Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces a project is underway to improve a leaky waterline at Beavertail State Park.

Published on Tuesday, September 05, 2023

In 2022, the Jamestown Water Department alerted DEM to a high level of water usage in the park. The Beavertail Lighthouse complex and one occupied dwelling unit are the only facilities at the site using municipal water. The Town and DEM reviewed historical water usage and performed waterline assessments, determining that a large volume of water was being lost with no known cause. Because historic records were mostly unavailable for the existing water system, DEM decided that the most cost-effective solution would be to install a new waterline and leave the existing waterline in place. Work began on July 6 and is expected to be mostly complete around November 1. Site restoration work will be finished next spring. 

The total estimated cost of the project will be between $550,000 and $600,000. It is being financed through RI State Capital (RICAP) Funds. Crossman Engineering prepared construction plans and specifications to install the new waterline and “abandon-in-place” the existing waterline. RT Nunes & Sons is installing around 3,500 linear feet of new 4-inch water main, with appurtenant valves, fittings, hydrants, water meter pits, water service lines, and thrust blocks as specified in the plans. Work includes sedimentation, erosion, and dust control along with traffic control and traffic management along and across Beavertail Road, which the waterline crosses twice. 

DEM recently entered into an agreement as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) to take ownership of the Beavertail Lighthouse. The NHLPA directed the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to begin the process of transferring ownership of lighthouses that are no longer critical navigational tools, but retain historical significance, to entities that would care for them.  Under the law, nonprofits and local and state governments may apply for ownership and caretaking responsibilities of the former federal properties. DEM was recommended by the Department of the Interior and is expected to gain ownership of Beavertail Lighthouse and surrounding buildings in the coming months. 

DEM recognizes the importance of maintaining public properties to preserve access to important landscapes such as Beavertail State Park and historic landmarks such as Beavertail Lighthouse.