Two R.I. shellfishing areas to see 10 additional days of harvesting each year, thanks to improved water quality
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Still the 'changes will add an average of 10 additional days of harvesting each year,' the department said.
'This change reflects ongoing water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay and our commitment to work collaboratively with the shellfishing industry,' department Director Terry Gray said in a statement. 'By working together through infrastructure investments, science-based environmental laws, and state-local-federal cooperation leading to the cleaner waters, we can continue increasing access to RI's shellfishing grounds.'
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Improvements in water quality allowed the conditionally approved shellfish area in the Providence River to open in 2021 — the first time in 75 years — under the seven-day closure plan, officials said. The Greenwich Bay conditional area had the same plan in place for more than 30 years.
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'DEM's Office of Water Resources (OWR), following a recent review of data found that water quality in shellfish areas returns to safe levels six days after moderate rainfall of 0.5' to 1.2' in a 24-hour period," officials said. 'These positive results are due to long-term improvements like upgraded stormwater infrastructure, cesspool removal, and expanded sewer service.'
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The changes come as the state observes
'This is a water quality success story for our environment, Rhode Island's quahoggers, and our food economy,' Governor Dan McKee said in a statement. 'Clean water is at the center of our way of life in the Ocean State.'
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