Using smart growth practices to protect our water quality.

• Position: Rhode Island

CM readers will recall the last issue's discussion of CLF's work to clean up stormwater and industrial pollution in the Blackstone River. As part of the Blackstone River Initiative, CLF is enforcing EPA's Phase II stormwater program, which requires municipalities to review land-use regulations and amend them to ensure adequate prevention of stormwater pollution associated with development.

Under this program, municipalities must strive for low-impact development to prevent excess stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as streets, roofs and parking lots. Encouraging low-impact development serves the dual purpose of promoting compact development while protecting our water resources from stormwater pollution caused by sprawling...