Public safety and environmental health depend on the consistent enforcement of local ordinances. However, recent history in North Smithfield reveals a pattern of "limited recourse," delayed enforcement, and legislative exemptions that favor industrial expansion over resident protection. This page serves as a public record of business compliance and town oversight.
North Smithfield Business Regulation
Air Pollution, Cyanide Leak, Water Overlay District
2020 Policy Shift: The Town Council amended the Water Supply Overlay District—designed to protect major aquifers and drinking water—to specifically exempt industrial and commercial areas. This move stripped the town of vital regulatory power over high-risk sites.
2022 Expansion Controversy: MST requested a 23,000-square-foot expansion on a property with wetlands. RIDEM documents revealed MST had a history of air pollution violations and fines. The planning committee denied the companies request, however a Superior Court Judge ruled that the town’s then-current ordinances lacked the authority to deny the request.
2025 Chemical Emergency: In May 2025, a leak from a 200-gallon tank of silver cyanide forced an immediate evacuation of MST employees, highlighting the inherent risks of the facility’s operations.
July 2025 Approval: The Planning Board officially approved the warehouse construction after the company agreed to an 1,800-foot waterline extension to local residents.
North Smithfield Tree Service (Mechanic St.)
March 2025 Investigation: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) began investigating the Mechanic Street property for violating laws regarding wetland and forest conservation. The business was also found to be operating without proper zoning permits.
Town Response Lag: Despite the state-level investigation starting in March, North Smithfield officials did not contact the property owner until September.
December 2025 Status: A formal notice of violation was finally issued by the town in December, nine months after the initial environmental concerns were raised.
December 2025 Complaints: Residents reported that the facility had become a public nuisance, expanding beyond its property borders, blocking traffic, and operating outside of legal business hours.
The "Continuation" Cycle: Building Inspector Leo Cote confirmed multiple notices had been issued, yet violations continued. The Town Council granted the business a series of two-week "continuations" to seek compliance rather than imposing strict penalties.
January 2026 Admission: The Town Council publicly discussed the fact that current town ordinances offer "limited recourse" against businesses that present significant health and safety risks. As of January, the issue remains unresolved.
HT Auto Junk Yard
The "limited recourse" cited by our officials is a direct result of past legislative choices. We deserve a government that prioritizes the safety of our air and water over industrial convenience.
How You Can Help:
Email the Council: Demand the Town Council review and update ordinances to hold business accountable
Share the Record: Ensure your neighbors are informed before the next election.
Vote: In November, cast your vote for candidates who will modernize our ordinances to give the town real recourse against public nuisances and environmental risks.