RIDEM issues response to suit filed over water levels on Johnson’s Pond

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said Friday that they were formally served with the lawsuit filed in federal court by Soscia Holdings LLC.

In a tweet, DEM said that the Attorney’s General Office will be representing the state in the case.

“The lawsuit does not change DEM’s position that we expect Soscia Holdings to abide by the cease and desist order DEM issued on July 13 that requires they adjust water levels in the pond, which are currently at historic lows. Johnson’s Pond is an important community asset,” DEM tweeted out.

Earlier this week, attorneys for Soscia Holdings filed the suit arguing the cease and desist order interferes with their operations of the dam that control water flow into Johnson’s Pond.

This comes after Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill that requires dam owners to get a permit to adjust water levels.