Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

"Blue Tab" Project

When the Kickemuit River was closed to shellfishing in 2000 due to high fecal counts, the KRC organized a full-scale plan involving sampling and data collection to clean up the river. After discovering that homes were not connected to new sewer lines, KRC with the help of other organizations, started the “The Blue Tab Project” on a budget of $17,000.

The Project involved tracing blue dye from a homeowner's toilet to see if it was connected to the sewer line. More than 200 homes were tested for sewer connections, which resulted in many required tie-ins and ultimately cleaner shellfish and water.

Award Type: 
John H. Chafee Outstanding Conservation Project/Program
Award Year: 
2005