Function

***EMERGENCY, if you see a clogged storm drain, nearby to where you live, please help our DPW workers in keeping the drains open so your urban flood risk to personal private property is reduced.  There are over 3,000 drains in the Town and our limited staff cannot get to every single one, while rain occurs to esure your most prized interests stay safe.  We ask for your help.

The Town Engineer’s Office acts as the technical branch of the Town’s government reporting to the Town Manager.

The main responsibilities of this office include:

• Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Permitting & Enforcement
• Sewer Ordinance Rules & Regulations
• Storm Sewer
• Landscape
• Outdoor Lighting
• Trees-Woodland Conservation
• Special Flood Hazard Areas
• Earth Removal
• Planning Board & Zoning Board plan review
• Capital Improvements Planning & Implementation

***The 2023 Annual RIPDES Stormwater Report is now available in FINAL form for public viewing.  Public Notice was duly advertised, both online and in the local distribution of the Observer/Valley Breeze publication during February, 2024 and the Town Council conducted aa Public Hearing held on March 7, 2024.  

The Town Engineer is of responsible charge for the oversight & enforcement of the Town's Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance.  The requirements of Soil Erosion & Sediment Controls are aimed to be protective of the Town's natural resources, wetlands and biodiversity.  Through conservation of soil management, the Engineer reviews building permit applications for erosion & sediment control need, along with stormwater runoff control requirements.  

The Town Engineer  also administers the Flood Plain Management Prorgam for the community and makes interpretations of the FEMA based community flood maps.  Provide engineering design, drafting (CAD), cost estimates, specifications and construction inspection for various Town projects. Reviews all zoning site plans in conformance with the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Provides inspections for all subdivisions & land developments requiring soil erosion & sediment control approval. Perform limited topographical surveys for Public Works related projects. Perform construction management on capital improvement projects assigned by the Town Manager. Develops Requests for Proposals (RFP) & bid documents for professional services & construction projects. Review plans for all road-opening permits on Local & State highways.

The Town Engineer manages the administration of the Sewer Authority Office, serving as Superintendent. Authorizes sewer connection permits & plan proposals. All sanitary sewer program related capital improvements planning, budgeting & implementation. Provides administrative oversight of the operations & maintenance contract for the Sewer Authority’s contract operations service vendor & serves as program director for the Sewer Authority’s plan review & inspection service professional consultant.

The Town Engineer also maintains compliance with RIDEM Phase II Stormwater Management Program, overseeing a host of stormwater related objectives, annual activities, regulations & annual reporting requirements. Please see our Community Storm Water Management Program link on the left pallet for more information.

The Town Engineer also administers the Streetlight Management Program for the community. All streetlight assets that are within the public right of ways & are operated by the Town are under the purview of this program. Please see the link on the left pallet for more information on the Community Streetlight Management Program & Responsible Outdoor Lighting requirements in the community.