Gov. McKee signs legislation protecting water levels in Johnson’s Pond

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation this week giving the Department of Environmental Management the authority to control water levels of Rhode Island’s ponds and dams.

Residents around Johnson’s Pond in Coventry have fought for years over their frustrations about the dam’s water levels.

Jon Pascua, board member of the Johnson’s Pond Civic Association and town council candidate, has lived on the pond for 12 years.

“We’ve been defending the town, the homeowners, and everybody to keep these water levels up,” Pascua told ABC6.

He said the pond’s water levels have been erratic, and have effected boating, wildlife, brought bacteria, and is a risk to public safety.

The low levels have led to controversy since 2019 when the dam, and 50 acres behind it, was bought by members of a private company, Soscia Holdings LLC.

The new ownership then received control of waterflow rights.

Back in April, homeowners testified at a Senate hearing in favor of the bill that would allow the Department of Environmental Management the ability to control water levels.

This week, McKee signed a legislation requiring owners of any dam with more than 1,400 acres of storage capacity to get a permit from the Department of Environmental Management before adjusting water levels.

“This bill is important because it’s going to protect our water levels.”

The governor will attend the ceremonial signing of the legislation Friday.

ABC 6 News has reached out to the attorney for Soscia Holdings but have not yet heard back.