Owners of Johnson’s Pond face over $200,000 in fines

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — Owners of Johnson’s Pond are now facing more than $200,000 in fines from the Department of Environmental Management.

On June 6, the Department of Environmental Management issued a notice of violation to Soscia Holdings LLC, alleging violations for failure to comply with the Dam Operation Act, the Freshwater Wetlands Act and Rules, Water Quality, and Dam Operation Permit rules.

Back in 2022, the owner and operator of the dam responsible for Johnson’s Pond was issued a cease and desist notice, as water levels were not consistent with historic use.

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

In a statement, Program Services Officer for Public Affairs, Evan LaCross, said that DEM has ordered Soscia Holdings LLC to apply for a Dam Operation Permit to raise or lower the water levels, or face a penalty of $217,000 for the violations alleged.

Soscia Holdings LLC has 20 days from receipt of the violation to request an administrative hearing regarding the alleged violations, assessed administrative penalty, and order.

The town of Coventry has released discussed taking back the pond in order to keep up with the pond’s maintenance and redevelopment.