Coastal planners ready for sea-level rise

By the time today’s babies become elderly, scientists predict that climate change will cause local ocean waters to be at least 3 to 5 feet higher than they are now.

If that happens, South County’s popular barrier beaches will be rolled up against the northern shores of the salt ponds. The sidewalks in Providence’s Waterplace Park will be under water. And coastal salt marshes will be inundated.

This fall, the state agency that regulates coastal development in Rhode Island plans to become one of the first local regulatory agencies in the country to officially recognize the likelihood of sea-level rise and write policies and regulations to prepare for higher water.

The rising waters will require that new buildings in flood zones be constructed at higher elevations, says Grover Fugate, executive director of the Coastal Resources Management Council. He says there should also be changes in the state building code for coastal development and different rules for septic systems. Sewer outfalls and bridges may be affected.

“Climate change will have tremendous implications for us [in Rhode Island],” says Fugate. “Water temperature changes already are affecting the ecosystem. Last year, the shoreline erosion rate doubled to four feet in certain places.”

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