Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-6-8. Duty of department to remove obstructions

Whenever a wrecked, sunken or abandoned vessel, an abandoned hulk, hull, barge or pilings, or any unlawful or unauthorized structure or thing is deposited or suffered to be or remain in the tidewaters of this state, and in the judgment of the director of the department of environmental management is, or is liable to cause or become an obstruction to the safe and convenient use of the waters for navigation and other lawful purposes, it shall be the duty of the department of environmental management, and, the department shall have power, to remove the obstruction, or cause the obstruction to be removed, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.