New proposed onsite regulations will require people building or expanding homes in Rhode Island’s Narrow River watersheds and South County salt ponds to use nitrogen-reducing advanced treatment systems. Replacements for failed systems on lots smaller than 20,000 square feet with potable wells face the same restriction.The cesspool act, starting June 1, will require homeowners to replace all failed cesspools, cess-pools used for commercial enterprises or multi-family dwellings, and cesspools within 200 feet of tidal water, public wells, or reservoirs. Of the estimated 50,000 cesspools in the state, about 3,000 must be replaced during the next five years. The law requires
