least distance between the rear lot line and the rear of
any buildings.
128. "Yard, side"
means a yard between the main building and the side lot line,
extending from the front yard or the front lot line where no front
yard is required, to the rear yard. The width of the required side
yard shall be measured horizontally from the nearest point of the
side lot line toward the nearest part of the main building.
4.5 Development
Review Process
4.5.1 Process
A. No development shall occur
within the Park or shall be so altered as to change the location,
exterior dimensions, or appearance of the same unless plans are
submitted to and approved by QDC. All development projects within the
Park must obtain appropriate approvals by the QDC through its plan
review process. This review includes site design, architectural
design, building materials, access, parking, grading, drainage,
utility services and traffic impacts. The various steps of the
Development Review Process are illustrated in the Quonset Business
Park Development Plan's guidance documents.
B. Development Interest –
The review process begins when a development interest is presented to
QDC. The QDC staff shall work with clients to select a site which is
suitable for their project based on such things as land use,
transportation infrastructure and availability of utilities. The
staff will work with existing owners and tenants of the Park that
wish to expand their operations. Development projects which do not
require a building permit, such as leases for office and warehouse
space, shall not be subject to review by the TRC.
C. Environmental Review and
Socio-Economic Review – Pursuant to a 1979 Settlement Agreement
land development projects require an Environmental Review form and a
Socio-Economic Review form (ERF & SERF). This process is further
described in § 4.8.2 of this Part.
D. QDC Board Approval –
The QDC Board of Directors will consider the proposed land
transaction and development and will indicate approval, rejection or
recommendations for modifications or additional information. QDC may
authorize QDC staff to negotiate Site Control Documentation.
E. Site Control Documentation
– Upon approval of the proposed development by the QDC Board,
the staff of QDC will negotiate Site Control Documentation with the
Client.
F. Development Plan Review –
The Development Plan Review process involves the detailed review of
site engineering, and architectural design in accordance with the
procedures provided in § 4.8 of this Part, typically consisting
of Pre-Application and Technical Review. Plan approval must be
obtained from the Technical Review Committee before a Building Permit
can be issued by the appropriate authority.
G. Sewer Treatment System User
Regulations – The Sewer Treatment System User Regulations, §
4.16 of this Part, govern the use of the QDC’s sewers and
drains, the installation and connection of building sewers, the
discharge of waters and wastes into the sewers and the penalties for
violations. Prospective users of the Quonset Wastewater Treatment
System, leasing or purchasing property from the QDC or from any other
private parties, shall complete the requirements of § 4.16 of
this Part.
H. Building Permit Review –
Clients leasing or purchasing property from the QDC for new
construction, as well as existing tenants who wish to alter or
renovate their buildings, must submit building plans to the QDC, the
State Building Official and the State Fire Marshal for review. Upon a
finding of compliance with these Regulations and applicable Building
and Fire Codes, a Building Permit can be issued.
I. Other Laws – In
addition to the Regulations contained herein, property within the
Park is also subject to other local, State and Federal laws, Rules
and Regulations, including, but not limited to, laws and Regulations
administered by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
(RICRMC), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(RIDEM), State Building Codes and Fire Codes, State and Federal
statutes pertaining to hazardous materials, airspace, and other
applicable statutes. All uses in the Park must be compliant with
Federal laws.
4.5.2 Waivers and Variances
A. Waivers
A waiver may be requested for
any of the requirements listed in § 4.8.5 of this Part which may
not be applicable to a particular project. Waivers are specific to
these requirements and are therefore distinct from variances, which
are described in § 4.5.2(B)(1) of this Part. An applicant may
request a waiver, which may be granted at the discretion of the
Managing Director of QDC.
B. Variances
1. Variances represent a
situation in which an applicant petitions the TRC to deviate from the
development standards associated with the site. Variances shall be
classified as “minor” or “major” by the
Director of QDC and/or the Director of Planning for the Town during
the pre-application phase of the Development Review Process.
Classification of these variances will be decided on a case by case
basis at the discretion of the Managing Director of QDC and the
Director of Planning for the Town and will use the description of a
“major” variance provided in § 4.5.2(B)(1)(b) of
this Part as a guide.
a. Minor Variance – May
be approved by the TRC as evidenced by a certificate signed by both
the Managing Director of QDC and the Director of Planning for the
Town.
b. Major Variance –
Shall be reviewed by and require approval from both the QDC Board and
the North Kingstown Planning Commission. A variance may be classified
as “major” by either the Director of the Planning
Department or the Managing Director of QDC if either party finds
that:
(1) The proposed activity will
require additional mitigation measures to protect environmental
resources beyond what is already required by QDC or State standards;
(2) A significant additional
investment or construction to mitigate potential increased impacts
from noise, vibration, glare, dust, odor, heat, or traffic associated
with daily operations is required;
(3) A deviation from
dimensional requirements is required in a manner that is not
incidental to minor site engineering or architectural adjustments
designed to improve overall site design or building performance;
(4) The proposal includes a
land use that is not allowed in the Land Use District, as outlined in
§ 4.7 of this Part;
(5) The proposed land use, as
outlined in § 4.7 of this Part, requires a Major Variance;
(6) The proposal includes an
activity that is clearly inconsistent with the Quonset Master Plan or
the Town of North Kingstown’s Comprehensive Plan;
(7) The proposal would present
a clearly identifiable threat to public health, safety or welfare.
c. Petition for a Variance –
An applicant may petition for a variance through a Letter of Variance
Request sent to both the Director of Planning for the Town and the
Managing Director of QDC. The letter shall contain the information
listed below at a minimum. The applicant may provide information in
the form of map, site plans or other materials if it is his/her
opinion that these supporting materials will assist in the review of
the petition.
(1) Name and contact
information for the applicant;
(2) Plat and lot number;
(3) Frontage road;
(4) Applicable Land Use
District;
(5) Description of proposed
development;
(6) Comprehensive and specific
list of all standards within the Regulations from which variances are
being requested;
(7) Description of why each
variance is being sought.
4.5.3 Enforcement
QDC shall be responsible for
the enforcement of these Regulations or any decision of the TRC
within the Park. In the event that the QDC has issued two (2) Notices
of Violation with respect to any violation of the Development
Regulations or any decision of the TRC and said violation has not
been remedied to the satisfaction of the QDC, then, upon notice from
the QDC, the Town, through its Code Enforcement Office, shall enforce
the Development Regulations or the TRC decision, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall be
deemed a waiver by the Town or the QDC of its enforcement authority
and the Town or QDC may, at any time, enforce the Uniform Regulations
or any decision of the TRC.
4.5.4 Severability
If the provisions of any
article, section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of
these Regulations shall be judged invalid by court of competent
jurisdiction, such order of judgment shall not affect or invalidate
the remainder of any article, section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of these Regulations.
4.6 Protective
Controls and Subdivisions
4.6.1 Protective Controls
A. Approval of Plan – No
building or structure shall be erected, constructed, or placed in the
Park premises or so altered as to change the location, exterior
dimensions, or appearance of the same unless plans are submitted to
and approved by QDC. These plans shall conform to the Development
Regulations. Plans shall include, but shall not be limited to,
elevations and construction materials; site development, including
utilities, grading, drainage, plantings; building location; and
locations of required yards, walks, drives, parking areas, lighting
and signs. The QDC shall act upon the plans consistent with §
4.8 of this Part indicating approval, rejection, or recommendations
for modifications.
B. Development Restrictions –
Any use established or changed to, and any building, structure, or
land developed, constructed or used for, any permitted principal use
or accessory use, shall comply with all of the standards contained in
the Development Regulations. No change in standards shall invalidate
any existing use if such a use was in compliance with standards
existing at the time of commencement of that use. If any existing use
of buildings or other structures is extended, enlarged, or
reconstructed, the standards shall apply with respect to such
extended, enlarged, or reconstructed portion or portions of such use,
building or structure.
C. Commencement of
Construction – If, after the expiration of six (6) months from
the date of delivery of a deed from the QDC, a grantee shall not have
begun, in good faith with reasonably complete arrangements to carry
through to completion the development of the property pursuant to
plans approved by the QDC under the foregoing restrictions and
provisions, the QDC shall have the option to repurchase the property
for the price paid by the party which acquired the same from QDC. The
QDC may extend the six (6) month period whenever it deems it
desirable to do so. The QDC’s option must be exercised in
writing within one (1) year after it accrues; otherwise, the option
shall expire. Any extension pursuant to this clause shall extend the
QDC’s right of repurchase in the same manner as contemplated
after the expiration of the first six (6) months.
D. Subdivision – The
premises shall not be subdivided without the approval of the QDC, its
successors and assigns, or its duly authorized representative. No
part of the Park premises which is left unimproved may be leased,
re-sold, or otherwise disposed of without being first offered in
writing for resale to the QDC at the same price per square foot at
which any portion of the premises were sold by the QDC to the party
which acquired the same from the QDC. Land subdivisions shall follow
the Administrative Subdivision Guidelines found in the Development
Regulation's Guidance Document.
E. Additions to Buildings –
Any addition or alteration (interior and exterior) to the buildings
or future improvements to a site shall conform to these Regulations
and shall be subject to the approval of the QDC.
F. Injunctive Relief –
The QDC may obtain injunctive relief to enjoin the violations of any
of these provisions without prejudice to any of its other legal or
equitable remedies.
G. Utility Easement –
The QDC reserves the right to construct underground utility
facilities and install and maintain pipes and conduits. The QDC also
reserves the right to maintain all existing utility facilities within
existing utility easements. New easements through an area shall not
be more than twenty feet (20’) in width and the subsequent
owners or any lessees of the premises or any portion thereof, agree
to execute any and all instruments necessary and reasonable for the
further development of the premises, including the granting of
easements of no more than twenty feet (20’) in width, provided
no such easement shall interfere with any building planned for, or
constructed on, the premises by the subsequent owner or lessee.
H. Construction – The
QDC shall have the power to interpret the provisions of these
Regulations, to decide any disputes that arise, and to reconcile any
inconsistency or omission in these Regulations in such manner and to
such extent as it shall deem necessary or desirable. All
determinations made by the QDC shall be final and binding on all
applicants requesting approvals.
I. Plan Approval – Upon
the completion of the construction of a building or other structure
on the premises or property that is subject of approval, it shall be
conclusively presumed, insofar as any bona fide purchaser or
mortgagee is concerned, that the location of the building or other
structure has been approved by QDC and that all plans, specifications
and details of such buildings or other structures which have been
constructed on the premises and all other plans and restrictions
referred to herein, have been approved in writing by QDC unless there
shall have been recorded in the Records of Land Evidence a notice to
the effect that such approval has been withheld.
J. Certificate of Approval –
Upon the granting of any approvals pursuant to the terms of these
Regulations, QDC will stamp the final plans submitted by the
applicant with a red-ink signed approval block to serve as a
Certificate of Approval.
4.7 Land
Use Districts
4.7.1 Purpose and Intent
A. The Park is comprised of
separate and distinct land use districts to implement land use
development policies contained in the Quonset Business Park Master
Land Use and Development Plan (2008) (“Master Plan”), as
amended, to meet the unique growth and development issues of the
Park. More specifically, the purpose of the land use districts is to:
1. Ensure development of the
highest quality;
2. Provide flexibility in the
use and design of property within the Park;
3. Accommodate development
that is appropriate for the site and the surrounding areas;
4. Facilitate economic
development opportunities;
5. Ensure development respects
neighboring land uses and produces minimal off-site impacts;
6. Maintain uses that are
consistent with federal land conveyances and other laws; and
7. Avoid potential adverse
impacts to airport and/or aeronautical operations, including but not
limited to, attracting wildlife, radio interference, and glare.
4.7.2 Quonset Business Park
Districts
A. The Park is divided into
the following Land Use Districts as depicted on Figure 1. Land Use
Districts and, as described in other sections of the Regulations.
Where there may be any question regarding which district applies to
any given site or portion of a site, final determination shall be
made by the QDC Managing Director.”
1. Airport (QAD)
2. General Industrial (QGID)
3. Light Industrial (QLID)
4. Mixed Use Development
(QMUDD)
5. Open Space and Conservation
(QOSCD)
6. Public and Recreation
(QPRD)
7. Waterfront (QWD)
B. Figure 1 Land Use Districts
C. Quonset Airport District
(QAD)
1. The Quonset Airport
District is managed in conjunction with the Rhode Island Airport
Corporation (RIAC), consistent with the Quonset State Airport Master
Plan, as may be amended from time to time. QAD uses are those land
uses that meet the needs of commercial, general and military aviation
including runways, taxiways, buildings, parking and circulation,
storage and terminals. In addition, the QAD may include
marine-related and marine-enhanced uses, provided the necessary
approvals are obtained, including from RIAC and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) where applicable. The intent is to locate such
marine activities where minimal impact on adjacent areas will result
and where infrastructure and transportation facilities are available
or can be made available.
2. General Provisions
a. All applicants shall obtain
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Rhode Island Airport
Corporation (RIAC) approval as part of the Development Plan Review
process.
b. Development along the
coastal features must conform to Regulations as set forth by RICRMC,
RIDEM, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the United States Coast
Guard (USCG), and all other appropriate agencies.
c. All development activities
must obtain all necessary approvals through the QDC development
review process.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses require
review and approval by RIAC and FAA where applicable. Permitted uses
may include the following land use types:
(1) Aviation
(2) Waterfront Uses
(3) Wind and Solar Energy
Systems (accessory use only)
D. Quonset General Industrial
District (QGID)
1. Quonset General Industrial
District (QGID) shall be used for a broad range of industrial
activities, including open and covered storage, fabrication, material
processing, packaging, distribution, offices, and manufacturing
facilities. The intent is to locate such activities in areas where
minimal impact on adjacent areas will result and where infrastructure
and transportation facilities are available or can be made available.
2. General Provisions
All development activities
must obtain all necessary approvals through the QDC development
review process as set forth in § 4.5 of this Part, which include
environmental, design, and technical review, and FAA review if
applicable.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. Permitted uses shall
include the following land use types:
(1) General Manufacturing
(2) Warehousing and
Wholesaling
(3) Research and Development
Facilities
(4) Professional Office
(5) Shipping
(6) Accessory Uses including
Wind and Solar Energy Systems
(7) Sales or display areas
within wholesale/manufacturing establishments limited to one thousand
(1,000) square feet of net floor area.
E. Quonset Light Industrial
District (QLID)
1. The purpose of the Quonset
Light Industrial District (QLID) is to provide opportunities for
non-noxious industrial uses such as light manufacturing, research and
development, warehousing and wholesaling, and light assembly or any
combination thereof within enclosed buildings.
2. The QLID is intended to
provide for the development of light industrial uses in an industrial
park setting. More specifically, the purpose of the QLID is to:
a. Provide a transition from
more intensive to less intensive uses;
b. Develop low intensity and
high-quality projects with increased amenities and open space.
3. General Provisions
a. All development activities
must obtain all necessary approvals through the QDC development
review process, which include environmental, design, and technical
reviews, and FAA review if applicable.
b. A vegetated buffer
consisting of evergreen shrubs, shade trees, ornamental plants, and
groundcover shall be installed along the northern perimeter of the
Park from Post Road to Marine Road. This buffer may include a
multi-use trail. The buffer shall be a year-round dense opaque screen
not less than six feet (6’) in height.
4. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses are
subject to review by the TRC. Permitted uses shall include the
following:
(1) Light Manufacturing
(2) Warehousing and
Wholesaling
(3) Research and Development
Facilities
(4) Professional Office
(5) Shipping
(6) Accessory Uses including
Wind and Solar Energy Systems
F. Quonset Mixed Use
Development District (QMUDD)
1. The purpose of the Quonset
Mixed Use Development District (QMUDD) is to meet the goals and
objectives of the Master Plan as it relates to supportive land use
activities for the Park. The QMUDD is intended to accommodate a
variety of office, hotel, retail sales and services, institutional
and public uses. Institutional and public uses include government,
educational and training facilities as well as associated buildings,
parking, and amenities. Development in this district should be
complementary to the Park and/or the community.
2. General Provisions
a. All development activities
must obtain all necessary approvals through the QDC plan approval
process, which include environmental, design, and technical reviews,
and FAA review if applicable.
b. A vegetated buffer
consisting of evergreen shrubs, shade trees, ornamental plants, and
groundcover shall be installed along the northern perimeter of the
Park from Post Road to Marine Road. This buffer may include a
multi-use trail. The buffer shall be a year-round dense opaque screen
not less than six feet (6’) in height.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses are
subject to review by the TRC. Permitted uses shall include the
following land use types:
(1) Professional Office
(2) Hotel
(3) Restaurant
(4) Professional and Business
Services
(5) Personal Convenience
Services
(6) Education and Training
(7) Retail Stores
(8) Indoor Recreation
Facilities
(9) Solar and Wind Energy
System (accessory use only)
G. Quonset Open Space and
Conservation District (QOSCD)
1. The purpose of the Quonset
Open Space and Conservation District (QOSCD) is designed to meet the
goals and objectives of the Master Plan as it relates to undeveloped
open spaces.
2. General Provisions
All activities must obtain
all necessary approvals through the QDC development review process,
which include environmental, design, and development reviews. Land
owned by the Town of North Kingstown is not subject to these
provisions and is excluded from the QDC process.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses are
subject to review by the TRC. Permitted uses shall include the
following land use types:
(1) Conservation Areas
(2) Buffers
H. Quonset Public and
Recreation District (QPRD)
1. The purpose of the Quonset
Public and Recreation District (QPRD) is designed to meet the goals
and objectives of the Master Plan as it relates to developed lands
dedicated to public uses. The QPRD is intended to accommodate
publicly managed recreational facilities.
2. General Provisions
a. All activities must obtain
all necessary approvals through the QDC development review process,
which include environmental, design, and technical reviews. Land
owned by the Town of North Kingstown is not subject to these
provisions and is excluded from the QDC process.
b. Development along the
coastal feature must conform to Regulations as set forth by RICRMC,
RIDEM, ACOE, USCG, and all other appropriate agencies.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses are
subject to review by the TRC. Permitted uses shall include the
following land use types:
(1) Parks with Facilities
(2) Golf Courses
(3) Athletic Fields
(4) Bike Paths
(5) Historic Resources
I. Quonset Waterfront District
(QWD)
1. The purpose of the Quonset
Waterfront District (QWD) is to meet the goals and objectives of the
Master Plan as it relates to waterfront development. The QWD is
intended to accommodate a variety of waterfront industrial
activities, marine-related and marine-enhanced uses, and tourism.
Certain parcels in the QWD are located on RIAC property and may be
subject to additional approvals.
2. General Provisions
a. All activities must obtain
all necessary approvals through the QDC development review process,
which include environmental, design, and technical review, and FAA
and RIAC review if applicable.
b. Development in the Coastal
Zone shall comply with 650-RICR-20-00-1 ,
Red Book.
3. Principal Permitted Uses
a. All permitted uses are
subject to review by the TRC. Permitted uses may include the
following land use types:
(1) Marine Industrial
(2) Marine Business
(3) Marine Structures
(4) Marine Construction
Support
(5) Recreation/Tourism
(6) Accessory Uses including
Wind and Solar Energy Systems
(7) Marine Supply Retail
(8) Boat and Marine Equipment
Rentals
(9) Businesses associated with
aviation (on RIAC parcels)
4.8 Development Plan Review
Regulations
4.8.1 Purpose
A. The purpose of the
Development Plan Review Regulations is to establish the procedural
and substantive provisions for the development of land in order to
meet the unique growth and development issues of the Park. The
Development Plan Review Regulations are intended to:
1. Protect the public health,
safety and welfare;
2. Provide design and
improvement standards to reflect the intent of the Master Plan and
the Municipal Services Agreement between the QDC and the Town of
North Kingstown;
3. Provide thorough and
consistent environmental, design, and technical review of all
proposed land developments;
4. Ensure development which
respects neighboring land uses and produces minimal off-site impacts;
5. Provide flexibility in the
use and design of property within the Park;
6. Accommodate development
that is appropriate for the site and the surrounding areas;
7. To avoid development which
may result in negative environmental impacts;
8. Facilitate economic
development opportunities.
4.8.2 Environmental Review
and Socio-Economic Review
A. Pursuant to the 1979
Settlement Agreement, prospective land owners or lessees of land,
must fill out an Environmental Review Form and a Socio-Economic
Review Form (ERF & SERF). This procedure was established to
protect the environment and ensure that development in the Park is
consistent with the State Guide Plan. In 2016, a Memorandum of
Agreement with the Division of Planning allowed QDC to prepare a
unified ERF & SERF for pre-approval of parcels included in the
Site Readiness Program. Parcels that are included in the Site
Readiness Program shall use the Expedited Environmental and
Socio-Economic Review process. Other parcels that are not in the Site
Readiness Program shall use the Standard Environmental and
Socio-Economic Review process. This review typically occurs
concurrent with Site Control and prior to the Pre-Application.
Expansion of existing uses that do not entail property acquisition
are not subject to this review.
1. Expedited Environmental and
Socio-Economic Review: Parcels that have been pre-permitted through
the Site Readiness Program also have a pre-approved ERF & SERF.
For projects on Site Readiness Program parcels, the applicant shall
complete a one (1) page Project Notification Form (found in the Forms
Section of the Development Package' Guidance Document) and provide
information on the location, land use, scope, size, scale,
investment, employment, and water demand of the project. The form is
then reviewed by QDC's Director, the North Kingstown Planning
Director (or designee), and the Associate Director of the Division of
Planning (who has a maximum of seven (7) business days to respond) to
verify that the project conforms to pre-approved ERF & SERF. If
it is determined that a project does not conform to the pre-approved
ERF & SERF then a Standard Environmental Review must be
conducted. Lack of a response to the Notification indicates
concurrence.
2. Standard Environmental and
Socio-Economic Review: Applicants for development of parcels that are
not in the Site Readiness Program or whose projects were found not to
conform to the pre-approved ERF & SERF shall complete the
standard ERF & SERF (found in the Forms Section of the
Development Package’s Guidance Document) and provide detailed
information related to the scope and scale of the project and its
environmental, utility, transportation, and community impacts. The
completed forms are then returned to QDC who shall then forward them
to the State Planning Council, the RIDEM, the RICRMC, and the Town of
North Kingstown for review and compliance with the State Guide Plan,
environmental laws and Regulations, and the community comprehensive
plan. The RIDEM and the RICRMC have fourteen (14) days to provide a
preliminary assessment to the Director, and the State Planning
Council has forty-five (45) days to respond with its determination.
Lack of a response indicates conformity to the State Guide Plan.
4.8.3 Development Plan
Review Authority
A. The authority to perform
Development Plan Review shall reside with the Technical Review
Committee as described herein and consistent with the MOU with the
Town dated December 16, 2010.
1. Technical Review Committee
(TRC)
a. Committee Purpose: To
review all development within the Park for compliance and consistency
with the Technical Review Regulations.
b. Committee Membership: The
TRC will be comprised of the following members:
(1) The Managing Director of
the QDC, who will be the chair of the TRC;
(2) The Director of
Development Services of QDC (or his/her designee);
(3) The Director of Public
Works of QDC (or his/her designee);
(4) The North Kingstown
Planning Director (or his/her designee);
(5) The North Kingstown Public
Works Director (or his/her designee); and
(6) The North Kingstown Fire
Chief (or his/her designee) and/or the Rhode Island State Fire
Marshall (or his/her designee) may serve in an advisory capacity.
2. Committee Meeting Schedule:
TRC will meet as needed at the mutual convenience of the members with
a minimum seven (7) day notice and receipt of plans. Notice
requirement may be waived by mutual agreement of Managing Director
and the North Kingstown Planning Director.
3. Development Plan Required:
Upon a finding by QDC that the proposed development is an allowable
use and that the site is either an existing lot or a new conforming
lot, an applicant must submit a complete Development Plan to the TRC
as described in § 4.8.5 of this Part.
4.8.4 Development Plan
Review Process
A. Pre-Application Review
1. All development projects
requiring a Certificate of Approval shall submit materials to the TRC
for a pre-application review. The purpose of pre-application is to
provide the TRC with information sufficient to convey the general
design of the project and to determine whether any variance requests
shall be classified as “minor” or “major”
pursuant to § 4.5.2(B) of this Part. The TRC may approve a
subdivision during this process provided the lot conforms to these
Regulations, pursuant to Table 4, § 4.10(B)(1)(a) of this Part.
2. Pre-application plans shall
contain information required in the Pre-application Checklist located
in Development Regulations Guidance Document.
3. Pre-application review
shall require no more than fifteen (15) days.
B. Development Plan Review
Process
1. Upon advisement from the
TRC on the pre-application submittal, an applicant may submit a
complete Development Plan to the TRC pursuant to the requirements §
4.8.5 of this Part.
2. Upon receipt of a complete
application the TRC has thirty (30) days in which to render a
decision. The application may be approved, approved with conditions,
or denied. If the application is denied, the application may be
resubmitted.
3. Where an application
requires a variance as determined by the Managing Director and/or the
North Kingstown Planning Director, the application may be
conditionally approved by the TRC, pending outcome of variance
request as described in § 4.5.2 of this Part.
4.8.5 Development Plan
Review Submittals
A. All plans and drawings
submitted to the TRC shall be prepared by a professional licensed in
the State of Rhode Island in the applicable discipline (i.e.
architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering) and shall
include all information required as part of the Technical Review
Application and Checklist located in Development Regulations Guidance
Document.
1. Development Plan Review
Fees are to be paid by the Applicant to QDC on behalf of the TRC at
the time of submission as follows:
a. Two thousand dollars
($2,000.00) for structures greater than forty thousand (40,000)
square feet of gross floor area
b. One thousand dollars
($1,000.00) for structures between five thousand (5,000) and forty
thousand (40,000) square feet of gross floor area
c. Five hundred dollars
($500.00) for structures less than five thousand (5,000) square feet
of gross floor area
d. The Managing Director has
discretion to adjust fees commensurate with the complexity of the
development.
4.8.6 Decisions and Records
A. The TRC determination shall
be binding on the applicant. Approval of an application for
Development Plan Review may be granted by the concurrence of at least
two (2) QDC members and at least one (1) Town Member; provided,
however, that if neither Town Member is in attendance at a meeting of
the TRC, the TRC shall be entitled to take any action upon the
concurrence of at least two (2) of the QDC Members. The Development
Regulations shall specify meeting notification requirements to
members of the TRC as well as to the applicants. If the TRC does not
approve a proposed project, the members of the TRC who oppose the
project shall be obligated to identify the particular section(s) of
the Development Regulations with which the proposed project does not
conform. Any applicant whose project is denied by the TRC for failure
to conform with the Development Regulations shall be advised of the
finding of non-conformance and provided an opportunity to address
such finding.
B. All records, minutes and
decisions of the TRC and the QDC Board shall be filed in the Office
of the QDC. All correspondence with the TRC and/or the QDC Board
shall be sent to:
1. Technical Review Committee,
Quonset Development Corporation, Quonset Business Park, 95 Cripe
Street, North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852
4.9 Technical Review Regulations
4.9.1 Performance Standards
A. Performance standards are
defined as a set of criteria or limits relating to elements, which a
particular use or process either must meet or may not exceed.
Performance standards within the Park shall regulate noise,
vibration, air quality, water quality, light and glare, electronic
interference, heat, fire and explosive hazards, radioactive
materials, wetlands, historic preservation, resource allocation, and
waste.
1. Application of Performance
Standards – Any use established or changed to, and any
building, structure, or land developed, constructed for any permitted
principal use or any accessory use shall comply with all of the
performance standards set forth in this section for the district
involved. If any existing use or building or other structure is
expanded and enlarged, the performance standards for the district
involved shall apply with respect to such expanded or enlarged
portion or portions of such use, building or other structure.
2. Enforcement of Standards –
In the event of a determination of an alleged violation of these
standards subsequent to the granting of a permit, the enforcement
action may be taken consistent with § 4.5.3 of this Part.
3. Noise
a. Noise Measurement –
Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter meeting the
standards of the ANSI § S1.4-2014, 2014, incorporated above in §
4.3(M)(1) of this Part. Measurements shall be conducted in accordance
with ANSI § S12.51, incorporated above in § 4.3(M)(2) of
this Part.
b. Basic Continuous Noise
Level – The maximum permissible sound-pressure levels at
specified points of measurement for noise radiated continuously from
a facility shall conform to the values in Table 1 as measured from
the nearest lot line. These standards are for noise generated as part
of typical daily operations between the hours of 7 A.M. and 7 P.M.
Where more than one (1) specified sound level applies, the most
restrictive shall govern. Measurements may be made at points of
maximum noise intensity. If the noise occurs between the hours of 7
P.M. and 7 A.M. on Monday through Saturday or any time on Sunday or
holidays, seven (7) shall be subtracted from each of the decibel
levels given in Table 1.
(1) Table 1. Basic Noise Level
Restrictions: Monday – Saturday 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Maximum
Permitted Sound Level dBA
Measured
Across and Outside (Property Line)
55
QMUDD
60
QLID,
QWD
65
QGID,
QAD
Note:
Notwithstanding these performance standards, aviation related
activities are subject to FAA requirements and guidance.
c. Adjusted Noise Standards in
Areas Not Bordering Residential Districts – QDC shall adjust
the values in Table 1 in specific instances for sites that are not
adjacent to residential districts. The noise levels in Table 1 shall
be adjusted for non-continuous noises associated with daily
operations or those associated with impact activities. These
adjustments shall not apply to noises emanating from construction and
maintenance activities between 7 A.M. and 7 P.M.; noises emanating
from safety signals, warning devices, and emergency pressure relief
valves; or transient noises of moving sources such as automobiles,
trucks, airplanes and railroads.
(1) The levels specified in
Table 1 may be exceeded by ten (10) dBA for a single period, no
longer than fifteen (15) minutes, in any one (1) day.
(2) For impact noise levels,
the values in Table 1 increased by twenty (20) dBA, shall apply.
Impact noises shall be considered to be those noises whose peak
values are more than six (6) dBA higher than the values indicated on
the sound level meter.
(3) Limits are intended for
normal continuous day-to-day operations. These limits may be exceeded
by a reasonable amount of time for temporary and short-term
operations during construction, maintenance, or emergency conditions.
d. Adjusted Noise Standards in
Areas Bordering Residential Districts – QDC shall adjust the
values in Table 1 in specific instances for sites that are adjacent
to residential districts. The noise levels in Table 1 shall be
adjusted for non-continuous noises associated with daily operations
or those associated with impact activities. If the noise is not
smooth and continuous and is not radiated between the hours of 7 P.M.
and 7 A.M., one (1) or more of the corrections in Table 2 following
adjustments to the values in Table 1 shall be made. Any reductions
already applied to values in Table 1 due to the hours during which it
occurs (between 7 P.M. and 7 A.M.) shall be applied in addition to
the adjustments in Table 2.
(1) Table 2. Adjusted Noise
Level Standards for Properties Adjacent to Residential Districts.
Type
of Operation or Character of Noise
Correction
in Decibels (dB)
Noise
source operates less than twenty percent (20%) of any one (1) hour
period
Plus
5*
Noise
source operates less than five percent (5%) of any one (1) hour
period
Plus
10*
Noise
sound operates less than one percent (1%) of any one (1) hour
period
Plus
15*
Noise
of impulsive character (hammering) or periodic character (screech,
hum etc.)
Minus
5
Note:
Notwithstanding these performance standards, aviation related
activities are subject to FAA requirements and guidance.
*Apply
one (1) of these corrections only.
4. Vibration
a. Definition of Terms –
For the purposes of this subsection, certain terms are defined as
follows:
(1) Frequency means the number
of oscillations per second of a vibration.
(2) Impact vibrations means
earthborne oscillations occurring in discrete pulses at or less than
one hundred (100) per minute.
(3) Steady-state vibrations
means continuous earthborne oscillations occurring more than one
hundred (100) times per minute.
(4) Three (3) component
measuring device means a device for the intensity of any vibration in
three (3) mutually perpendicular directions.
b. Method of Measurement –
For the purpose of measuring vibration, a three-component measuring
system recognized as a standard for such purpose shall be used.
Location and timing of measurements shall be arranged insofar as
possible to exclude vibrations emanating from off the premises
involved, or a correction factor reasonable under the circumstances
shall be applied to compensate for off-premises vibrations.
c. Maximum Allowable Vibration
Levels – No vibration at any time shall produce a maximum peak
particle velocity that exceeds the following values measured on or
beyond the appropriate property lines.
(1) Table 3. Maximum Peak
Particle Velocity (inches/second)
Residential
** Character of Vibration
Adjacent
Lot Line
QGID,
QAD District Boundary
QMUDD,
QLID, QWD District Boundary
Steady
State
0.10
0.50
0.20
Impact
0.20
0.10
0.40
Note:
Notwithstanding these performance standards, aviation related
activities are subject to FAA requirements and guidance.
**Between
the hours of 7 P.M. and 7 A.M., all of the permissible vibration
levels indicated in the previous table for residential district
boundaries shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%).
5. Aviation-related activities
are subject to FAA guidance and requirements.
6. Air Quality – All
operations, activities and uses shall be conducted so as to comply
with all applicable Regulations for the prevention, control and
abatement and limitation of air pollution established by the RIDEM.
7. Water Quality
a. Sewage and water-borne
wastes shall be deposited in the Park sewage system and shall be
subject to the QDC Sewer Treatment System User Regulations. All
effluent discharged into the QDC sewage system shall comply with the
applicable pretreatment standards established by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 40 C.F.R Part 403,
incorporated in § 4.3(A) of this Part, and/or the QDC.
b. Effluent not discharged
into the QDC sewage system shall be disposed of in a manner
acceptable to 250-RICR-150-10-2 ,
Rhode Island Pretreatment Regulations, and the design, installation
and operation of all subsurface wastewater disposal systems shall be
approved by the Director of RIDEM.
c. Effluent discharged into a
surface water body shall require issuances of a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit by the USEPA and RIDEM.
8. Light and Glare –
Lighting installation and design shall comply with the provisions of
§ 4.13.4 of this Part.
9. Electronic Interference –
Communications devices, radar equipment, or other electromagnetic
radiation shall not interfere with airport instrumentation and
communications.
10. Heat – Any use
producing heat shall be shielded so that no increase in the ambient
temperature can be recorded on or beyond the property line.
11. Fire and Explosive Hazards
– All operations, activities and uses shall be conducted so as
to comply with applicable provisions of the 450-RICR-00-00-7 ,
RI Fire Code.
12. Radioactive Materials –
The handling of radioactive materials, the discharge of such
materials into the air and water, and the disposal of radioactive
wastes shall be in conformance with the applicable Regulations of the
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Rules and Regulations
for the control of radiation established by the Rhode Island
Department of Health.
13. Wetlands – Areas
classified as “wetlands” by R.I. Gen. Laws §§
2-1-18 through 2-1-24, as amended, shall be subject to the provisions
of that law.
14. Resource Allocation –
Development of the property shall take into consideration the
availability of water and energy supply. To the extent feasible, the
developer shall make efficient use of such resources. Standards
relating to the use of water may be amended by the QDC, at any time
in order to comply with any requirements of any Federal, State or
legal governmental agency or to ensure the short or long-term
sustainability of supply to the Park.
15. Waste – All
operations shall conform to Title 250 Chapter 140 ,
Waste and Materials Management.
16. Hazardous Materials –
All use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials as
defined by the U.S. EPA shall be in accordance with
250-RICR-140-10-1 ,
and other State laws and local ordinances as applicable. The
applicant shall indicate on the development plans materials, which
are used, stored, transported, or generated which will be controlled
by these Regulations. Material safety data sheets for each compound
shall accompany the application. The application shall indicate the
location, amount, and chemical composition of all such materials. All
hazardous materials shall be contained in appropriate vessels in
fully enclosed structures.
4.10 Site Design Standards
A. The following Site Design
Standards are intended for use by those developing or modifying
sites, parcels and/or premises located within the Park. Site Design
Standards are a method and means of ensuring high quality development
within the individual parcel while accomplishing the desired goals
for the entire Park. Development should be located to preserve the
natural features of the site and to avoid areas of environmental
sensitivity.
B. The architectural design of
new buildings in the Park is important in maintaining and enhancing
the curb appeal, providing an aesthetically pleasing built
environment, and establishing a sense of place. Buildings that are
visible from Post Road, residential neighborhoods, and/or from major
streets are particularly important in establishing the visual
character in the Park. "Building Design Standards" are
found in the Guidance Document. The Building Design Standards shall
be incorporated into all Development Plans to the maximum extent
practicable.
1. Setbacks and Height
a. Dimensional Regulations:
Table 4 below depicts the dimensional Regulations for the Quonset
Business Park Land Use Districts. These Regulations have been adopted
for the purpose of regulating the development while maintaining
maximum flexibility within each use district.
(1) Table 4. Dimensional
Regulations Table
Dimensional
Requirements
QGID
QLID
QMUDD/
QAD*****
QWD
MINIMUM
DIMENSIONS
Lot
Area
80,000
SF
60,000
SF
40,000
SF
80,000
SF
Lot
Width
175’
175’
150’
125’
Lot
Frontage
175’
175’
150’
125’
BUILDING
SETBACKS (Including solar arrays)*
Front
Yard
35’
35’
15’
30’
Side
Yard
30’
30’
10’
10’
Rear
Yard
30’
30’
10’
10’
From
Residential Structure
50’
50’
50’
50’
MAXIMUM
DIMENSIONS
Building
Height
***
45’
150’****
150’****
MINIMUM
PARKING SETBACKS
Front
30’
30’
10’
30’
Side
10’
10’
10’
10’
Rear
10’
10’
10’
10’
MINIMUM
STORAGE SETBACKS
Front
35’
35’
-
30’
Side
30’
30’
-
10’
Rear
30’
30’
-
10’
Maximum
Storage Height
40’**
30’
-
50**
*Where
the height of a building exceeds the value for this setback and
the property is adjacent to an existing residential district, the
setback value from the residential district shall be equal to the
building height as measured from the lot line of an approved
residential parcel as shown on NK plat maps. This does not include
open space, common areas, or undevelopable land.
**Storage
Height may be exceeded only if an individual component (e.g.,
submarine hull or turbine foundation) exceeds forty feet (40’).
14 C.F.R. Part 77, incorporated in § 4.3(B) of this Part,
apply.
***Building
Height shall not exceed the distance from the lot line, or
applicable requirements in 14 C.F.R. Part 77, incorporated in §
4.3(B) of this Part.
****14
C.F.R. Part 77, incorporated in § 4.3(B) of this Part,
Horizontal Surface restricts all buildings to a maximum of one
hundred fifty feet (150’) above runway grade.
*****QAD
dimensional standards shall be applied only to new development
abutting public streets and/or non-aviation uses.
2. Sidewalk Maintenance
a. All areas subject to
pedestrian traffic shall be paved with a durable material.
b. Snow removal shall be the
responsibility of the adjacent tenant and/or property owner and snow
storage areas shall not interfere with pedestrian traffic.
c. Access to sidewalks shall
be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
42 U.S.C. § 12101.
d. The original construction
and appearance of all sidewalks shall be maintained in good repair
and in safe condition.
3. Parking and Circulation
a. Parking is permitted only
in paved designated areas. Spaces must be striped. Exceptions may be
made on lots where the Rhode Island Coastal Resource Management
Council (CRMC) prohibits the use of non-porous materials. Spaces
shall be no smaller than nine feet (9’) by eighteen feet (18’).
b. Parking is not permitted on
Park streets, within the front, rear, or side yard parking setbacks.
c. Snow storage areas shall
not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
d. Parking spaces for people
with disabilities must be provided in accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101.
e. Off-street parking shall be
provided in accordance with Table 5. If a Regulation is not otherwise
specified, the developer must refer to the Institute of Parking
Generation Manual, incorporated above in § 4.3(I) of this Part.
(1) Table 5. Parking Standards
Parking
Requirements by Use
QAD ** ,
QGID, QLID, QMUDD, and QWD
Industrial
1
space per 500 sq. ft. *gross floor area
Office
1
space per 200 sq. ft. net office space
Commercial
1
space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area
Marina
1
space per boat slip
Hotel/plus
Meeting Room
1
space per room/plus 1 space for each 80 sq. ft. of meeting floor
area
*A
variance may be requested based on projected employment.
**Parking
in the QAD requires RIAC approval.
f. Large tract, multiple
tract, or mixed use development parking requirements may be satisfied
in total or in part by an agreement between the developer and the
QDC. Such exception to Table 5 shall be determined on a case by case
basis per the results of a Parking Generation Report submitted to the
QDC by the developer.
g. An applicant may petition
the TRC to construct fewer parking spaces than what is required
pursuant to Table 5. The TRC may grant approval of this request
through a condition of Development Plan Review approval provided the
applicant demonstrates that adequate land is set aside to meet the
parking demands in the future and that all drainage calculations
reflect the amount of parking area at build-out.
4. Loading and Service Areas
a. For every twenty thousand
(20,000) square feet of gross floor area above four thousand (4,000)
square feet, there shall be at least one (1) off-street loading space
for industrial uses, at least twelve feet (12’) wide, fifty
feet (50’) long, with fourteen feet (14’) height
clearance if covered. QDC may approve smaller loading docks if it
finds that only smaller trucks requiring less space will be used for
a period of ten (10) years.
b. Loading facilities located
on the side of a building facing a street shall be screened from view
from the street unless such facilities are entirely enclosed within
the buildings.
c. Any loading or unloading in
front of the building shall be prohibited.
d. Distance from the loading
dock to the property line shall be one hundred ten feet (110’).
5. Driveways and Access Points
a. Joint access – The
sharing of driveway access by two (2) or more properties is
encouraged. Such driveways shall require a waiver from the QDC and an
access easement agreement between the property owners.
b. Access to roads – All
entrance and/or exit driveways onto State roads shall be in
accordance with 290-RICR-20-00-4 ,
State Highway Right of Way Regulations. All entrance and/or exit
driveways onto Town roads shall be in accordance with the
requirements of the Town’s Department of Public Works. All
entrance and/or exit driveways onto Park roads shall be in accordance
with these Regulations.
c. Sight distance –
Appropriate sight line shall be maintained where a driveway or street
intersects with a public street depending on speed limit.
d. Maximum driveway grade –
The gradient of a driveway shall have a slope of no greater than
three percent (3%) for the first one hundred feet (100’).
e. Driveway placement –
Driveways should not be located beyond the crest of a vertical curve
or on the inside of a horizontal curve where stopping site distance
in not available for the design speed of the street. Driveways must
be placed such that an exiting vehicle has an unobstructed sight
distance according to the following table (Table 6):
(1) Table 6. Driveway Site
Distance
Street
Speed Limit (mph)
Sight
Distance (feet)
5
– 30
200
35
225
40
275
f. Radii, Width and Spacing –
Radii is related to the width of the driveway. The width of most two
(2) lane driveways measured parallel with the roadway since the
driveway will typically be at right angles to the roadway is thirty
feet (30’) for two (2) way operation and fifteen feet (15’)
for one (1) way operation. Table 7 shows basis driveway dimensions.
The TRC may reduce these values upon petition from an applicant to
suit the design of lower traffic areas.
(1) Table 7. Driveway
Dimensions
Dimension
Reference (Figure 1)
Commercial
Industrial
Width
W
15
feet one-way
20
feet one-way
Right-turn
Radius
R
25
feet
25
feet
Minimum
Spacing
From
Property Line
P
-R
-R
From
Corner
C
10
feet
10
feet
From
Driveway
S
(see
Table 8)
g. Driveway Spacing – At
least one (1) curb cut shall be permitted per site. An additional
curb cut per site may be allowed if warranted per review by the TRC
and/or the RIDOT depending on the street classification. The limits
of lot frontage, driveway spacing, both on site and to a driveway on
an adjacent site, should be determined as a function of street speed
limit according to the following table (Table 8):
(1) Table 8. Driveway Spacing
Street
Speed Limit (mph)
Minimum
Spacing (feet)
25
105
30
125
35
150
40
185
45
230
50
275
h. Spacing distances are based
on average vehicle acceleration and deceleration rates and are
considered necessary to maintain safe traffic operation. Spacing
shall be measured from the centerline of each driveway.
(1) Figure 2. Driveway
Dimension Measurements (See Table 7)
(2) F
igure
3. Loading and Service Area
(
3) Figure
4. Site Entrance
6. Fire Department Access
a. A fire access road shall
extend around the exterior of the building with a section of the
access road within fifty feet (50’) of a single exterior door
providing access to the interior of the building and the remaining
fire access road located no more than one hundred fifty feet (150’)
from the exterior wall of the building.
b. The access shall have an
unobstructed width of not less than twenty feet (20’) with an
unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet six inches (13’6”).
c. The turning radius shall be
a minimum outside radius of fifty feet (50’).
d. The gradient of the access
rood shall not exceed one foot (1’) change in elevation in
twenty (20) linear feet.
e. Fire access road shall be
covered with a surface material that is capable of supporting the
fire apparatus, preferably gravel or bituminous pavement, and will
permit access under all climate conditions and be maintained free of
ice and snow.
f. Yard fire hydrants shall be
installed a minimum distance of thirty feet (30’) away from the
structure.
7. Fencing and Walls –
Design of Fencing and walls shall comply with the provisions of §
4.12(A)(5) of this Part.
8. Storage Areas
a. All areas for the outdoor
storage of materials, waste, and finished products shall be indicated
on the plans. The plans shall state the chemical composition and form
of the materials, type of storage, and height of the materials.
b. Storage setbacks and height
shall comply with the provisions of § 4.10(B)(1) of this Part
and limitations required by 14 C.F.R Part 77, incorporated in §
4.3(M) of this Part, where applicable.
c. Open storage shall be
screened from view of adjacent properties and from public streets.
d. All open storage shall be
contained and/or covered as necessary so as to prevent its movement
or transport by act of nature, including leaching into the ground.
e. Open storage of any
substance that can be moved or damaged by water, or which is wholly
or partly soluble in water is not permitted. QDC will notify users
that materials shall be moved twenty-four (24) hours in advance of a
major storm event in “A” and “V” Flood Zones
as defined by Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood
Insurance Program.
f. Open storage shall be
secured from unauthorized access.
g. Liquid bulk storage
containers must meet standards as set forth by the National Fire
Protection Association and RIDEM.
4.11 Site
Utility Standards
A. Electric and Communications
1. Electric, telephone, cable
and all other communication service lines shall be installed
underground between building and point of service per specifications
of the applicable public utility company.
2. Year-round screening shall
be required of any utility apparatus appearing aboveground, other
than utility poles. Screening may consist of fences and/or opaque
evergreen plantings and shall be shown as part of the Landscape Plan
submittal to the TRC.
B. Water Capacity
1. The water supply service
shall be adequate to handle the necessary flow, based on complete
development of the tract.
2. Water and fire suppression
systems must meet the requirements of the QDC Water Department,
216-RICR-50-05-1 ,
Public Drinking Water, 510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code, and 510-RICR-00-00-3 ,
RISBC-3 Rhode Island Plumbing Code.
3. The demand rates for all
uses shall be considered in computing the total system demand. Where
fire protection is provided in accordance with the section below, the
system shall be capable of providing the required fire demand plus
the required maximum daily demand, or the peak hour flows indicated
in 250-RICR-150-10-6 ,
Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design,
Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems,
whichever is greater. The maximum daily demand shall be calculated by
multiplying the average daily demand by a factor of 1.5. An
alternative method for estimating peak sewerage flows for building
sewers is the “fixture unit” method. Coordinate with
design of building plumbing. Sizes of proposed water and sewer
services in the building shall be included on the plumbing trade
plan, which shall be substantially a part of this.
4. Average daily consumption
shall be computed in accordance with the section above. The peak
daily flows shall be computed by applying a peaking factor of three
(3) times the average daily consumption. QDC may require deviations
in the peaking factor value provided appropriate documentation and
justification for the deviation from the standards is provided.
5. The design of the on-site
water service system shall be adequate to provide fire protection as
per ISO standard, Fire Suppression Rating Schedule incorporated above
in § 4.3(K)(1) of this Part, or per AWWA M31, incorporated above
in § 4.3(O)(1) of this Part.
6. All development plans will
comply with water conservation goals in the Quonset Business Park
Master Land Use and Development Plan, § 5.0 and § 6.0 of
the “Quonset Development Corporation Quonset Business Park
Water Supply System Management Plan.” Water conservation shall
be part of the site development planning, and building plumbing
plans. Water conservation techniques such as but not limited to
efficient use and reuse, recycling, pressure reduction where
practical, low flow plumbing devices, and drought resistant landscape
plantings, shall be evaluated and integrated into site plans and
building plans. Recycling of industrial cooling water is encouraged.
7. All new site, building, and
renovation designs shall have water efficiency enhancements
incorporated into the building plumbing fixture selection and
landscape planting selections:
a. Indoor plumbing fixtures
shall be U.S. EPA WaterSense Certified.
b. Outside planting selections
shall be of the variety that once established require little or no
irrigation.
c. The size of landscaping
requiring irrigation shall be limited.
d. Outside sprinkler systems
shall be equipped with moisture sensors.
C. Water Service Design and
Placement
1. Service design and
placement shall comply with construction specifications for all
applicable QDC rules and "American Water Works Association C800"
incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(4) of this Part.
2. Service mains of the
overall system shall be connected into yard loops so as to avoid
dead-ends.
3. Valve connections are
required at all points of Connection with the Park. Yard valves and
hydrant spacing shall be per 510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code.
4. Gate valves shall be
cast-iron body with double-disc gates; bronze mounted conforming to
AWWA C500, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(7) of this Part, or
resilient-seated wedge, non-rising stem mechanical joint conforming
to AWWA C509, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(8) of this Part.
Butterfly valves shall conform to AWWA C504, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(9) of this Part. Valve interior openings shall be full size,
and valves on sixteen inch (16”) mains or larger shall be
geared and have suitable bypasses. Valve boxes shall be of the
adjustable type with the cover marked "water."
5. Gate valves shall be used
for service lines between four and twelve inches (4” and 12”)
diameter. Butterfly valves shall be used for all services greater
than twelve inches (12”). All valves shall open left.
6. A building domestic service
connection shall be comprised of a corporation stop at the main, a
curb stop, a reduce pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer, and a
water meter. Valving shall be in accordance with the
510-RICR-00-00-3 ,
RISBC-3 Rhode Island Plumbing Code. Curb stops and water meters shall
be located as specified by the QDC Water Department.
7. QDC shall supply all meters
up to one inch (1”) in diameter, and any larger diameter meter
shall be purchased by the User. User supplied meters shall comply
with QDC Standard Details in the Guidance Document and shall be
electronically coded at the factory to be read by QDC’s
automated water meter reading system. Coordination with the QDC Water
Department is required prior to purchasing.
8. Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ)
backflow preventers are required on all domestic water services and
shall comply with QDC Standard Details in the Guidance Document, or
as directed by QDC Water Department Superintendent. Double check
valve assemblies are required on all fire protection services and
shall comply with QDC Standard Details in the Guidance Document.
9. Meters and backflow
prevention devices shall be installed per the QDC’s standard
details; and shall be inspected and approved by the QDC’s Water
Department prior to activation.
10. Pipe size shall comply
with the following requirements:
a. Building service connection
pipe shall be a minimum diameter of one inch (1”), unless
another size is required for fire flow and other criteria.
b. Design capacity of water
mains shall be such as to maintain a minimum residual pressure of
twenty (20) pounds per square inch (psi) at street level under all
fire flow conditions. The maximum fire flow shall be two thousand
(2,000) gallons per minute (gpm) per zone.
11. Pipe materials used in the
construction of water mains shall be cement-lined ductile iron class
52 or PVC pipe, as outlined in AWWA C900, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(5) of this Part. All pipes greater than or equal to twelve
inches (12”) in diameter must be ductile iron. All pipe and
appurtenances shall comply with AWWA C151/A21.51 standards,
incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(6) of this Part.
a. Ductile iron pipe,
appurtenances, and fittings shall comply with AWWA C110/A21.10,
incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(10) of this Part; gasket joints
shall comply with AWWA C111/A21.11, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(11) of this Part; flanged joints shall comply with AWWA
C115/A21.15, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(12) of this Part;
and pipe shall comply with AWWA C151/A21.51, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(6) of this Part. Thickness shall be designed in accordance
with AWWA C150/A21.50, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(13) of
this Part. It shall be cement-mortar lined in accordance with AWWA
C104/A21.4, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(14) of this Part.
Joints shall be gasketed push-on joints or mechanical joints in
conformance with AWWA C111/A21.11, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(11) of this Part. The exterior of the ductile iron pipe shall
be covered with an asphaltic, epoxy-type coating. In aggressive
soils, ductile iron pipe shall be wrapped in polyethylene in
accordance with AWWA C105/A21.50, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(13) of this Part, or zinc coated ductile iron pipe in
accordance with ISO 8179-1, incorporated above in § 4.3(K)(2) of
this Part, shall be used.
b. PVC pipe, appurtenances,
and fittings shall conform to AWWA C900, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(5) of this Part or AWWA C909, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(2) of this Part for pipe sizes four inches (4”) to
twelve inches (12”) and shall conform to AWWA C905,
incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(15) of this Part for sizes
fourteen inches (14”) through thirty-six inches (36”).
Joints shall be elastomeric-gasket couplings of a corresponding size.
Laboratory performance requirements shall be met as specified in ASTM
D3139, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(1) of this Part.
Solvent-cement couplings shall not be permitted. PVC pipe
installations shall be provided with a metallic locator tape.
c. Where transitions to
flanged fittings are made, adapters approved by QDC shall be used.
d. Building service connection
pipe shall be type K copper or polyethylene (PE) pressure pipe that
complies with ANSI/AWWA C901, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(16)
of this Part.
12. Pipe bedding and backfill
shall be installed in accordance with the pipe manufacturer's
recommendations.
a. QDC may require the
developer to provide an opinion of a professional engineer relative
to the suitability of the on-site material to be used as backfill.
b. Where the on-site material
is deemed suitable, the opinion shall specify the appropriate
installation methods for the material. Where the on-site material is
deemed not suitable, the opinion shall specify modification or
replacement of the material and the appropriate installation for the
specified material.
D. Fire Hydrants
1. Hydrants shall be spaced to
provide necessary fire flow subject to the approval of State and Town
Fire Marshal.
2. Size, type, and
installation of hydrants shall conform to the following
specifications as appropriate.
a. Hydrants shall comply with
QDC Standard Details in the Guidance Document. Valves shall open
right, and hydrant nozzles shall be set at standard height above
finish grade.
b. Size, type, and
installation of hydrants shall be in accordance with the requirements
of QDC or shall conform to ANSI/AWWA C502 incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(3) of this Part.
c. All fire hydrants shall
conform to NFPA Standard 291, incorporated above in § 4.3(G) of
this Part.
E. Sanitary Sewers
1. Sanitary sewer service,
where installed, shall conform to the standards contained in this
Subchapter and to the standards of QDC.
2. The applicant shall submit
to QDC for review for compliance with this Part details of the
planned pipes, joints, mains, laterals, and appurtenances. The
details shall comply with all standards and specifications listed in
this Part.
F. Sanitary System Design and
Placement
1. Refer to the Development
Regulation’s Guidance Document for slope standards for sanitary
systems.
2. Except where shallower
depths are permitted by QDC, sewer lines, including force mains and
laterals, shall be constructed at least three feet below the proposed
grade (as measured from the top of the pipe to the grade elevation).
3. Pipe materials used in the
construction of gravity sanitary sewers shall be PVC or ductile iron
pipe. All pipe and appurtenances shall comply with AWWA and ASTM
standards referenced in this paragraph, which are incorporated herein
by reference. Where PVC pipe is installed, a metallic locator tape
shall also be installed adjacent to the pipe.
a. PVC sewer pipe shall have
bell and spigot ends, and O-ring rubber gasketed joints. PVC pipe and
fittings shall conform to ASTM D3034, incorporated above in §
4.3(P)(2) of this Part, with a minimum wall thickness designation of
SDR 35, or shall conform to ASTM F679, incorporated above in §
4.3(P)(3) of this Part, F794, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(4)
of this Part or F949, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(5) of this
Part with a designated pipe stiffness of PS-46.
b. The plastic material from
which the pipe and fittings are extruded shall be impact types of
PVC, unplasticized, having high mechanical strength and maximum
chemical resistance, conforming to Type 1, Grade 1 of the
specification for rigid polyvinyl chloride compounds, ASTM D1784,
incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(6) of this Part.
c. Pipe shall be free from
defects, such as bubbles or other imperfections, in accordance with
accepted commercial practice. Test results demonstrating that the
pipe meets ASTM D2444, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(7) of this
Part for impact and ASTM D2321, incorporated above in §
4.3(P)(8) of this Part for deflection and pipe stiffness shall be
provided when requested by the municipality or utility authority.
d. Joints shall conform to
ASTM D3212, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(9) of this Part.
Rubber-ring gaskets shall conform to ASTM F477, incorporated above in
§ 4.3(P)(10) of this Part. The gasket shall be the sole element
depended upon to make the joint watertight.
e. The pipe shall be installed
as specified in ASTM D2321, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(8) of
this Part. When installing pipe in unstable soil or excessive ground
water, a determination regarding special precautions, such as poured
concrete slabs, shall be made by QDC’s engineer.
f. Bedding, haunching, and
initial backfill material shall be furnished and installed to conform
to "Rhode Island Department of Transportation Standard
Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, Amended August 2013,
§ 701.02.5 Bedding Materials", incorporated above in §
4.3(E) of this Part.
g. Ductile iron pipe shall be
centrifugally cast in metal or sand-lined molds to AWWA C151/A21.51,
incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(6) of this Part. Joints shall be
rubber gasketed joints that conform to AWWA C111/A21.11, incorporated
above in § 4.3(O)(11) of this Part, or flanged joints that
comply with AWWA C115/A21.15, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(12)
of this Part. Pipe shall be a minimum of Class 50. The outside of the
pipe shall be coated with a uniform thickness of hot applied
asphaltic coating. In corrosive soils, pipe shall be encased in
polyethylene in accordance with AWWA C150/A21.50, incorporated above
in § 4.3(O)(13) of this Part. Ductile iron pipe shall be
installed with Class C, Ordinary Bedding when site conditions allow.
The inside shall be lined with cement in accordance with AWWA
C117/A21.4, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(14) of this Part, or
where hydrogen sulfide is present, ductile iron pipe with
polyethylene coating that protects the interior of the pipe shall be
used.
h. Force mains shall be
constructed of ductile iron pipe, as specified above or PVC pipe that
meets ASTM D1785, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(11) of this
Part, ASTM D2241, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(12) of this
Part, or AWWA C909, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(2) of this
Part.
i. Inspection cleanouts or
observation tees within the easement or right-of-way shall be fitted
with either a metallic cap or a nonmetal cap fitted with a metallic
plug that is suitable for locating the cleanout. Caps shall have a
depressed or inverted nut. The inspection cleanout or observation tee
shall be placed between the curb or edge of pavement and property
line, or within a designated easement. An inspection manhole shall be
provided at or near the property line, prior to connection to the QDC
Sewer System, from each prospective sewer user.
j. As-built drawings that
include the location of plumbing wyes, as supplied by the contractor,
shall be submitted to QDC’s engineer.
k. Exterior drop manholes
shall be per QDC standard detail found in the Development
Regulation's Guidance Document.
4.12 Landscaping Standards
A. All landscaping
improvements shall be installed and completed in accordance with a
Landscape Plan as submitted and approved by the TRC. A Landscaping
Plan must be submitted for each site as part of the review process.
The goal of the TRC is to work with the developer to achieve a
landscape design for the parcel which incorporates the site and
improvements into the surrounding environment.
1. Landscape Plan
a. A Landscape Plan shall be
submitted to the TRC as part of the Development Plan Review process
detailed in § 4.8 of this Part. The Landscape Plan shall include
information regarding the type and location of existing and proposed
landscape elements including: decorative plantings, trees, shrubs,
grassed areas, screen plantings and the location of fencing, lighting
and signage for buildings and parking areas.
(1) Proposed grading at two
foot (2’) contour intervals;
(2) Proposed location of
retained vegetation and description of the vegetation to be retained;
(3) Methods of protection for
retained vegetation during the construction phase;
(4) List of proposed plantings
and general locations;
(5) Details for screening as
required in § 4.12(A)(4) of this Part;
(6) Details for buffering as
required in § 4.12(A)(8) of this Part including cross-section
profiles of any buffers between properties at a frequency of no less
than one (1) cross-section per one hundred (100) linear feet of
property line;
(7) Identification of any
landscaped areas that will be used for stormwater management
including details and specifications for vegetated practices such as
swales, constructed wetlands, rain gardens, etc.; as required by
250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules;
(8) Specifications for
cultivation, loaming, seeding, and fertilization that demonstrate
compliance with these Regulations and required by the "Rhode
Island Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road
and Bridge Construction, Amended August 2013, § 701.02.5 Bedding
Materials", incorporated above in § 4.3(E) of this Part.
b. The Landscape Plan shall be
developed as a total plan for the site, which incorporates the
various elements of the site design, preserving and enhancing the
particular identity of the site, and creating a character that is
cohesive to the landscape aesthetic of the Park.
c. Landscaping may include
plant materials such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials,
annuals, and other materials such as rocks, water, sculpture, art,
walls, fences, paving materials and street furniture.
d. Street tree plantings from
the edge of the road to the property line will be installed and
maintained as a part of the common area of the Park by the QDC. All
landscape installation within the individual parcels is the
responsibility of the parcel owner/tenant.
2. Plant Selection
a. Plant varieties shall be
selected for long term resistance to drought, moisture, salt, urban
conditions, insects or pests depending on the location of landscaping
and the specific stressors anticipated for different areas of the
site. Plants should be selected so that landscaping can be maintained
with minimal care and the need for watering, pesticides or
fertilizers is minimized or eliminated;
b. Landscape professionals are
encouraged refer to the Development Regulation's Guidance document
for a link to the URI Cooperative Extension's Rhode Island Coastal
Plant Guide, as well as other current standards for nursery
stock/species when selecting plant varieties for landscaping;
c. Under no circumstances
shall any plant be selected that appears on the most recent listing
of invasive species as published by the Rhode Island Invasive Species
Council;
d. Caliper measurements and
root ball specifications for all trees and shrubs shall conform to
the American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI Z60.1-2004, incorporated
above in § 4.3(H) of this Part;
e. Shade or canopy trees shall
not be less than twelve feet (12’) in planted height above
grade;
f. Small or minor shade trees
shall not be less than ten feet (10’) in planted height above
grade;
g. Ornamental or flowering
fruit trees shall not be less than ten feet (10’) in planted
height above grade;
h. Evergreen trees used for
screening shall not be less than six feet (6’) in planted
height above grade;
i. Trees shall be selected to
encourage a continuous canopy to the greatest extent practical;
j. Lawn seed mixes shall be
drought resistant. To achieve a high level of drought tolerance, lawn
mixes may include, but shall not be limited to, a predominance of
fine fescues.
3. Site Protection, Planting
and Cultivation
a. Topsoil suitable for
landscaping shall be retained on site in an amount as determined as
part of the required landscape plan. To the maximum extent
practicable, the developer shall minimize the areas of the site to be
regraded or disturbed. Topsoil exposed during construction shall be
protected through stabilization measures consistent with the Rhode
Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, incorporated above
in § 4.3(F) of this Part.
b. All organic material,
rubbish, potentially harmful materials or debris shall be removed
from the site in a timely fashion. Disposal of cleared, grubbed and
stripped materials shall be the responsibility of the developer. All
roots, stumps, brush, foliage and other vegetation that have been
cleared or excavated shall be removed and disposed of by the
developer of the project site.
c. No filling, excavation or
material storage shall occur within four feet (4’) of any shrub
or the dripline of any tree that will be retained. Protective
barriers shall be installed to protect the area surrounding retained
vegetation and shall be a minimum of three feet (3’) high and
constructed of durable material. Snow fences and silt fences are
examples of acceptable barriers.
d. Parking of construction
vehicles, offices/trailers, stockpiling of equipment/materials, etc.
shall take place in areas designated for permanent structures or
other impervious surfaces.
e. Landscaping of all cut and
fill areas and/or terraces shall be sufficient to prevent erosion and
all roadway side slopes greater than 1:3 shall be planted with
vegetated ground cover appropriate for the purpose of erosion control
and for the soil conditions and environment. The use of erosion
control fabric or mats shall be utilized when appropriate.
f. In all areas where
landscaping is to be provided and topsoil is to be removed for the
purposes of site development and/or grading, topsoil shall be
restored and shall contain a minimum of five percent (5%) organic
matter for turf areas and ten percent (10%) for trees and shrubs. The
minimum depth of any restored topsoil shall be six inches (6”).
g. Where pre-existing topsoil
will be used for landscaping, such soil shall be cultivated to a
depth of six inches (6”).
h. Cultivated areas shall be
covered with not less than a two inch (2”) deep layer of mulch
after planting where weed control is required. Mulch should be
natural, unpainted, unstained, and designed to retain moisture where
applied. Mulching around plantings shall not cover the base of plants
or the root zone in a manner that encourages damage from excessive
moisture. Wood chip mulch shall not be allowed.
i. Pit cultivation for all
trees shall be two and one half (2 ½) times the diameter of
the root ball and a depth equal to the same. Holes for trees shall be
prepared in a manner that facilitates grow-in of new trees through
the use of best practices.
j. Trees and other landscaping
shall be staked as necessary and provisions shall be made by the
developer for adequate watering and maintenance until the plantings
are established.
4. Screening
a. Screening shall be provided
for all development of land in order to minimize adverse visual
impacts.
b. Where there is adequate
land, screening shall incorporate vegetation at a variety of heights
so that trees and plantings can be used in a complementary manner to
the remaining portions of the property.
c. Parking lots and loading
areas shall be screened from the street.
d. Parking lots shall be
interrupted by shade trees and planting islands to allow no more than
one hundred fifty feet (150’) of continuous asphalt paving
surface.
e. Solid waste collection
equipment, surface mounted transformers, pump stations, outdoor
storage and other outdoor uses visible from a public street shall be
screened by a buffer strip with minimum width of three feet (3’)
along the sides and back of the areas and shall be planted with
evergreen trees and shrubs and/or screened by a five-foot solid
fence. Evergreen shrubs shall be spaced so that adjacent plants are
touching at time of planting.
5. Walls and Fences
a. Walls and fences shall be
erected where required for privacy, screening, separation, security,
erosion control or to serve other necessary and reasonable functions.
b. No fence or wall shall be
so constructed or installed as to constitute a hazard to traffic or
safety.
c. All fences shall be
constructed of manufactured metal fencing material, wood, masonry or
other inert material, and be functional and compatible with the
existing and proposed architecture. Wooden posts shall be treated
with a preservative before being placed in the ground. Unless
otherwise specified, barbed wire fence is prohibited.
d. Fences used as part of
screening between Park properties and existing residential districts
shall be compatible with a residential setting in design and
materials.
e. Security fences may be
permitted and/or required at the discretion of the TRC.
6. Mixed Use
Development/Waterfront Non-Industrial Use/Light Industrial
a. To the extent possible,
existing natural conditions such as mature trees and topographic
features shall be preserved.
b. It is encouraged to have
all unpaved areas planted with sustainable plant material.
Groundcover or other low-lying species are preferred over turf.
c. The front yard landscaped
with street trees, ornamental plants, and groundcover to within ten
feet (10’) of a public roadway is preferred.
d. Landscape elements shall
not restrict visibility of signs or sight distances for vehicular
access.
e. It is preferred that a
minimum of ten feet (10’) of side and rear yards be landscaped
with trees, shrubs and groundcover if the parcel does not adjoin an
open space area.
f. Screening of parking lots,
loading areas, surface mounted transformers, and waste receptacles
from the street and adjacent properties is required.
g. Chain link fences are not
permitted except for security.
7. General Industrial and
Waterfront Industrial
a. The front yard landscaped
with street trees, ornamental plants, and groundcover to within
thirty feet (30’) of a public roadway is preferred.
b. A minimum of ten feet (10’)
of side and rear yards shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs and
groundcover where the lot line is on a public street, if possible.
8. Buffers and Natural
Features
a. Buffers and natural
features are encouraged throughout the Park to enhance visual image
of the Park.
b. A vegetated buffer
consisting of evergreen shrubs, shade trees, ornamental plants and
groundcover shall be maintained along the northern perimeter of the
Park from Post Road to Marine Road. This buffer may include a
multi-use trail. The buffer shall provide a year-round dense opaque
screen not less than six feet (6’) in height.
c. To the maximum extent
practicable, development shall be located to preserve the natural
features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity and
to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural features. The
following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open
space, to the extent consistent with the reasonable utilization to
land and in accordance with applicable local, State, or Federal
Regulations: wetlands, water bodies and water courses, and scenic
views.
4.13 Signage
and Lighting
4.13.1 Signage Design
A. A "sign" means
any letter, number, word, address, symbol, drawing, picture, design,
device, article, object or any combination thereof that has the
primary purpose of identifying or indicating any property, lot,
parcel, premises, product, business or entity.
1. The size of a sign is
defined by the area of the shape, whether rectangular, circular, or
other, that encloses all the individual letters and/or symbols that
make up that sign. Any material or color forming part of the
background of the display or which is used to differentiate the
display from the backdrop shall be included in the total sign area
calculations.
2. Only one (1) side is
calculated in computing the area of a double faced sign, however, not
having a double faced sign shall not allow for the addition of square
footage to the maximum square footage that is allowed.
B. All outdoor signs shall
conform to applicable Federal and State statutes and Regulations.
C. Signs shall be restricted
to advertising only the person, firm, company or corporation
operating the use conducted on the site or the products produced or
sold on the site.
D. No sign shall by any reason
of location, shape, size, lighting or color, interfere with traffic,
or be confused with or obstruct the view or the effectiveness of any
official traffic sign, signal or marking.
E. Construction signs shall
not be erected prior to the commencement of the site work and shall
be removed within ten (10) days after the issuance of any occupancy
permit.
F. The following types of
signs will be permitted, subject to the approval of the TRC as per
Table 9 – Dimensional Regulations for Signs.
1. Horizontal wall signs,
otherwise known as belt, face, or building mounted tenant signs,
excluding signs painted on the wall itself. Individual graphics
applied to the façade of the wall sign
2. Plaque signs attached to
the face of a building in close proximity to the main entrance and
bearing the firm’s name or trademark
3. Parapet signs including
signs on the top of a canopy or marquee. No sign shall project above
the roofline of any structure
4. Monument, ground mounted
building identification
5. All necessary directional
signs on the lot occupied by the building to which such signs pertain
6. Signs which are part of the
building architecture
7. Internal directional
signage (which shall not be located within the setback area)
8. Window signs
9. Temporary Signs
a. The following are the
requirements for temporary signs within the Park, unless otherwise
regulated by this Part:
(1) Any new business is
permitted to display a temporary sign for up to thirty (30) days,
provided proper QDC approval has been obtained.
(2) Temporary signs shall be
attached to the structure where the business is located.
(3) Temporary signs shall be
no more than six (6) square feet in area.
(4) No temporary sign shall be
internally or externally illuminated.
(5) No temporary sign shall be
allowed within a QDC right-of-way or on any property owned or
operated by QDC unless prescribed by this Part.
(6) All temporary signs shall
be constructed with suitable materials to withstand the weather for
the time period during which they are displayed. Any temporary sign
that shows wear or tear shall be removed by owner.
(7) No temporary sign shall be
allowed that obstructs visibility, interferes with public access, or
is otherwise determined to be a safety hazard by the QDC.
(8) Signs placed or authorized
by a government agency, including, but not limited to, traffic signs
and signals, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, or signs
regulating the traffic of, or giving information to, motorists,
transit riders, cyclists, or pedestrians are permitted in any number,
configuration, or size in any district. Such signs may be illuminated
as required by the agency.
G. No billboards, flashing or
animated signs, or pole mounted signs will be allowed.
H. Signs provided within the
right of way, such as temporary signs or way-finding signs shall only
be installed and maintained by QDC.
1. Table 9 Dimensional
Regulations for Signs
DISTRICT
Type
of Sign
Mixed
Use Development (QMUDD)
(QAD),
(QGID), (QLID), (QWD)*, (QPRD) (QOSCD)
Wall
Sign/Plaque Sign
Signs
may be located on any building wall of a structure so long as the
maximum sign surface area does not exceed three (3) square feet
for each running foot of face, or ten percent (10%) of building
façade length.
Maximum
of two (2) tenants per sign and maximum forty five (45) square
feet per sign
Freestanding/Monument*
*No
part of a freestanding sign may project into, over, or otherwise
encroach on a public right-of-way.
No
more than eight feet (8’) tall by six feet (6’) wide,
maximum one (1) sign per building with graphics on both sides. For
multiple tenants, each plaque may not exceed eight (8) square
feet.
No
more than eight feet (8’) tall by six feet (6’) wide,
maximum one (1) sign per building with graphics on both sides. For
multiple tenants, each plaque may not exceed eight (8) square
feet.
Awning/Canopy**
**Canopy
signs shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet
six inches (7’6”). Printing on any canopy sign is
limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface area. An
awning/canopy is to be considered a wall sign. Any section of the
awning that incorporates writing or other graphics used to
identify a business will be calculated as sign area.
No
more than two (2) square feet of sign area for every one foot (1’)
of lineal building frontage.
No
more than two (2) square feet of sign area for every one foot (1’)
of lineal building frontage.
Window
Signs
All
window signs, whether temporary or permanent, are limited to no
more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface of each window
area. Window area is counted as a continuous surface until divided
by an architectural or structural element. Mullions are not
considered an element that divides window area.
Not
Permitted
Temporary***
***Signs
placed or authorized by a government agency, including, but not
limited to, traffic signs and signals, legal notices, railroad
crossing signs, or signs regulating the traffic of, or giving
information to, motorists, transit riders, cyclists, or
pedestrians, are permitted in any number, configuration, or size
in any district. Such signs may be illuminated as required by the
agency.
Maximum
six (6) square feet
Maximum
six (6) square feet
Billboard,
Flashing, Neon Sign, Pole Signs, Pylon
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
I. No sign shall exceed a
maximum area of more than three (3) square feet for each running foot
of the face of the building displaying such signs, and a maximum
projection of no more than twelve inches (12”) from the face of
the building.
4.13.2 Maintenance of Signs
All signs whether erected
prior to the effective date of this Regulation or not, shall be
maintained in a safe and neat condition to the satisfaction of the
QDC.
4.13.3 Sign Approvals
A. All new signs must be
reviewed and approved by the QDC.
1. Submittal requirements –
the following must be submitted concurrently to be considered a
complete submission for review of signs:
a. Copy of the site plan
showing the sign location;
b. Color copy of the proposed
sign(s); and
c. Picture of the existing
sign, if applicable.
2. Drawing requirements –
color renderings of the proposed sign which includes but is not
limited to the following detailed information:
a. Type of sign (wall,
monument, awning, etc.);
b. Size/dimensions;
c. Lettering;
d. Colors being used;
e. Materials;
f. Lighting (if applicable,
type, style and location of lighting, provide details of lighting
fixtures); and
g. A site plan showing the
proposed location of the sign and any proposed landscaping, if
applicable. The site plan must show underground utilities and
overhead utilities in the vicinity of any proposed ground mounted
sign.
4.13.4 Lighting Design
Guidelines
A. General Rules for all
Outdoor Lighting
1. All exterior lights and
sign illumination shall be designed, located, installed and directed
in such a manner as to prevent glare, light trespass or light
pollution.
2. Lighting for safety shall
be provided at intersections, along walkways, at entryways, between
buildings and in parking areas and passenger loading or shelter
areas.
3. Lighting shall be provided
in accordance with the IES Lighting Handbook and RP-20-14 and
RP-33-14, incorporated above in § 4.3(L)(2) of this Part.
4. All fixtures used must
conform to the provisions of all local, State and Federal Codes for
electrical, energy and building requirements.
5. All fixtures which are
non-directional and use a lamp or lamps rated at one thousand eight
hundred (1,800) lumens and above are required to be of the fully
shielded and/or full cutoff type.
6. All fixtures which are
non-directional and use a lamp or lamps rated at one thousand eight
hundred (1,800) lumens and above are not allowed to emit any light
above ninety degrees (90°) vertically measured from on a line
from the center of the luminous opening and the ground.
7. All fixtures used for area
illumination which are directional in type and mounted to poles,
buildings and or structures, that use a lamp or lamps rated at nine
hundred (900) lumens and above must be aimed at the ground at an
angle of no more than twenty-five degrees (25°) measured from the
vertical line between the center of the fixture lamp or aperture and
the ground.
8. Any lighting rated at a
total of more than one thousand eight hundred (1,800) lumens and all
flood or spot lighting rated at a total of more than nine hundred
(900) lumens, shall not emit any direct light above a horizontal
plane through the lowest direct light emitting part of the luminaire.
9. Any lighting rated at a
total of more than one thousand eight hundred (1,800) lumens and all
flood or spot lighting rated at a total of more than nine hundred
(900) lumens shall be mounted at a height equal to or less than the
value 3 + (D/3) where D is the distance in feet to the nearest
property boundary. The maximum height of the luminaire may not exceed
fifteen feet (15’).
B. Temporary Outdoor Lighting
1. Any temporary outdoor
lighting that conforms to the requirements of these Regulations shall
be allowed.
2. Nonconforming temporary
outdoor lighting may be permitted by the Managing Director by special
temporary permit. The applicant shall submit a detailed description
of the proposed temporary nonconforming lighting with a request. A
failure of the QDC to act on a request shall constitute a denial of
the request. In granting any permit the QDC shall consider:
a. The public and/or private
benefits which will result from the temporary lighting;
b. Any annoyance or safety
problems that may result from the use of the temporary lighting; and
c. The duration of the
temporary nonconforming lighting.
C. Waterfront Lighting –
Every attempt shall be made to discourage light spillover adjacent to
Narragansett Bay. Outdoor lighting in and around the Bay, shall not
be installed or maintained so as to create a hazard or nuisance to
other property owners and shall comply with the following standards.
Areas dedicated to shipyards, terminals or security areas shall be
exempt from these standards.
1. In areas solely designated
for pedestrian traffic, lights on docks shall be no more than three
feet (3’) above the dock, shall be downward directed and shall
be five hundred fifty (550) lumens or less;
2. Lights illuminating paths,
stairs, decks, etc. shall not be directed toward the waters and shall
be one thousand eight hundred (1,800) lumens or less;
3. All exterior lighting shall
be located, mounted and shielded so that direct illumination is not
focused toward the water surface more than twenty feet (20’)
from shore;
4. Maximum height of lighting
standards shall not exceed twenty-five feet (25’);
5. The height and shielding of
lighting standards shall provide proper lighting without hazard to
motorists or aircraft or nuisance to adjoining properties, and the
design of lighting standards shall be of a type appropriate to the
development and surrounding area. Light sources shall be shielded so
as to conform to standards for glare as defined within the Park
Performance Standards, outlined in § 4.9.1 of this Part;
6. Notwithstanding these
Regulations, lighting at the Port of Davisville shall conform to 33
C.F.R § 105.275, incorporated above in § 4.3(C) of this
Part.
D. Service Area Lighting –
Outdoor sales and service canopy lighting shall be aimed downward and
installed such that center of the fixtures luminous opening is flush
with or recessed into the canopy ceiling. All lighting from the
canopy must be substantially confined to the ground area directly
beneath the perimeter of the canopy.
E. Architectural and Landscape
Lighting
1. All fixtures must be aimed
and or shielded to illuminate only the intended target such that no
stray light from the luminaire passes above the horizontal plane.
2. Upward aimed façade
and building lighting shall not exceed nine hundred (900) lumens per
fixture or lamp and should be fully shielded and fully confined from
projecting into the sky by eaves roofs, overhangs or structures and
mounted as flush to the illuminated wall as possible.
3. All lighting not required
for safety and security shall be controlled by either a timer or
photoelectric switch to be turned off after 11 P.M. local time or a
time set at the request of the QDC.
F. Sign Lighting
1. Signs may be illuminated
externally by a downward-directed stationary light of white or
off-white color. Lighting used primarily for sign illumination may be
mounted at a height not to exceed fifteen feet (15’).
2. Except as otherwise
prohibited herein, signs may be illuminated by any fixed steady light
source, of such nature and in such manner that the brightness of the
sign face does not exceed one hundred (100) lumens per square foot.
Illumination shall be so arranged that its source is not directly
visible from any way, occupied building or abutting property and no
illumination shall be of any color that might be confusing to
traffic. This paragraph shall also apply to window signs.
3. Illuminated signs shall not
cause glare distracting to drivers, nor shall they be in such a
position or such color as will hamper the readability of traffic
lights or traffic signs.
G. Light Trespass
The maximum illumination at
five feet (5’) inside an adjacent property line, residential
parcel or right of way shall not exceed .1 horizontal foot or .1
vertical foot candles in residential zones and .3 horizontal foot
candles or .3 vertical foot candles in all other districts.
4.13.5 Enforcement
A. This regulation shall be
enforced by the QDC, who shall interpret, administer and enforce its
provisions. The QDC shall investigate suspected violations and issue
notices of violation requiring corrective action and shall have the
ability to assign penalties for noncompliance.
B. Lighting that is installed
without approval shall be removed at the direction of the QDC and at
the owner’s expense.
4.14 Renewable Energy Systems
A. Wind Energy Systems
1. The purpose of this Section
is to regulate Wind Energy Systems (WES) and to promote the safe,
effective and efficient use of WESs.
2. Application for a WES –
No WES shall be erected, constructed or installed without Development
Plan Review approval. In addition to application requirements listed
in the appropriate checklists, the application shall include:
a. Location of the proposed
WES and associated equipment
b. Location, dimensions and
types of existing structures on the property or adjacent properties
within one and one half (1 ½) times of the WES height
utilizing the most recent aerial photography
c. The location and height of
any overhead utility lines within one and one half (1 ½) times
of the proposed WES height
d. The proposed limits of
vegetation clearing
e. Building envelope setbacks
f. WES foundation plans and
specifications stamped by a Rhode Island Professional Engineer
g. Specifications, including
manufacturer and model, rotor diameter, tower height and tower type
h. A description or plan of
electrical plan components in sufficient detail to allow for a
determination that the manner of installation conforms to
510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code
i. Evidence of compliance with
or non-applicability of Federal Aviation Administration requirements
j. WES that will be connected
to the power grid shall include a copy of the application for
interconnection with the electrical utility provider, and if
available, a copy of the interconnection agreement.
k. Any Met Tower, Lidar, Sodar
or other applicable wind data that has been used in determining the
feasibility of the SWES
l. Operation and Maintenance
plan for maintenance of access roads and storm water controls, as
well as general procedures for operational maintenance of the WES
m. Evidence that the applicant
is procuring liability insurance in an amount and for the duration
sufficient to cover loss or damage to persons and structures
occasioned by the failure of the WES. The applicant shall provide
evidence of liability insurance prior to obtaining a building permit.
3. WES Approval Standards
a. FAA approval
b. The minimum setback of the
WES from the property line shall be the height of the nacelle
c. Advertising signage may not
be attached to a WES, but may be painted on. This restriction does
not apply to signs necessary for public safety purposes as required
by a duly authorized regulatory authority.
d. A non-reflective exterior
color designed to blend with the surrounding environment is required.
e. The applicant shall
demonstrate through project site planning and proposed mitigation
that the WES has minimal impacts on the character of surrounding
neighborhoods and the community. This may include, but not be limited
to, information regarding site selection, shadow flicker, turbine
design or appearance, ice throw, buffering, screening, sound, or
lighting. All electrical conduits shall be underground.
f. The owner of the property
where a WES is located shall be required to obtain a demolition
permit and remove and properly dispose of the structure within one
hundred eighty (180) days of its abandonment, which shall be defined
as the ceasing of the continuous production of electricity for longer
than two (2) years.
4. Emergency Services
a. The wind installation owner
or operator shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical
schematic, and site plan to the local Fire Chief. Upon request the
owner or operator shall cooperate with local emergency services in
developing an emergency response plan. All means of shutting down the
WES shall be clearly marked. The owner or operator shall identify a
responsible person for public inquiries throughout the life of the
installation.
B. Solar Facilities
1. The purpose of this section
is to promote the creation of rooftop and ground-mounted solar
photovoltaic installations by providing standards for the placement,
design, construction, operation, monitoring, modification and removal
of such installations that address public safety, minimize impacts on
scenic, natural and historic resources and to provide adequate
financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such
installations.
2. Applicability – This
section applies to new or modified solar photovoltaic installations
that materially alter the type, configuration or size of these
installations or related equipment. Development of these facilities
as part of parking areas is encouraged and any alterations to parking
lot design required to develop a ground-mounted solar array shall
ordinarily be considered minor variances pursuant to § 4.5.2(B)
of this Part.
3. Application for a Solar
Array – Pursuant to the site plan review process, the project
proponent shall provide the following documents:
a. Plans of the solar
photovoltaic installation signed by a Professional Engineer licensed
to practice in the State of Rhode Island showing the proposed layout
of the system and any potential shading from nearby structures;
b. Rooftop array application
requires certification by Rhode Island licensed Professional Engineer
that the roof is structurally sound and can support the weight and
wind loads of the roof mounted equipment;
c. One (1) or three (3) line
electrical diagram detailing the solar photovoltaic installation,
associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with
all National Electrical Code compliant disconnects and overcurrent
devices;
d. Documentation of the major
system components to be used, including the PV panels, mounting
system, and inverter;
e. FAA approval or statement
of non-applicability;
f. An operation and
maintenance plan;
g. Proof of liability
insurance.
4. Utility Notification –
No large-scale solar photovoltaic installation shall be constructed
until evidence has been given to the QDC that the utility company
that operates the electrical grid where the installation is to be
located has been informed of the solar photovoltaic installation
owner or operator’s intent to install an interconnected
customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this
requirement.
5. Dimensional Requirements
for setbacks
a. For large-scale
ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations, front, side and rear
setbacks shall be as listed in Table 4, § 4.10 of this Part.
b. For rooftop arrays, setback
from the roof edge shall comply with 510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code.
6. Appurtenant Structures –
All appurtenant structures to solar photovoltaic installations shall
be subject to reasonable Regulations concerning the bulk and height
of structures, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building
coverage requirements. All such appurtenant structures, including but
not limited to, equipment shelters, storage facilities, transformers,
and substations, shall be architecturally compatible with each other.
Whenever reasonable, structures should be shaded from view by
vegetation and/or joined or clustered to avoid adverse visual
impacts.
7. Design Standards
a. Lighting – Lighting
of solar photovoltaic installations shall be consistent with §
4.13.4 of this Part. Lighting of other parts of the installation,
such as appurtenant structures, shall be limited to that required for
safety and operational purposes, and shall be reasonably shielded
from abutting properties.
b. Signage – Signs on
solar photovoltaic installations shall comply with § 4.12.1 of
this Part. A sign consistent with § 4.12.1 of this Part shall be
required to identify the owner and provide a twenty-four (24) hour
emergency contact phone number. Solar photovoltaic installations
shall not be used for displaying any advertising except for
reasonable identification of the manufacturer or operator of the
solar photovoltaic installation.
c. Utility Connections –
Reasonable efforts, as determined by the QDC, shall be made to place
all utility connections from the solar photovoltaic installation
underground, depending on appropriate soil conditions, shape, and
topography of the site and any requirements of the utility provider.
Electrical transformers for utility interconnections may be above
ground if required by the utility provider.
8. Emergency Services
The solar photovoltaic
installation owner or operator shall provide a copy of the project
summary, electrical schematic, and site plan to the local Fire Chief.
Upon request the owner or operator shall cooperate with local
Emergency Services in developing an emergency response plan. All
means of shutting down the solar photovoltaic installation shall be
clearly marked. The owner or operator shall identify a responsible
person for public inquiries throughout the life of the installation.
9. Monitoring and Maintenance
The solar photovoltaic
installation owner or operator shall maintain the facility in good
condition. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, mowing,
painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security measures.
Site access shall be maintained to a level acceptable to the local
Fire Chief and Emergency Medical Services. The owner or operator
shall be responsible for the cost of maintaining the solar
photovoltaic installation and any access road(s). All material
modifications to a solar photovoltaic installation made after
issuance of the required building permit shall require approval by
the QDC.
10. Abandonment or
Decommissioning
a. Abandonment – Absent
notice of a proposed date of decommissioning or written notice of
extenuating circumstances, the solar photovoltaic installation shall
be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for more than one
(1) year without the written consent of the QDC.
b. Removal Requirements –
Any solar photovoltaic installation which has reached the end of its
useful life or has been abandoned shall be removed. The owner or
operator shall physically remove the installation no more than one
hundred eighty (180) days after the date of discontinued operations.
The owner or operator shall notify the QDC by certified mail of the
proposed date of discontinued operations and plans for removal.
Decommissioning shall consist of:
(1) Physical removal of all
solar photovoltaic installations, structures, equipment, security
barriers and transmission lines from the site.
(2) Disposal of all solid and
hazardous waste in accordance with local, State, and Federal waste
disposal Regulations.
(3) Ground mounted arrays:
stabilization or re-vegetation of the site as necessary to minimize
erosion. The QDC may allow the owner or operator to leave landscaping
or designated below-grade foundations in order to minimize erosion
and disruption to vegetation.
4.15 Construction
Phase Requirements
A. Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control Prevention – Erosion controls shall be consistent with
the R.I. Soil and Erosion Control Manual, incorporated above in §
4.3(F) of this Part and 250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules;. An erosion
Control Plan must be submitted to TRC for review.
B. Construction Access –
Construction access shall be coordinated with QDC. The construction
access road shall meet the requirements of the Rhode Island Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, incorporated above in §
4.3(F) of this Part.
C. Storage and Equipment
Fencing – All construction storage and equipment areas shall be
fenced and shall be located on the site so as to minimize their
impact on adjacent properties and public streets.
D. Maintenance of Construction
Sites
1. Temporary construction
trailers and other temporary structures shall be removed from the
site within thirty (30) days of the end of construction.
2. Construction debris shall
be removed periodically from the site.
3. All trash shall be
maintained in enclosed containers and removed from site on a weekly
basis.
4. Sanitary facility shall be
provided for all construction sites and maintained by the contractor
or property owner.
E. Utility Installations and
Inspections
1. The contractor is
responsible for coordinating with the QDC Water Department, the QDC
Sewer Department and the QDC Engineering Department, forty-eight (48)
hours in advance of any construction on the water, sewer, and/or
drain lines.
2. QDC staff shall inspect all
connections to the QDC infrastructure and shall be present for all
required testing.
3. The contractor shall not
install any utilities without written approval from QDC.
4. The contractor must submit
an as-built drawing, so-called, for all utilities to the design
engineer for the record drawing, per § 4.15(G) of this Part.
F. Periodic Inspections
1. All construction shall be
subject to periodic inspections by QDC to ensure compliance with the
approved Site Plans and the Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control Manual, incorporated above in § 4.3(F) of this Part.
2. If the construction site is
not in compliance with the approved plans, QDC has the right to order
a cease and desist on all work until the contractor remedies the
issues on the cease and desist order.
G. Record Drawing
1. The applicant’s
design engineer and/or surveyor of record of a completed project must
submit a record drawing to QDC. No exceptions will be granted. The
plan shall depict completed improvements, site features and the
location of all utilities (above and below ground). The record
drawing shall be certified and stamped by the appropriate design
professional. Improvements and site features shall include but are
not limited to property information, environmental resources,
buildings, roadways, sidewalks, curbing/berm, stormwater management
systems, clearing/tree-line, planting features, permanent structures,
signage, roadway/parking markings, and utilities. In addition, the
record drawing shall be developed per the QDC record drawing
checklist found in the Development Regulation’s Guidance
Document.
2. Applicant must provide
certifications from registered design engineers and registered land
surveyors that construction was completed according to QDC approved
plans, conditions and remarks.
3. A record drawing deposit is
required to be paid by the applicant to QDC at the time of the
project approval. The deposit will be returned to the applicant upon
receipt and approval of the record drawing, provided that it is
submitted within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the Certificate
of Occupancy by the Rhode Island Building Code Commission. If the
record drawing is not submitted within the required thirty (30) days,
the deposit will be reduced by one sixtieth (1/60 th ) of
the total amount for each day after the thirty (30) days to a maximum
duration of sixty (60) days. After sixty (60) days the deposit is no
longer returnable and QDC will proceed to have the plan produced
accordingly. The deposit shall be calculated as follows:
a. Five thousand dollars
($5,000.00) for structures less than fifty thousand (50,000) square
feet of gross floor area
b. Seven thousand five hundred
dollars ($7,500.00) for structures between fifty thousand (50,000)
and one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of the gross floor
area
c. Ten thousand dollars
($10,000.00) for structures greater than one hundred thousand
(100,000) square feet of gross floor area
H. Maintenance –
Owner/Occupants Responsibilities – The original construction
and appearance of the site and all buildings and improvements on the
premises shall be maintained in good repair and in safe, clean and
sanitary condition and shall conform to all federal, state, and
municipal statutes, ordinances and Regulations.
I. Repairs after Damage
1. Any damaged structure,
accessways or parking lot surface shall be restored or replaced to
its original condition as promptly as the extent of the damage will
permit.
2. Protection against Vandals
– Buildings and property shall be properly secured in order to
prevent entrance by vandals.
3. Maintenance of Grounds –
All grounds shall be maintained in a safe, clean and orderly manner.
Accessways, paved areas, lighting and signage shall be maintained in
good repair. Drainage systems shall be maintained clean and free of
obstacles.
4. Maintenance of Plant
Materials – Trees and other landscaping shall be properly
planted and staked in accordance with the approved landscape plan.
The developer shall make provisions for regular watering and
maintenance until they are established as defined by the landscape
plan.
5. All plantings shall be
maintained in a healthy condition with proper maintenance carried out
on a regular basis.
6. Replacement of Plants –
Dead or dying plants shall be removed in thirty (30) days and
replaced as quickly as possible subject to seasonal limitations.
4.16 Sewer
Treatment System User Regulations
4.16.1 Purpose
The purpose of these
Regulations is to set forth the rules governing the use of the QDC’s
sewers and drains, the installation and connection of building
sewers, the discharge of waters and wastes into the sewers and the
penalties for violations.
4.16.2 Building Sewers and
Connections
A. No person shall uncover,
make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any
QDC sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written
permit from the Director. All such connections shall be subject to
such terms and conditions as the Director shall prescribe.
B. There shall be two (2)
classes of building sewer connections; residential and
commercial/industrial. For the commercial/industrial class all
prospective users must be evaluated by the QDC Industrial
Pretreatment Program (IPP). The IPP will inform the potential user of
additional applicable requirements as defined in § 4.16.9 of
this Part.
C. All costs and expenses
incidental to the installation and connection of the building sewer
shall be borne by the user who shall indemnify the QDC from any loss
or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the
installation of the building sewer.
D. A separate and independent
building sewer shall be provided for every building that is not
already connected to the QDC’s sewer system on the date this
Regulation is put into effect. Where one (1) building stands at the
rear of another on an interior lot, the building sewer from the front
building may be extended to the rear building and the whole
considered as one building sewer; however, the QDC does not and will
not assume any obligation or responsibility for damage caused by or
resulting from any such single connection.
E. Old building sewers may be
used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on
examination and testing by the Director, to meet all requirements of
this Regulation.
F. The size, slope, alignment,
materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be
used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing, and
backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of
510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code and 510-RICR-00-00-3 ,
RISBC-3 Rhode Island Plumbing Code and to other applicable rules of
the QDC. In the absence of Code provisions or in amplification
thereof, the materials and procedures set forth in appropriate
specifications shall comply with WPCF Manual of Practice No. 9,
incorporated above in § 4.3(J) of this Part.
G. Whenever possible, the
building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below
the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is
too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage
carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means
and discharged to the building sewer.
H. No person shall make
connection of roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway
drains or other sources of surface runoff or ground water to a
building sewer or building drain that in turn is connected directly
or indirectly to a QDC sanitary sewer.
I. The connections of the
building sewer into the QDC sewer shall conform to the requirements
of 510-RICR-00-00-1 ,
RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code and 510-RICR-00-00-3 ,
RISBC-3 Rhode Island Plumbing Code or other applicable rules of the
QDC, and the procedures set forth in WPCF Manual of Practice No. 9,
incorporated above in § 4.3(J) of this Part. All such
connections shall be made gastight and watertight. Any deviation from
the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the
Director before installation.
J. The applicant for the
building sewer permit shall notify the Director when the building
sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the QDC sewer. The
connection shall be made under the supervision of the Director or
his/her representative.
K. All excavations for
building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with
barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard.
Streets, sidewalks, pavements and other QDC property disturbed in the
course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the
QDC.
L. Privately owned and
operated pump stations and collection systems connected to or
desiring to connect to the QDC Wastewater System shall adhere to the
following:
1. Owners of Privately Owned
Wastewater Treatment Facilities shall maintain the system in good
working order and operate the facility as efficiently as possible.
Proper operation and maintenance shall include, but shall not be
limited to, effective performance-based on-facility design, adequate
operator staffing and training, adequate laboratory process and
controls, including quality assurance procedures as determined to be
appropriate by QDC, and backup or auxiliary facilities or similar
systems to assure compliance or effective performance. Proper
operation and maintenance must include emergency procedures and
reporting requirements in case of power outages, natural disaster,
labor shortage (whether the result of intentional work stoppages or
epidemics), equipment failure, acts of terrorism/vandalism,
accidental discharges or sanitary sewer overflow. Reporting
requirements shall include verbal notification to the Director and
RIDEM as soon as possible, but not exceeding twenty-four (24) hours
of discovery of the event. A written report must be submitted to the
Director and RIDEM within five (5) business days of the event’s
ending.
2. The owner shall submit, for
review and approval, an Operations and Maintenance Plan describing
standards and procedures by which the Privately Owned Wastewater
Treatment Facilities, pump station(s) and/or collection system(s)
will be staffed, operated and maintained during normal and emergency
conditions. Should development of the Plan include the practice of
engineering, the Plan must be prepared and certified by a Rhode
Island Registered Professional Engineer. The Operations and
Maintenance Plan must be approved prior to the commencement of the
construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Facility.
3. The owner is required to
conduct (at a minimum) monthly inspections of any pump station(s)
within their facility. The inspection reports shall be forwarded to
the QDC within fifteen (15) business days after the inspection. At a
minimum, the inspection report shall provide the name of the
individual or firm performing the inspection, hours of operation for
each pump, generator run time, summary of alarms, any maintenance
undertaken during that month, condition of the station, and
recommendations.
4. The Operations and
Maintenance Plan shall include, but not be limited, to the following
elements:
a. Describe the detailed
operating procedures for the pump station(s) and collection system;
b. Provide a Preventative
Maintenance Plan for the pump station(s);
c. Provide staffing
requirements;
d. Provide a list of material
suppliers and essential spare parts necessary to be kept on the site
for normal and emergency conditions;
e. Provide operating
procedures for the emergency generator and automatic transfer switch;
f. Provide a Spill Prevention
Plan;
g. Provide a description of
the auxiliary system, such as water, heating, ventilation, sump pump
and dehumidifying;
h. Provide a description of
the alarm system and response procedures;
i. Provide names, addresses,
and telephone numbers of all emergency contacts, facility owners and
facility operators;
j. Provide a list of
subcontractors that are on call for emergency equipment rental (e.g.,
septage hauler, portable pump, generator, etc.);
k. Provide emergency
procedures and reporting requirements in case of power outages,
natural disasters, equipment failure, acts of terrorism/vandalism or
sanitary sewer overflow;
l. Provide a description of
the means of record keeping (the records must be accessible for a
three (3) year period);
m. Provide as-built plans for
the pump station(s) and/or collection system;
n. Provide a map of the
collection system, including but not limited to, the overall service
area, diameter of pipes, distance between manholes, slopes and
direction of flow;
o. Provide all required
procedures, easements or other administrative items necessary to
allow the QDC access to the site for unannounced periodic inspections
pursuant to § 4.16.5 of this Part; and
p. Provide a sample template
of a monthly report.
5. Owners of an Existing
Privately Owned Wastewater Treatment Facility without an approved
Plan must submit for approval of a Plan as appropriate and as
described herein to comply with the requirements of this Sewer System
Regulation within one (1) year of its passage.
6. There shall be an
Operations and Maintenance Plan Review Fee that shall be set from
time to time by the Director.
7. There will be an Annual Fee
set from time to time by the Director.
4.16.3 Discharge
Requirements, Limitations, and Prohibitions
A. The QDC may limit, reject
or prohibit any direct or indirect discharge of pollutants or
combination of pollutants, as defined in § 4.4 of this Part or
as described below, into the QDC Sewers.
B. Specifically prohibited
substances, waters or wastewaters are:
1. Groundwater, stormwater,
and surface waters, roof runoff, tidewater, subsurface drainage.
Storm water and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to
storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the Director and
other regulatory agencies.
2. Gasoline, benzene, naphtha,
fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquids, solids or gases;
3. Any trucked or hauled
pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the QDC and in
accordance with § 4.16.9(L) of this Part;
4. Slugs;
5. Sludges or deposited solids
resulting from an industrial or pretreatment process;
6. Industrial cooling water or
unpolluted process waters may be discharged, on approval of the
Director and other regulatory agencies, to a storm sewer or natural
outlet.
C. No person shall discharge
or cause or allow to be discharged directly or indirectly into the
QDC Sewers, any other substances, water or wastewater that either
singly or by interaction with other substances will or is likely to:
1. Interfere with the
operation of the QDC Sewers by:
a. Harming either the sewerage
system or wastewater treatment process;
b. Being otherwise
incompatible with the treatment process; or
c. Contaminating the sludge or
contributing to sludge disposal problems.
2. Violate applicable Federal
and State law and the terms of the QDC Sewers’ Federal and
State permits, including but not limited to RIPDES and National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
3. Endanger the environment by
adversely affecting receiving waters or otherwise.
4. Endanger the health or
welfare of persons.
D. No person shall discharge
or cause or allow to be discharged either directly or indirectly into
the QDC Sewers, any substance, water or wastewater that has:
1. A temperature higher than
one hundred four degrees Fahrenheit (104° F) (forty degrees
Celsius (40° C)).
2. Any toxic or non-toxic
gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with
other wastes, to injure or interfere with any waste treatment
process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a public
nuisance, create a toxic effect in the receiving waters of the QDC
Sewers or exceed the limiting standards issued from time to time
under Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1317(a).
3. Any water or waste which by
itself or by interaction with other materials, emits chemical
contaminants into the atmosphere of any confined area of the sewer
system at levels in excess of short-term exposure limit Threshold
Limit Value established for air-borne contaminants the Occupational
Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 15.
4. Any liquids, solids or
gases which by reason of their nature or quantity are, or may be
sufficient, either alone or by interaction with other substances, to
cause fire or explosion or be injurious in any other way to the QDC
Sewers. At no time shall two (2) successive readings on any explosion
hazard meter at the point of discharge into the QDC Sewers (or at any
point in the QDC Sewers) be more than five percent (5%) nor any
single reading be over ten percent (10%) of the Lower Explosive Limit
of the meter.
5. Pollutants that will cause
corrosive structural damage to the Wastewater Treatment Facility
(WWTF), but in no case discharges with pH lower than five (5.0),
unless the works is specifically designed to accommodate such
discharges.
6. Petroleum oil,
non-biodegradable cutting oils, or products of mineral oil in amounts
that will cause interference or pass through.
7. Fats, wax, grease or oils
of vegetable or animal origin as measured by Freon extraction in
excess of one hundred (100) mg/1 or containing other substances which
may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between thirty-two
degrees Fahrenheit (32° F) or zero degrees Celsius (0° C),
and one hundred four degrees Fahrenheit (104° F) or forty degrees
Celsius (40° C). Waters or wastes containing such substances,
excluding normal household waste, shall exclude all visible floating
oils, fats and greases. The use of chemical or physical means (such
as temperature variation, emulsifying agents, and mechanical mixers)
to bypass or release fats, oils and greases into the QDC Sewers is
prohibited.
8. Any garbage that has not
been properly shredded. Garbage grinders may be connected to the QDC
Sewers from homes, hotels, institutions, restaurants, hospitals,
catering establishments or similar places where garbage originates
from the preparation of food in kitchens for the purpose of
consumption on the premises or when served by caterers. The
installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a
motor of three fourths (3/4) horsepower (0.76 hp metric) or greater
shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director.
9. Solid or viscous pollutants
in amounts which will cause obstruction to the flow in the WWTF
resulting in interference.
10. Unusual concentrations of
dissolved solids such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and
sodium sulfate, and waste waters having excessive suspended solids
concentrations.
11. Color or turbidity in such
an amount that it will prevent the QDC from discharging a treated
effluent in compliance with any state or federal rules, Regulations
or permit requirements.
12. Chemical Oxygen Demand
concentrations in such quantities as to constitute a significant load
on the QDC Sewers or to cause the effluent from the QDC Sewers to
violate any State or Federal Rules, Regulations or permit
requirements, including but not limited to NPDES and RIPDES permits.
13. Any radioactive wastes or
isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits
established by State or Federal laws or Regulations.
14. Any process wastewater, as
defined by the Director, containing concentrations of the substances
listed below in excess of the assigned discharge limits:
Miligrams
per Liter
Cadmium
(Total)
0.26
Chromium
(Total)
1.71
Copper
(Total)
2.07
Cyanide
(Total)
0.20
Lead
(Total)
0.27
Mercury
(Total)
0.003
Nickel
(Total)
2.38
Silver
(Total)
0.24
Zinc
(Total)
0.76
TTO
1.50
Oil
and Grease
100
5-day
BOD
300
Total
Suspended Solids
300
pH
<5.0
or >12.0 standard units
15. The term “TTO”
means total toxic organics, which is the summation of all
quantifiable values greater than one one hundredth (0.01) milligrams
per liter of the toxic organics listed at Environmental Protection
Agency, 40 C.F.R. § 433.11.
16. Concentrations of
substances in excess of limits established in §
250-RICR-150-10-2.8 .
17. Pollutants which may
create a fire or explosion hazard including, but not limited to,
waste streams with a closed cup flashpoint of less than one hundred
forty degrees Fahrenheit (140° F) or sixty degrees Celsius (60°
C) using the test methods specified in 40 C.F.R. § 403.5(b)(1),
incorporated above in § 4.3(A) of this Part.
18. Pollutants that result in
the presence of toxic gases, vapors or fumes in a quantity that may
cause acute worker health and safety problems.
E. No user shall, by
increasing the use of process water or in any other way, attempt to
dilute a discharge as a partial or complete substitute for adequate
treatment to achieve compliance with the limitations contained in §
250-RICR-150-10-2.8 ,
or in any other pollutant specific limitation developed by the QDC.
The QDC shall, in its sole discretion, use EPA formulas or any other
reasonable method for determining discharge levels where dilution is
reasonably suspected.
F. If any wastewater is
discharged or is proposed to be discharged to the QDC Sewers in
violation of the prohibitions described in this section, the Director
may in his sole discretion:
1. Reject the wastes;
2. Require a discharger to
demonstrate and implement those in-plant modifications that will
reduce or eliminate the discharge of such substances to conform to
these rules;
3. Require pretreatment,
including storage facilities or flow equalization necessary to reduce
or eliminate the objectionable characteristics or substances, so that
the discharge will not violate these Rules;
4. Require controls to be
installed that will regulate the quantities and rates of discharge;
5. Require payment to the QDC
to cover its added cost of handling, monitoring, and treating the
wastes;
6. Revoke a discharger’s
permit; and
7. Take any other
administrative sanctions, enforcement actions, and remedial actions
as may be desirable, necessary, or permitted to achieve the purpose
of these Rules. When considering the above alternatives, the Director
shall give consideration to the economic impact of each alternative
on the discharger. If the Director permits the pretreatment or
equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the
plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of
the Director, and shall be subject to the requirements of all
applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.
G. Grease, oil, and sand
interceptors shall be provided by the person generating such wastes
when, in the opinion of the Director, they are necessary for the
proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive
amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, or other harmful ingredients;
except that such interceptors shall not be required for private
living quarters or dwelling units. All interceptors shall be of a
type and capacity approved by the Director and shall be located as to
be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. In the
maintaining of these interceptors, the person generating the wastes
shall be responsible for the proper removal and disposal by
appropriate means of the captured material and shall maintain records
of the dates and means of disposal that are subject to review by the
Director. Any removal and hauling of the collected materials not
performed by generator’s personnel must be performed by
currently licensed waste disposal firms.
H. Where pretreatment or
flow-equalizing facilities are provided for any waters or wastes,
they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective
operation by the provider at his expense.
I. When required by the
Director, the licensee or other permitted user of any property
serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial waste shall install
a suitable control manhole together with such necessary meters and
other appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation,
sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required,
shall be accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed in
accordance with plans approved by the Director. The manhole shall be
installed by the licensee or other permitted user, at his expense,
and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all
times.
J. Whenever required by the
Director by Regulation, order, or permit, any industry discharging
into the sanitary sewer shall monitor its discharge, perform
analysis, keep records and report to the Director information needed
to determine compliance with this Regulation. This information may
include:
1. Wastewater discharge rate
(both peak and average);
2. Chemical analysis of
wastewaters;
3. Information on raw
materials, processes, and products affecting wastewater volume and
quality;
4. Quantity and disposition of
specific liquid, sludge, oil, solvent, or other materials important
to sewer use control;
5. Plot plan of the property
served showing sewer and pretreatment facility location;
6. Details of wastewater
pretreatment facilities;
7. Details of systems to
prevent and control losses of materials through spills to the QDC
sewer.
K. All measurements, tests and
analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which
reference is made in this Regulation shall be determined in
accordance with the approved methods and procedures in 40 C.F.R.
Parts 403 and 136, incorporated above in §§ 4.3(A) and (D)
of this Part, and shall be determined at the control manhole
provided, or at any other suitable sampling site. Sampling shall be
carried out by accepted methods to reflect the effect of constituents
upon the sewage works and to determine the existence of hazards to
life, limb, and property. The particular analyses involved will
determine the duration and type of sampling which shall be conducted.
L. The Director shall be given
forty-five (45) days’ prior notification of:
1. Any proposed substantial
change in volume or character of pollutants over that being
discharged into the sanitary sewers at the time of this Regulation’s
adoption; and
2. Any proposed new discharge
into the sanitary sewers from any source which would be a new source
as defined by 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq . (1972).
M. No statement contained in
this section shall be construed as preventing any special agreement
or arrangement between the QDC and any industrial user whereby an
industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by
the QDC for treatment, subject to payment therefore by the industrial
concern, provided that such agreements do not contravene 40 C.F.R.
Part 403, 250-RICR-150-10-2 ,
and §§ 4.16.3(C) and (D) of this Part.
4.16.4 Protection from
Damage
No unauthorized person shall
maliciously, willfully, or negligently break, damage, destroy,
uncover, deface, or tamper with any structure, appurtenance, or
equipment that is a part of the sewage works. Any person violating
this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest by regular law
enforcement agencies under civil and/or criminal charges, as
applicable.
4.16.5 Powers and Authority
of Inspectors
A. The Director and other duly
authorized employees of the QDC bearing proper credentials and
identification shall be permitted:
1. To enter without delay all
properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement,
sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this
Regulation;
2. During regular working
hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and
in a reasonable manner, to have access to and to copy any records,
inspect any monitoring equipment and sample any effluents which the
owner or operator of such discharge source is required to sample
under these Rules or State or Federal law;
3. To set up on the user’s
property such devices as are necessary to conduct sampling
inspection, compliance monitoring and/or metering operations. The
owner or his representatives shall have no authority to inquire into
any processes including metallurgical, chemical, oil, refining,
ceramic, paper or other industries beyond that point having a direct
bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the sewers or
waterways or facilities for waste treatment.
B. The Director and other duly
authorized employees of the QDC bearing proper credentials and
identification shall be permitted to enter all properties served by
the sewage system for the purpose of, but not limited to, inspection,
observation, measurement, sampling, repair and maintenance of any
portion of the sewerage works lying within said property.
4.16.6 General Sewer Use
Charges
A. In general, sewer use
charges shall reflect the average cost of treating all sanitary
wastes. This shall be done by apportioning the total of all normal
sewer works costs among the various categories of users in accordance
with flows generated or capacity demanded. For users generating
industrial waste with characteristics that vary significantly from
the composition of all other wastes introduced into the sewage works,
the Director may require that the basic apportionment be supplemented
to reflect the additional expense imposed on the QDC by such
abnormalities.
B. Each user of the QDC’s
sewer works shall be charged a monthly fee determined by multiplying
the flow contributed or capacity demanded by flow rates (dollars per
one thousand (1,000) gallons) determined by the Director. The flow
rate will be established annually and will be the same for all
categories of users.
C. In addition, users
generating industrial waste having abnormal treatment requirements
may be charged additional amounts at rates established by the
Director.
4.16.7 Industrial Discharge
Permit System
A. All industrial users
connected to or discharging to the QDC Sewers must evaluated by the
QDC IPP. All industrial users proposing to connect to or discharge
into the QDC Sewers must also be evaluated by the QDC IPP before
connecting to or discharging to the QDC Sewers.
B. Industrial users seeking a
wastewater discharge permit must have completed and filed the
Industrial Questionnaire, found in the QDC Development Regulation’s
Guidance Document, with the QDC and paid any applicable fee, by the
date specified by the Director. Following an assessment of the
Industrial Questionnaire by the QDC, a determination will be made as
to user classification. If it is determined the user is or may have a
potential to be a Significant Industrial User (SIU) or Categorical
Industrial User (CIU), a Wastewater Discharge Permit Application
shall be completed by the prospective user. A Wastewater Treatment
Facility Permit approval must be obtained through QDC’s
Wastewater Treatment Permit application process prior to any
discharge. In support of this application, the user shall submit the
following information:
1. Name, business address,
location of the facility (if different from business address) and
North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) number of the
applicant;
2. Total water consumption
from all sources and supporting documentation when appropriate;
3. Type, frequency and volume
of discharges;
4. Average and peak wastewater
flow rates, including daily, monthly and seasonal variations, if any;
5. Site plans, floor plans,
mechanical and plumbing plans, pretreatment plans and details to show
all building connections and appurtenances by size, location, and
elevation;
6. Description of activities,
pretreatment facilities and plant processes on the premises,
including all materials and types of material that are or could be
discharged;
7. Type of product produced;
8. Number of employees, number
of shifts and hours of work;
9. The name and concentration
of any pollutants in the discharge, for a minimum of four (4)
consecutive operating days, which are regulated by the QDC, the State
or the Federal government, and a written statement as to whether or
not applicable pretreatment standards are being met, and if not,
whether additional in-plant modification and additional pretreatment
is required for the user to meet such applicable pretreatment
standards;
10. If additional pretreatment
or in-plant modification will be required to meet the pretreatment
standards, the user must provide a schedule by which to achieve the
standards in the shortest possible time. This schedule shall be
reported as the Pretreatment Compliance Schedule. The following
conditions shall apply to this schedule:
a. The schedule shall contain
increments of progress in the form of dates for the commencement and
completion of major events leading to the construction and operation
of additional pretreatment required for the user to meet the
applicable pretreatment standards (e.g., hiring an engineer,
completing preliminary plans, executing contracts for major
components, commencing construction, completing construction).
b. Not later than fourteen
(14) days following each completion date in the schedule, the user
shall submit a progress report to the QDC including, at a minimum,
whether or not he complied with the increments of progress.
c. If such increment of
progress was not completed on time, the user shall also report the
date on which he expects to complete the increment of progress, the
reason for the delay, and the steps being taken by the user to return
to the schedule established. In no event shall completion dates for
increments of progress be more than nine (9) months apart;
11. Any other pertinent
information as may be needed to evaluate the permit application. The
Director shall evaluate the data furnished by the industrial user and
may require additional information. Based on the application, the
Director may issue a wastewater discharge permit subject to the terms
and conditions enumerated in the permit. The Director may deny a
request for a permit when the information supplied indicates the
industrial user will be unable to reasonably meet QDC standards. Any
person denied a permit may request a hearing in accordance with the
provisions in § 4.16.9 of this Part.
C. Wastewater discharge
permits shall be expressly subject to specific permit provisions
contained therein as well as to provisions of these Rules and all
other Regulations, user charges and fees established by the QDC.
Permit conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The average and maximum
wastewater constituents and characteristics permitted in the process
water discharges;
2. Limits on rate and time of
discharge or requirements for flow regulation and equalization;
3. Requirements for
installation of inspection and sampling facilities and specifications
for self-monitoring;
4. Requirements for the
submission of periodic self-monitoring compliance reports, including
all notices and self-monitoring reports required by EPA, which shall
include, but not be limited to, volume or rates of flow,
concentrations of controlled pollutants or other information which
relates to the generation of waste;
5. Requirements for
maintaining and submitting technical reports and plant records
relating to wastewater discharges;
6. Daily average and daily
maximum discharge rates, or other appropriate conditions when
pollutants subject to limitations and prohibitions are proposed or
present in the user’s wastewater discharge;
7. Compliance schedules;
8. Requirements for
installation of pretreatment systems and spill prevention control
plans;
9. Provisions for authorized
QDC employees and agents to enter and inspect the premises, including
provisions for copying records, inspecting monitoring equipment and
sampling effluent;
10. Compliance with Federal,
State and other governmental laws, Rules;
11. Fees and costs including
supplemental fees assessed because of the special nature of the
user’s effluent in accordance with the provisions of §
4.16.6(C) of this Part, and additional costs and fees including
reasonable attorneys’ fees based on the costs of enforcing
these Regulations or the permit.
D. Users shall provide
treatment of wastewater as required to comply with § 4.16 of
this Part. Any equipment required to pretreat wastewater to a level
acceptable to the QDC shall be provided, operated and maintained at
the user’s expense. Detailed plans showing the pretreatment
equipment and operating procedures shall be submitted to the QDC for
review and shall be acceptable to the QDC before construction of the
facilities. Any review and inspection conducted by the QDC is for the
sole purpose of determining compliance with the technical provisions
of these Rules. The QDC does not assume responsibility for means,
methods or techniques used, or for the safety of construction works,
the site, or for compliance by users with applicable laws and
Regulations other than this section. Review by the QDC does not
constitute any form of guarantee or insurance with respect to the
performance of the equipment and processes. The review of such plans
and operating procedures will in no way relieve the user from the
responsibility of modifying the equipment as necessary to produce an
effluent acceptable to the QDC under the provisions of this section.
Any subsequent significant changes in the pretreatment equipment or
method of operation shall be reported to and be acceptable to the QDC
prior to the user’s initiation of the changes.
E. Each user shall provide
protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials or other
substances regulated by these Rules. Equipment to prevent accidental
discharge or prohibited materials into the facilities shall be
provided and maintained at the owner’s or user’s own cost
and expense. A Slug Plan showing equipment and operating procedures
to provide this protection shall be submitted to the QDC for review,
and shall be approved by the QDC before construction. It is
understood that any review and inspection conducted by the QDC is for
the sole purpose of determining compliance with the technical
provisions of these Rules. The QDC does not assume responsibility for
means, methods or techniques used, or for the safety of construction
works, the site, or for compliance by users with applicable laws and
Regulations other than this section. Review by the QDC does not
constitute any form of guarantee or insurance with respect to the
performance of the equipment and processes. All existing users shall
also complete such a plan as required by a compliance schedule or
permit. No new user proposing to discharge into the QDC Sewers shall
be permitted to introduce pollutants into the QDC Sewers until the
Slug Plan has been approved by the QDC. Review and approval of such
plans and operating procedures shall not relieve the industrial user
from the responsibility of modifying the user’s equipment as
necessary to meet the requirements of these Rules. In the case of an
accidental discharge, it is the responsibility of the user to notify
the QDC of the incident as soon as possible. The notification shall
include location of discharge, type of waste, concentration and
volume, and corrective actions.
F. Within five (5) days
following an accidental discharge into the facilities, the user shall
submit a detailed written report describing the nature and cause of
the discharge and the measures to be taken by the user to prevent
similar future occurrences. Such notification shall not relieve the
user of any expense, loss, damage or other liability that may be
incurred by the QDC as a result of damage to the wastewater
facilities, nor shall notification relieve the user of liability for
any other damage to persons or property arising out of such
accidental discharge. Notification will not exempt the user from any
fines, civil or criminal penalties or any other liability that may be
imposed by these Rules or other applicable law.
G. No permit holder shall
discharge industrial wastewater in excess of the quantity, rate of
discharge, concentrations or any other limits specified in the
permit. Any person desiring to modify a discharge in a manner that
would violate conditions of the existing permit must first apply for
an amended permit.
H. Permits shall be issued for
a specified time period, generally for one (1) year but not to exceed
five (5) years. A permit may be issued for a period of less than one
(1) year, or may be stated to expire on a specific date. If the user
is not notified by the QDC thirty (30) days prior to the expiration
of the permit, the permit shall automatically be extended for one (1)
three (3) month period.
I. An industrial user may
apply for modification of a discharge permit by filing a new
application form showing substantial, significant and material
changes that have been proposed since filing the original
application. No application for modification will be considered
unless it demonstrates such changes. Within nine (9) months of the
promulgation of a national Categorical Pretreatment Standard, the
wastewater discharge permit of users subject to such standards shall
be revised to require compliance with such standard within the time
frame prescribed by such standard. Where a user subject to a national
Categorical Pretreatment Standard has not previously submitted a
wastewater discharge permit application, the user shall apply for a
wastewater discharge permit within one hundred eighty (180) days
after the promulgation of the applicable national Categorical
Pretreatment Standard. In addition, a user with an existing
wastewater discharge permit shall fully comply with the requirements
set forth in 40 C.F.R. § 403.6, incorporated above in §
4.3(A) of this Part. After review of the application and inspection
of the facility, the Director may in his sole discretion modify the
original permit. If such application is rejected, the existing permit
shall remain in full force and effect. The terms and conditions of
the permit may be subject to modification and changed by the Director
during the life of the permit. The Director may in his sole
discretion place further restrictions, limitations and conditions in
a permit. The user shall be informed of any proposed changes in the
permit at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of
change. Any changes or new conditions in the permit shall include a
reasonable time schedule for compliance. A user may request a hearing
on modifications to his/her permit in accordance with the provisions
of § 4.16.7 of this Part.
J. Wastewater discharge
permits are issued to a specific user for a specific operation. No
wastewater discharge permit may be reassigned, transferred or sold to
a new owner, new user, different premises, or a new or changed
operation.
K. Any industrial user who
violates the conditions of a permit, these Rules, or applicable State
and Federal Regulations is subject to having the permit revoked.
Revocation of an industrial user’s discharge permit shall be in
accordance with the notice and hearing provisions of § 4.16.9 of
this Part. However, notwithstanding any other provisions of this
section, the Director may in his sole discretion immediately revoke
any discharge permit where the discharge reasonably appears to
present an imminent endangerment to the health or welfare of persons.
Violations subjecting an industrial user to revocation of a permit
include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Failure of an industrial
user to accurately report the wastewater constituents and
characteristics of his/her discharge;
2. Failure of an industrial
user to report significant changes in operations, or wastewater
constituents;
3. Refusing the QDC
statutorily authorized access to the industrial user’s premises
for the purposes of inspection or monitoring; or
L. Before any further
discharge of industrial wastewater may be made by a user whose permit
has been revoked, the user must apply for, and be granted, a
reinstatement of the terminated permit or a new permit, as the
Director may require, as well as paying costs occasioned by the
violation. Any such fines, fees, charges and costs shall be paid for
by the user before any new permit will be issued. When all costs
cannot be readily determined, the QDC may require and accept a bond
or irrevocable letter of credit which it considers sufficient and
which will be subject to appropriate adjustment after all costs have
been determined. Costs shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Inspection, monitoring,
sampling and related expenses;
2. Restitution to other
affected parties;
3. Reasonable attorneys’
fees incurred by the QDC in enforcing the permit;
4. Disconnecting and
reconnecting the user to the facility; and
5. Other actual damages
incurred due to the violation.
4.16.8 Validity
The invalidity of any
section, clause, sentence, or provision of these Rules shall not
affect the validity of the remainder that can be given effect without
such invalid part or parts.
4.16.9 Enforcement and
Penalties
A. Any person violating these
rules may be sent a “Notice of Deficiency” by the
Director. The Notice shall list the violations noted, the Rules
violated, and shall require that the violations be corrected within a
reasonable time. Failure to correct such violations within the time
allowed will result in the issuance of a “Notice of Violation”
by the Director.
B. Any person violating the
provisions of these rules may be served by the Director with a
written “Notice of Violation” stating the nature of such
violation. The violator shall immediately and permanently cease all
violations. Nothing herein shall require issuance of a Notice of
Deficiency prior to issuance of a Notice of Violation. No prior
notices shall be required for the Director to initiate civil
proceedings in Superior Court.
C. Notwithstanding any
provisions for notice or hearing, liability for violations of these
Rules shall be deemed to commence as the date such violation was
discovered by the QDC or may otherwise be proven. The Notice of
Violation issued by the Director pursuant to § 4.16.9(B) of this
Part, shall require the violator to show cause at a hearing why he or
she should not be found in violation of these Rules and why
enforcement action should not be taken.
D. The Notice of Violation
shall state the time and place of the hearing, the legal authority
and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held, a reference
to the Rules involved and a short and plain statement of the matters
of fact and law asserted. The Notice of Violation shall be served
personally or by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) allowing at least twenty (20) working days before the
hearing. Service may be upon any agent or officer of a corporation.
1. Answer. Within fifteen (15)
working days of service of the Notice of Violation, the violator
shall file an Answer to it. For each claim set forth in the Notice of
Violation, the Answer shall contain full, direct and specific
answers, admitting, denying or explaining material facts. If there is
insufficient knowledge to answer with specificity it shall be so
stated, and this shall be treated as a general denial. The Answer
shall contain all affirmative defenses that are relied upon and may
cite the statutes and Regulations that form the basis of each
defense. All allegations contained in the Notice of Violation that
are not specifically admitted in the Answer shall be deemed denied.
The Hearing Officer upon his/her own initiative or upon the request
of the QDC or the violator may permit the violator to amend an Answer
or to postpone the hearing for good cause. If the violator fails to
appear for the scheduled hearing, he/she may be found in default.
Default constitutes, for purposes of this action and any subsequent
action in Superior Court, an admission of all facts alleged in the
Notice of Violation and a waiver of the violator’s right to a
hearing on the factual allegations in the Notice of Violation.
2. Hearing Officer. The Board
of Directors of the QDC shall designate certain persons to act as
hearing officers in cases arising under these rules. With the
adoption of these rules, the Director is empowered to appoint persons
who are duly designated by the Board of Directors of the QDC and who
are not involved in the enforcement action to act as hearing officer.
A person designated as a hearing officer shall be a person who meets
specific qualifications adopted by the Board of Directors of the QDC.
The hearing officer shall: have the right to issue subpoenas in the
name of the QDC to compel the appearance of witnesses and the
production of any books, records or other documents; take evidence;
transmit in a timely manner a report of the evidence and hearing,
including transcripts and other evidence, together with findings of
fact and conclusions of law, and recommendations of action to the
Director. The Hearing Officer may also issue findings as to the
number of days during which the violation occurred and appropriate
penalties.
3. Other Hearings. All other
provisions for public hearings not specifically described herein
shall be in accordance with R.I. Gen Laws § 42-35-9.
4. Orders by the Director.
After the Director has reviewed the evidence, he may issue an order
to the violator to cease and desist committing such violations, to
remedy such violations, to revoke the violator’s discharge
permit, assess fines, and condition future permits upon payment of
the costs of implementing and enforcing the terms of such permit,
including attorneys’ fees and administrative costs. The
decision may include a finding as to the number of days during which
the violation occurred and appropriate penalties. Every day in which
a violation occurred shall be deemed a separate offense. The Superior
Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce such order and the Director
may institute civil or criminal proceedings in the name of the QDC.
E. Civil/Criminal Penalties
1. Any person who shall
violate the provisions of any permit, Rule, Regulation or order of
the QDC shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for each day during which
such violation occurs.
2. Any person who shall be
found guilty of violating willfully or with criminal negligence, any
provisions of any permit, Rule or Regulation, or an order of the QDC
shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than thirty (30)
days, or by both fine and imprisonment.
F. Notwithstanding any other
provision herein, the Director may, after informal notice to the
discharger as described below, immediately and effectively halt or
prevent any discharge of pollutants into the QDC Sewers which
reasonably appears to present an imminent endangerment to the health
or welfare of persons. Upon determination by the Director that a
discharge reasonably appears to present an imminent endangerment to
the health or welfare of persons, he may issue an immediate
compliance order. Informal notice shall consist of a telephone call
to the discharging facility’s owner or any agent or officer of
a corporation. Such compliance order shall become effective
notwithstanding inability to contact the foregoing persons. A
registered letter, return receipt requested, which states the
existence of the violation and the action deemed necessary will be
sent as soon as practicable. No request for a hearing prior to
issuance of the compliance order may be made. Any such immediate
compliance order issued under this section without notice and prior
hearing shall be effective for no longer than forty-five (45) days,
provided, however, that for good cause shown such order may be
extended one (1) additional period not exceeding forty-five (45)
days.
G. Notwithstanding any other
provisions herein, the Director may, in accordance with the notice
and procedures described below, halt or prevent any discharge into
the QDC Sewers which presents or may present endangerment to the
environment or which threatens to interfere with the operation of the
facilities. Such Notice shall provide for a time within such said
alleged violation shall be remedied, and shall inform the person to
whom it is directed that a written request for a hearing on said
alleged violation may be filed with the Director within ten (10) days
after service of the notice. Notice will be deemed properly served
upon a person if a copy thereof is served upon him or her personally,
sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, or such person is
served with notice by any other method of service now or hereafter
authorized in a civil action under the laws of this State. If a
person upon whom a notice of violation has been served under the
provisions of this section or if a person aggrieved by any such
Notice of Violation requests a hearing before the Director within ten
(10) days of the service of Notice of Violation, the Director shall
set a time and place for said hearing, and shall give the person
requesting such a hearing at least five (5) days written notice
thereof. After such hearing, the Director may make findings of fact
and law and shall sustain, modify or withdraw the Notice of
Violation. If the Director sustains or modifies the notice, such
decision shall be deemed a compliance order and shall be served upon
the person responsible in any manner provided for the service of the
notice of this section. Such compliance order shall state a time
within which said violation shall be remedied. Nothing herein shall
prohibit the Director from requiring immediate compliance. Whenever a
compliance order has become effective, whether automatically or not,
where no hearing has been requested, or where an immediate compliance
order has been issued, or upon decision following hearing, the
Director may institute injunctive proceedings in the Superior Court
for enforcement of such compliance order and for appropriate
temporary relief. In such proceedings the correctness of a compliance
order shall be presumed and the person attacking such order shall
bear the burden of proving error in such compliance order; except
that the Director shall bear the burden of proving in such
proceedings the correctness of an immediate compliance order. The
remedy provided for in this section shall be in addition to other
remedies provided by law. Any party aggrieved by a final judgment of
the Superior Court may, within thirty (30) days from the date of
entry of such judgment, petition the Supreme Court for a writ of
certiorari to review any questions of law.
H. Notwithstanding the
provisions of §§ 4.16.9(B) and (C) of this Part, if the QDC
or its duly authorized employees and agents, upon presenting
identification and appropriate credentials, are denied access to
carry out inspection, surveillance, and monitoring procedures, the
Director may immediately institute civil proceedings, including
proceedings for necessary injunctive relief.
I. If any person shall
construct, install, alter or repair any sewer or connect to any sewer
in violation of the requirements of these Rules, the QDC may, in its
discretion, order or direct such person to uncover and fully expose
any or all portions of such sewer or connection and afford the QDC
and its representatives' adequate opportunity for examination and
inspection of the work. If the connection and appurtenances thereto
shall be found not to be in full accord with the requirements of
these Rules and standards, the QDC may serve the offender with a
written notice as provided in § 4.16.9(B) of this Part.
J. Affirmative Defenses to
Discharge Violations
1. Upset Provisions
a. For the purposes of this
section, “Upset” means an exceptional incident in which
there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with pretreatment
standards because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the
user. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by
operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities,
inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or
careless or improper operation.
b. An upset shall constitute
an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with
pretreatment standards if the requirements of 40 C.F.R. §
403.16, incorporated above in § 4.3(A) of this Part.
c. A user who wishes to
establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through
properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant
evidence that:
(1) An upset occurred and the
user can identify the cause(s) of the upset;
(2) The facility was at the
time being operated in a prudent and workman-like manner and in
compliance with applicable operation and maintenance procedures;
(3) The user submitted the
following information to the QDC within twenty-four (24) hours of
becoming aware of the upset. If this information is provided orally,
a written submission must be provided within five (5) days and
include; a description of the discharge and cause of noncompliance;
the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times or, if
not corrected, the anticipated time the noncompliance is expected to
continue; steps being taken and/or planned to reduce, eliminate and
prevent recurrence of the noncompliance.
d. In any enforcement
proceeding, the user seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset
shall have the burden of proof.
e. The user shall control
production of all discharges to the extent necessary to maintain
compliance with Pretreatment Standards upon reduction, loss or
failure of its treatment facility until the facility is restored or
an alternative method of treatment is provided. This requirement
applies in the situation where, among other things, the primary
source of power of the treatment facility is reduced, lost or fails.
2. Bypass
a. “Bypass” means
the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of the
user’s treatment facility.
b. “Severe property
damage” means substantial physical damage to property, damage
to the treatment facilities that causes them to become inoperable, or
substantial and permanent loss of natural resources that can
reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. Severe
property damage does not mean economic loss caused by delays in
production.
c. A user may allow bypass to
occur where it does not violate pretreatment standards or
requirements, and only if it is necessary to assure efficient
maintenance and/or operation. These bypasses are not subject to the
provisions of §§ 4.16.9(J)(2)(d), (e), and (f) of this Part
below.
d. If a user knows in advance
of the need for a bypass, the QDC shall be given notice, if possible,
at least ten (10) days before the date of the bypass.
e. A user shall orally notify
the QDC of an unanticipated bypass that exceeds applicable
pretreatment standards or requirements within twenty-four (24) hours
of becoming aware of the bypass. A written submission shall also be
provided within five (5) days of becoming aware of the bypass,
including exact times and dates, and if the bypass has not been
corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps
taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of the
bypass.
f. Unauthorized bypass is
prohibited and the QDC may take enforcement action against an
individual user for a bypass, unless:
(1) Bypass was unavoidable to
prevent loss of life, personal injury or severe property damage;
(2) There are no feasible
alternatives to bypass, such as use of auxiliary treatment
facilities, retention of wastes, or maintenance during normal periods
of downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate backup
equipment should have been installed to prevent bypass which occurred
during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventative
maintenance;
(3) The user submitted notices
as required by 40 C.F.R. § 403.17, incorporated above in §
4.3(A) of this Part. The Director may approve an anticipated bypass,
after considering its adverse effects, if the QDC determines that the
bypass will meet the three (3) conditions listed in this section.
K. Confidential Information
1. Confidential information
and data on a user obtained from reports, questionnaires, permit
applications, permits and monitoring programs and from inspections
shall be available to the public or other governmental agencies
without restriction unless the user specifically requests and is able
to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the QDC that the release of
such information would divulge information, processes or methods of
production entitled to protection as trade secrets of the user.
2. When requested by the
person furnishing a report, the portions of a report which might
disclose trade secrets or secret processes shall not be made
available for inspection by the public but shall be made available
upon written request to governmental agencies for uses related to
these Regulations, any NPDES permit, any RIPDES permit, and/or any
pretreatment program; provided, however, that such portions of a
report shall be available for use by the State or any State agency in
judicial review or enforcement proceedings involving the person
furnishing the report. Wastewater constituents and characteristics
will not be recognized as confidential information. Information
accepted by the QDC as confidential, shall not be transmitted to any
governmental agency or to the general public by the QDC until and
unless a ten (10) day notification is given to the user.
L. Septage Hauler Discharge
Permits
1. No septage hauler shall
discharge to the QDC WWTF without first obtaining a permit from the
QDC. No septage hauler will be allowed a permit unless the hauler has
a valid license issued by the Rhode Island Department of
Environmental Management to haul septage waste.
2. Septage Hauler Discharge
Permit applications shall be completed on a form provided by QDC. All
information requested in the permit application must be provided,
including any additional information determined to be necessary by
the Director. The completed application and any supporting
documentation must be submitted to the QDC at least sixty (60) days
prior to the issuance of a permit. Applications for permit renewal
must be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of
any existing permit. Incomplete permit applications will not be
considered. At the discretion of the Director, an incomplete permit
application may be returned to the applicant for additional
information, or the incomplete permit application may be denied.
After receipt of a completed permit application, the Director may
request additional information to supplement the submission. If
supplemental information is not supplied within thirty (30) days of
the request of the Director, the permit application is deemed denied.
Applicants denied a permit due to failure to provide supplemental
information in a timely manner may re-submit the entire permit
application with all requested supplemental information as an
application for a new permit.
3. Limitations and
Prohibitions
a. Only domestic septage
originating from sources within the geographic boundaries of the
State of Rhode Island may be discharged by a permitted septage hauler
into the QDC WWTF.
b. No commercial,
institutional, or other non-residential septage that is not domestic
in character shall be discharged into the QDC WWTF.
c. Discharge of septage shall
be limited to the times and locations selected by the Director. No
septage shall be discharged into any user’s connection, catch
basin, storm drain, drainage system or manhole.
d. In the discretion of the
Director, septage hauler permit holders may be limited in the
frequency of use or volume of discharge into the QDC WWTF.
Limitations may be included in the terms and conditions of a septage
hauler’s permit, or may be established at any time by the
Director.
e. No septage hauler shall
carry or discharge any material considered a hazardous waste under
Federal or State law, nor shall any hauler mix any amount of
hazardous material with domestic septage for the purpose of dilution
or for any other reason.
f. Prohibited substances, as
identified in §§ 4.16.3(B) and (C) of this Part, shall
apply to septage.
g. The Director has the right
to refuse the discharge of any load of septage into the QDC WWTF.
4. Fees
a. Each septage hauler permit
application must be accompanied by a permit application fee. The
permit application fee amount shall be set by the Director.
b. Permit holders shall be
assessed a per-load charge, established by the Director.
c. All applications for
modifications or renewal of an existing permit shall be accompanied
by the appropriate fee. The fee amount shall be established by the
Director.
d. The Director may revise fee
amounts at any time. Notice to all septage permit holders shall be
sent to the address provided on the permit application at least
twenty (20) days prior to the changes taking effect.
5. No less than sixty (60)
days prior to the expiration of a permit, or to a change in operation
of a permit holder requiring modification of an existing permit, the
applicant shall submit an application for renewal or modification.
6. Each septage permit issued
herein shall be valid for the period of time specified in the permit.
No permit shall be issued or renewed for a time period to exceed
three (3) years. A permit for the discharge of septage may be revoked
at the discretion of the Director for violation of any of the
provisions of these Rules.
7. Septage haulers are subject
to enforcement under the provisions of § 4.16.9 of this Part for
violation of any section of these Rules.
8. Sampling and Testing
a. The Director may require
all permitted septage haulers to provide a representative sample of
each load of septage prior to discharge into the QDC WWTF.
b. Specific sampling methods,
testing requirements, and other restrictions shall be included in the
terms and conditions of the permit.
c. The Director reserves the
rights to have QDC personnel obtain samples of the septage prior to
or during discharge.
d. The Director may require
the septage hauler to suspend the discharging of septage until the
analysis of the sample is complete.
9. Discharge of Septage
a. Discharge of septage shall
occur only at the locations designated by the Director. Discharge at
any other location in the QDC system is absolutely prohibited.
b. The hours of permitted
discharge shall be established by the Director. Discharge shall be
limited to the hours and days established by the Director.
c. Discharge of septage must
be performed under the supervision of designated QDC personnel.
Discharge without QDC supervision is absolutely prohibited.
10. Record Keeping
Requirements
a. The permittee must provide
a completed QDC septage hauler manifest form. The form shall contain
information regarding the septage from each septage generator. The
permittee shall also sign the form, indicating that no wastes other
than those listed have been accepted. The manifest must be reviewed
by an QDC representative prior to discharge. Failure to accurately
record every load, falsification of data, or failure to transmit the
form to the plant operator prior to discharge may result in
revocation of this permit and/or a fine of up to twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000.00) per day as allowed by these Rules.
b. The permittee shall retain
all records which substantiate any information supplied in permit
applications, monitoring information, septage manifest forms, records
of data pertaining to hauled loads, and any other information
requirements of these Rules for a period of three (3) years. Records
that are retained by the permittee must be made available for
inspection by authorized representatives of the QDC.
c. In the event that a dispute
or litigation involving the subject of any records that have been
retained is pending, the records are to be kept by the permittee for
a period of three (3) years following the resolution of such
litigation or dispute.
4.17 Stormwater Management
4.17.1 Purpose
A. The purpose of these
Regulations is to provide for effective management of the stormwater
system within the Park. These Regulations provide a mechanism for
mitigating the damaging effects of uncontrolled and unplanned
stormwater runoff. They improve the public health, safety and welfare
by establishing methods for controlling the introduction of
pollutants into the ground and surface waters under and adjacent to
the Park. These Regulations establish the guidelines for managing the
stormwater system including design, regulatory coordination,
construction, operation, maintenance, inspection and enforcement.
These Regulations identify the concept of implementing stormwater
drainage service charges based on each property's contribution of
stormwater runoff to the system.
4.17.2 Stormwater
Regulation
A. There are six (6)
Regulations that affect stormwater management ranging from QDC’s
enabling legislation to State and Federal mandated programs. Under
these programs, stormwater runoff from streets, parking lots,
construction sites, industrial facilities and/or other impervious
surfaces are regulated. These Regulations include:
1. R.I. Gen. Laws §
42-64.10-6 entitled “Quonset Development Corporation”
establishes a stormwater management and conveyance system and
regulates connections, user fees, charges and assessments.
2. Under §
250-RICR-150-10-1.32 ,
Quonset Business Park is a designated A Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) and QDC has prepared a stormwater management
program that identifies measures to reduce the discharge of
pollutants into stormwater system that drains into surface water
bodies.
3. A Rhode Island Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) Construction General Permit
shall be obtained in accordance with 250-RICR-150-10-1 ,
Regulations for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System. All stormwater discharges associated with construction
including clearing, grading, excavation, and filling of one (1) acre
of more require a permit. The permit requires the development of a
Stormwater Management Plan consistent with 250-RICR-150-10-7. In
addition, a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (SESCP) must be
prepared.
4. Discharges of stormwater
associated with specific categories of industrial facilities also are
required to obtain a RIPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharge
Associated with Industrial Activity in accordance with
250-RICR-150-10-1 ,
Regulations for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System, for material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and
cleaning, scrapyards, landfills, shipyards and other types of
activities.
5. Stormwater runoff
discharging toward a wetland or a conveyance system that discharges
into a wetland requires a wetland permit in accordance with
250-RICR-150-15-1 ,
Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of
the Fresh Water Wetlands Act.
6. Stormwater Discharge into
the Coastal Zones: The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)
regulates discharges into the Coastal Zone including freshwater
wetlands in the vicinity of the coast. The areas of RIDEM and CRMC
jurisdictional boundaries within the Park are shown on the RIDEM
online GIS map:
http://ridemgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=87e104c8adb449eb9f905e5f18020de5 .
Any proposed discharge, construction, or maintenance activity into or
within this boundary requires a CRMC Assent.
B. Storm Sewers and
Connections
1. No persons shall uncover,
make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any
QDC stormwater system or appurtenances without submitting the
appropriate information consistent with §§ 4.8.5 and 4.17
of this Part and obtaining prior approval.
2. All costs and expenses
incidental to the installation and connection of the stormwater and
storm infrastructure shall be borne by the user who shall indemnify
the QDC from any loss or damage that may indirectly be occasioned by
the installation of the storm sewer.
3. No persons shall make
connection of sanitary sewer lines or illicit discharges to a storm
drain that in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a QDC
stormwater system.
4. The user of the stormwater
system shall notify QDC when the storm drain is ready for inspection
and connection to the QDC storm drain. The connection shall be made
under the supervision of the QDC.
5. All excavations for storm
drain installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and
lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks,
pavements and other QDC property disturbed in the course of the work
shall be restored by the owner in a manner satisfactory to the QDC.
C. Stormwater Review Procedure
1. For connections or
alterations to QDC’s stormwater, the applicant shall submit the
drainage design and requirements identified in § 4.17.2(D) of
this Part, "Project Drainage Report" for QDC Technical
Review Committee (TRC) approval. The TRC will review and provide
comments to the applicant if necessary. Upon approval, the TRC will
provide the applicant with an approval letter to accompany the RIDEM
RIPDES permit and RIDEM Water Quality Certification applications.
RIDEM will issue the final permit and a copy of this permit is to be
filed with QDC. QDC manages this permit program which enables a more
streamlined review by RIDEM.
2. For Stormwater Discharge
into Freshwater Wetland Areas and Stormwater Discharge into Coastal
Zone, the applicant shall submit the drainage design as detailed in §
4.17.2(D) of this Part, to the TRC. TRC will review and approve the
drainage design and give the applicant an approval letter to
accompany the Freshwater Wetlands and Coastal application.
D. Project Drainage Report
The purpose of the Project
Drainage Report is to identify and propose specific solutions to
stormwater runoff and water quality impacts resulting from proposed
development within the Park. The report must comply with
250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules. The Drainage
Report should include; a drainage analysis, pre and post analysis and
area maps, drainage diagram (node diagram) and input and output data.
4.17.3 Material Used in
Construction of Storm Sewers
A. Materials used in the
construction of stormwater system shall be constructed of reinforced
concrete, ductile iron, PVC or corrugated polyethylene. The most
cost-effective materials shall be allowed that conform to the site
conditions and reflect the relevant operations, maintenance, and
system character of the stormwater system. Specifications referred
to, such as ASTM or AWWA, etc., should be the latest revision in
effect at the time of application.
1. Reinforced Concrete Pipe
a. Circular reinforced
concrete pipe and fittings shall meet the requirements of ASTM C76,
incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(14) of this Part.
b. Elliptical reinforced
concrete pipe shall meet the requirements of ASTM C507, incorporated
above in § 4.3(P)(15) of this Part.
c. Joint design and joint
material for circular pipe shall conform to ASTM C443, incorporated
above in § 4.3(P)(16) of this Part.
d. Joints for elliptical pipe
shall be bell and spigot or tongue and groove sealed with butyl,
rubber tape, rubber ring gaskets, or external sealing bands
conforming to ASTM C877, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(17) of
this Part.
e. All pipes shall be Class
III minimum unless loading conditions call for stronger pipe (i.e.,
higher class).
f. The minimum depth of cover
over the concrete pipe shall be as designated by the American
Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA).
g. Minimum depth of cover
standards for ductile iron and corrugated polyethylene pipe shall
conform to manufacturer standards.
2. Ductile Iron Pipe
a. Ductile iron pipe shall
conform to AWWA C151/A21.51, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(6)
of this Part.
b. Joints shall conform to
AWWA C111/A21.11, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(11) of this
Part, or AWWA C115/A21.15, incorporated above in § 4.3(O)(12) of
this Part, as appropriate.
c. Pipe shall be designed in
accordance with AWWA C150/A21.50, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(13) of this Part.
d. The outside of the pipe
shall be coated in accordance with AWWA C151/A21.51, incorporated
above in § 4.3(O)(6) of this Part, and the inside lined in
accordance with AWWA C104/A21.4, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(14) of this Part.
e. Ductile iron pipe shall be
installed in accordance with AWWA C600, incorporated above in §
4.3(O)(17) of this Part.
3. The following apply to
corrugated polyethylene pipe:
a. Corrugated polyethylene
pipe shall conform to AASHTO M252, incorporated above in §
4.3(N)(1) of this Part, for three through ten inches (3”
through 10”) and AASHTO M294, incorporated above in §
4.3(N)(2) of this Part for sizes twelve inches (12”) and
larger.
b. All pipes greater than
twelve inches (12”) in diameter shall be Type S, unless
conditions dictate otherwise.
c. Materials shall conform to
ASTM D3350, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(13) of this Part.
d. Pipe joints and fittings
shall be compatible with the pipe material and shall conform to the
same standards and specifications as the pipe material.
e. Pipe couplers shall not
cover less than one (1) full corrugation on each section of pipe.
f. Installation shall be in
accordance with ASTM D2321, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(8) of
this Part.
g. Backfill material shall be
placed in six inch (6”) lifts and compacted to ninety-five
percent (95%) minimum dry density, per AASHTO T99, incorporated above
in § 4.3(N)(3) of this Part. In areas of high ground water
tables, design engineers shall check for flotation.
4. PVC
PVC shall conform to SDR-35
or ASTM F949, incorporated above in § 4.3(P)(5) of this Part.
5. Pipe bedding and backfill
shall be provided as specified in the " Standard Specifications
for Road and Bridge Construction, Amended August 2013, §
701.02.5 Bedding Materials," incorporated above in § 4.3(E)
of this Part.
B. Inlets, Catch Basins,
Manholes, and Outlets
1. Engineers shall design
inlets, catch basins, and manholes in accordance with the latest
version of " Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge
Construction, Amended August 2013, § 701.02.5 Bedding
Materials," incorporated above in § 4.3(E) of this Part,
and 250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules. Where
compliance with the RI Stormwater Manual requires different
specifications than those listed by RIDOT, those specifications
associated with the RI Stormwater Manual shall be used.
a. Inlet spacing depends on
the inlet capacity. Area inlets in parking lots should be limited to
three (3) cubic feet per second.
b. Outlet grates; fences, and
other safety features for stormwater management facilities shall
conform to 250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules .
c. Manhole cover shall be as
specified in the QDC's Development Package Guidance Document under
standard details.
d. All grates shall be as
specified in the QDC's Development Package Guidance Document under
standard details.
4.17.4 Maintenance of
Stormwater Infrastructure
A. Best Management Practices
(BMPs) consistent with 250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules are required
for any Storm Sewers and Connections identified in § 4.17.2(B)
of this Part. Maintenance is necessary to extend the longevity of
BMPs, maintain stormwater BMP performance over time, protect against
downstream water quality impacts and flooding, physically removes
trapped stormwater pollutants and disposes of them, ensures that
stormwater BMPs are functional, safe and attractive.
1. The applicant shall submit,
for review and approval, an Operation and Maintenance Plan (O&M)
as outlined in 250-RICR-150-10-8 ,
Stormwater Management, Design, and Installation Rules . The O&M
Plan must be approved prior to the start of stormwater construction.
2. The O&M Plan shall
include, but not be limited, to the following elements:
a. Stormwater Management
System Owners,
b. The party(ies) responsible
for operation and maintenance,
c. The routine and non-routine
maintenance tasks and a schedule,
d. A plan that shows the
location of all stormwater BMPs and discharge points,
e. A description and
delineation of public safety features,
f. An estimated budget and
funding source.
3. The owner is required to
perform the inspections as described in the Operations and
Maintenance Plan and shall submit the approved inspection reports to
QDC within fifteen (15) business days after the inspection.
4.17.5 Illicit Discharges
and Connections
A. The purpose of this section
is to:
1. Prevent illicit discharges
into the QDC storm system.
2. Prevent illicit connections
in the QDC storm system.
3. Require the cessation and
removal of any and all such illicit connections and discharges.
B. This section shall apply to
all non-stormwater entering the storm system generated on any
developed and undeveloped lands unless explicitly authorized or
exempt by the terms of this section.
4.17.5.1 Prohibited Acts
A. Prohibition of Illicit
Discharges – No person shall discharge or cause to be
discharged into QDC’s storm system, directly or indirectly, any
materials, including but not limited to pollutants, other than
stormwater, except as authorized by this section.
B. Exempt Activities –
Water line flushing or other potable water sources; landscape
irrigation or lawn watering; diverted stream flows; rising
groundwater; groundwater infiltration to storm drains; uncontaminated
pumped groundwater; discharges from foundation or footing drains (not
including active groundwater dewatering systems) where flows are not
contaminated with process materials such as solvents, or contaminated
by contact with soils where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous
materials have occurred; springs; natural riparian habitat or wetland
flows; emergency fire-fighting activities; air conditioning
condensation; noncommercial washing of new vehicles where no
detergents are used; and any other water source not containing
pollutants. Discharges specified in writing by the RIDEM or the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
1. Dye testing is an allowable
discharge but requires a verbal notification to the QDC prior to the
event.
C. Prohibition of Illicit
Connections – The construction, use, maintenance or continued
existence of illicit connections to the storm system is prohibited.
1. This prohibition includes,
without limitation, illicit connections made prior to the enactment
of these Regulations.
2. Existing connections made
prior to the adoption of these Regulations will require review by TRC
and issuance of approval by TRC in accordance with the provisions of
these Regulations.
3. A person is in violation of
these Regulations if the person connects a line conveying sewage or
other non-stormwater related flows to the QDC’s stormwater
system or allows such a connection to continue.
D. Industrial or Construction
Activity Discharges – Any person subject to an industrial or
construction activity by RIDPES stormwater discharge permit shall
comply with all provisions of such permit, as issued by RIDEM. Proof
of compliance with said permit may be required in a form acceptable
to the QDC prior to allowance of discharge to the QDC’s
stormwater system.
E. Monitoring of Discharges
and Right of Entry
1. To the extent authorized by
the owner/leaser or other party in control of the property, QDC
personnel may enter upon privately owned or leased property for the
purpose of performing his/her duties under these Regulations and may
conduct any examinations or sampling as QDC deems reasonably
necessary.
2. QDC shall have the right to
set up on any permitted facility such devices as are necessary in the
opinion of QDC to conduct monitoring and/or sampling of the
facility’s stormwater discharge.
3. QDC has the right to
require the discharger, at the discharger's expense, to install
monitoring equipment as deemed necessary by QDC. The sampling and
monitoring equipment shall be maintained at all times in a safe and
proper operating condition. All devices used to measure stormwater
flow and quality shall be calibrated to ensure their accuracy.
F. Notification of Spills –
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person has
information of any known or suspected release of materials resulting
in or may result in illegal discharges or pollutants discharging into
QDC’s stormwater system or State waters, said person shall take
all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment and cleanup
of said release.
1. In the event of such a
release, and in addition to other notification requirements, the
person responsible for a facility shall notify QDC in person or by
phone no later the next business day after the discharge.
2. Notifications in person or
by phone shall be confirmed in writing by the notifying person and
mailed to QDC and the RIDEM Office of Compliance and Inspection
within five (5) business days of the original verbal notification. If
the discharge of prohibited materials emanates from a commercial or
industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment
shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the
actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be
retained for at least five (5) years.
3. For facilities that operate
under existing RIPDES permits for stormwater discharge, notice of the
spill shall be made to the permitting authority in accordance with
the permit. QDC shall be provided with copies of any written
notification required by the RIPDES permit.
4. Nothing in this Regulation
shall authorize any person to fail to comply with relevant provisions
of the Rhode Island Clean Water Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-12-1 et
seq ., or other applicable laws or Regulations.
4.17.6 Administration
A. No person or entity shall,
without first being granted written approval from QDC, make any
future connection or permit any runoff from any structure or property
to any stormwater management and conveyance systems, or any
appurtenance thereto, without first being granted written approval
from TRC in accordance with these Rules and Regulations in this Part.
B. QDC shall assess any person
or entity having a direct or indirect connection (including, without
limitation, via runoff) to the QDC’s stormwater system
reasonable charges for the use, operation, maintenance and
improvements to the system.
C. QDC shall also be entitled,
in addition to any other remedies available, to enforce for
violations of the Rules and Regulations established by QDC with
respect to stormwater management as identified by § 4.17.7 of
this Part.
4.17.7 Enforcement
A. Any person who violates
these Rules, or applicable State and Federal Regulations is subject
to having their domestic water service suspended and or terminated as
per R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-64.10.
1. QDC is authorized to
terminate the water supply service or prohibit the use of QDC’s
stormwater system of any person or entity for the nonpayment of storm
water management user fees, charges and assessments.
2. The person or entity shall
not make any future connection or permit any runoff from any
structure or property to any stormwater systems, or any appurtenance
thereto, without first being granted a written approval from QDC.
3. QDC shall notify the user
of termination of water supply or use of the stormwater management
and conveyance systems at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to
ceasing service. QDC may assess any person or entity any fees,
charges and assessments affiliated with the shut off and restoration
of service.