PROVIDENCE – Some 70 businesses in Providence and Cranston would be forced to control their stormwater runoff under a plan by state authorities to stamp out toxic algae blooms in the Mashapaug Pond Watershed.
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and Department of Environmental Management Director Terrence Gray on Wednesday announced the novel effort to clean up Mashapaug, Spectacle and Tongue Ponds, which have been plagued for years by excess nutrients that have fueled the growth of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae , plant-like organisms that can pose a threat to humans and animals.
The announcement at the offices of Save The Bay was heralded by environmental advocates who have long called on authorities to address pollution in the heavily developed watershed, which connects to the ponds in Roger Williams Park and eventually discharges into Narragansett Bay.
“No matter who you are or where you live, you have a right to clean water,” said Save The Bay executive director Topher Hamblett.