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The town council hereby finds that: (a)
The legislative findings set forth in G.L. 1956 § 45-24.5-2 is incorporated in this article by reference.
(b)
Without proper operation and maintenance, onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) or septic systems will eventually fail. OWTS failure poses a risk to public health and a potential contamination source to the surface and ground waters of the state.
(c)
The report, "Touisset Point and Highlands Wastewater Management and Water Impact Study (November, 2007)" found that outdated and substandard septic systems and cesspools threaten groundwater quality and recommended the implementation of a wastewater management plan to assist in upgrading those systems.
(d)
The Town of Warren submitted, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management approved of, the "Town of Warren Onsite Wastewater Management Plan Focusing on the Touisset Area (February 2009)" that outlined implementation steps to preserve water quality and protect human health and the environment.
(e)
The adoption of a townwide wastewater management district is consistent with the goals of the comprehensive community plan of the town by protecting the rural character of the town and protecting its natural resources.
(f)
Under the Rhode Island Cesspool Act of 2007, many properties in the Touisset Peninsula must abandon cesspools that exist within two hundred (200) feet of the shore, within two hundred (200) feet of the public drinking water well and/or within two hundred (200) feet of a surface drinking water supply by January 1, 2013 and replace them with an approved OWTS.
(Ord. of 3-8-2011, § 2)