The battle over wastewater between Woonsocket and North Smithfield
Publication date: 17 March 2021
Issue publication date: 30 April 2021
Abstract
Research methodology
This case study draws on interviews conducted with officials from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), City of Woonsocket and Town of North Smithfield. Additionally, it pulls from relevant legal documents, recordings and minutes from meetings of the Woonsocket City Council and North Smithfield Town Council, City Council resolutions, state legislation and local press coverage.
Case overview/synopsis
From 2012–2017, the communities of Woonsocket and North Smithfield engaged in a protracted dispute concerning wastewater disposal. For 30 years, the two jurisdictions had maintained a signed service agreement. Following its expiration; however, Woonsocket imposed a new host fee on North Smithfield. Woonsocket needed to upgrade the facility to comply with mandates from the RI DEM. Over the next five years, leaders from both jurisdictions vociferously fought over the new fee. At the same time, leaders within communities experienced their own divisions. This case study highlights the challenges that decision-makers faced in both communities.
Complexity academic level
This case is appropriate for graduate and executive level courses in environmental policy, communication and leadership.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful for the support of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University.Disclaimer. This case is intended to be used as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. The case was compiled from published sources.
Citation
Prosky, M.S. (2021), "The battle over wastewater between Woonsocket and North Smithfield", , Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 22-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-02-2020-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited