The Rhode Island league of Women Voters cannot support the Construction of the Big River Reservoir:
1. before implementation of a statewide water conservation plan and the effects are fully known;
2. unless an updated feasibility study including environmental assessment clearly shows the need exists;
3. until updated population and demand projections warrant it. If the above conditions are met, the LWV of RI will reevaluate its position on the Big River Reservoir. If the above conditions are not met, the LWV of RI will oppose the construction of the Big River Reservoir. Conservation and groundwater protection and use should be considered as alternatives to the development of surface water supplies. Groundwater Protection The State should change its zoning enabling act and take any other measures necessary to protect aquifers and recharge areas currently in use or identified for future water supply. Environmental Issues (NOTE from P Macleish: PRO Jo article http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160310/big-river-ghost-50-years-ago-land-was-taken-from-351-people-for-reservoir-that-was-never-built--video)

If the Big River or other reservoirs should be constructed, the following environmental impacts should be addressed:

• Recreational use of reservoir: The LWVRI supports limited and controlled recreational use of proposed reservoirs and contiguous watershed lands. Uses such as those proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Impact Statement, Portion 3 Plan for Big River Reservoir and endorsed by the Department of Environmental Management (see Recreational Plan section) should be permitted. Monitoring and policing must be adequately financed. Some of the financing methods proposed include user fees, permits and licenses. A minority feels that recreational use should not be permitted. Potential threats to water quality and inadequate monitoring were primary concerns.

   

• Downstream flows: It should be required that Continuous downstream flow take precedence over either uses of the released water from the Big River or any proposed reservoir. A minimum release should be maintained at all times.

   

• Roads: Safety features to prevent hazardous spills and runoff form entering reservoirs should be included in the designs for remaining roads. Road construction over or adjacent to reservoirs should be kept to a minimum. The cost of maintenance of these features should be included in the financing plans for any reservoir.

   

• Wetlands mitigation: Wetlands mitigation should be required and absolutely financed. Reservoir Financing A combination of revenue and general obligation bonds should be used to finance the Big River Reservoir. A ratio of revenue bonds to general obligation bonds should be employed in such a way that users of water, recreation, roads and potential growth areas repay the bonds equitably. A minority favored the use of revenue bonds entirely. Recreational Plan The DEM generally endorses the Option 3 Recreation Plan proposed in the Big River Reservoir Environmental Impact Statement E .I.S.) prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers. Their position is that a commitment of such a large tract of land to a single purpose is not in the best interests of the population. They feel the plan offers unique opportunities to provide water related recreational experiences. Furthermore, with proper management recreational experience can be provided without compromising water quality. They also feel this issue has been well examined and substantiated. The following activities should be permitted in the BRR watershed under certain conditions: A. Boating - electric motors, sailboats, rowboats.

   

B. Fishing - this activity should be heavily controlled to establish a strong fish population.

C. Swimming - not allowed in the reservoir. Allowed at Carrs Pond and Phelps Pond.

D. Trail bikes - a well-defined and planned trail system, coordinated by DEM and the Trail Riding Organization.

E. Camping - permitted under highly controlled conditions and only outside the watershed. Other recreational activities such as picnicking, horseback riding, hiking; cross-country skiing, ice skating, and hunting would also be permitted under less restrictive conditions. Most activities would be regulated by a permit system. Proposed fees for activities would be used to finance additional personnel needed.