Johnson’s Pond dam owner issued cease and desist notice by Department of Transportation

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — The owner and operator of the dam responsible for Johnson’s Pond was issued a cease and desist notice Wednesday by the state.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the letter to Soscia Holdings LLC. as the current water levels are not consistent with historic use.

The Department of Environmental Management has determined that the water levels at Flat River Reservoir are currently at a historic low for this time of the year, and not consistent with historic use,” reads a portion the notice.

“These low levels pose a threat to the wetlands surrounding the pond; the habitat, flora and fauna of the pond; and present a threat to recreational uses of the pond, such as fishing, boating, and swimming,” the notice continued.

According to the notice, Soscia Holdings has five days to respond to the notice or could face up to $1,000 fine per day for not properly maintaining the water levels.

The Department of Environmental Management’s involvement comes after Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill in June that an owner or operator of dam needs a permit to adjust water levels.

The department notes in the letter to Soscia that while the agency is finalizing regulations that the water levels in Johnson’s Pond must be “consistent with historic use.”

The spat between Soscia Holdings and those who use the pond has been ongoing for the past three years.

McKee is scheduled to host a ceremonial signing of the fore mentioned legislation Friday at the pond.