Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-15-10. Public nuisances--Abatement

(a) Any violation of any provision of this chapter, any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter, or any term or condition of any permit, shall constitute a public nuisance. Any person, municipality, municipal water department or agency, special water district, or private water company, committing a violation shall be liable for the costs of abatement of any pollution and any public nuisance caused by the violation. The superior court is hereby given jurisdiction over actions to recover the costs of the abatement.

(b) Any activity or condition declared by this chapter to be a nuisance or which is otherwise in violation of this chapter, shall be abatable in the manner provided by law or equity for the abatement of public nuisances. In addition, the water resources board may proceed in equity to abate nuisances or to restrain or prevent any violation of this chapter.