RI H7992

Urges the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to conduct a comprehensive scientific study on the environmental, ecological, water quality, invasive species, and public safety impacts of wake boats on the state's freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs

Rhode Island has 237 freshwater bodies covering approximately 18,845 acres, with 70% being 50 acres or less, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbance from wake boats

Wake boats use ballast systems adding 2,000-6,000 pounds of weight to generate waves 2-3 times higher than conventional boats, with wave energy 3-17 times greater, requiring 400-1,023 feet to dissipate

Study would analyze lake size, depth, shoreline characteristics, sediment composition, nutrient loading, and review regulatory models from other New England states

Urges DEM to develop regulations establishing limits, prohibitions, minimum depth requirements, and minimum shoreline setback distances for wake boat operation in Rhode Island