Environmental Implications of Known & Suspected Contamination
- Background Geology
Soil:
- Top 1-2 inches: Topsoil
- Underlying layer of granular urban fill, i.e. brick and concrete
- Underlying ash layer from industrial history
- Bedrock: arenite, lithanite, shale, conglomerate and some anthracite
Groundwater:
The groundwater table occurs at depth of five and nine feet, with water flow to the east into the Providence River. , , The water table rises and falls “dramatically” with drought, precipitation events and tidal fluctuations.
Neighboring surface water:
RIDEM classifies the Providence River under Surface Water Use Classification SB1 {a}, meaning that it is saline water for primary and secondary contact recreational activities and wildlife habitat. It is suitable for aquacultural uses, navigation and industrial cooling uses. Its aesthetic value is also recognized.
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