DEM Environmental Police, RI State Fire Marshall Bomb Squad, West Marine Hosting Free Expired Safety Flare Collection Events for Boaters

DEM Environmental Police, RI State Fire Marshall Bomb Squad, West Marine Hosting Free Expired Safety Flare Collection Events for Boaters

Published on Thursday, April 11, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI - Environmental Police Officers from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement(DLE) are once again partnering with RI State Fire Marshal's Bomb Squadand West Marineto host three expired safety flare collection eventsthis year. Boaters may bring their expired flares to West Marine locations throughout the state for free proper disposal. Boaters can also purchase new flares at a discount, courtesy of West Marine. The collection events are listed below:

When: Saturday, April 20, from 9 AM to 3 PM
Where: West Marine, 379 W Main Rd, Middletown

When: Sunday, April 27, from 9 AM to 3 PM
Where: West Marine, 399 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick

When: Saturday, May 4, from 9 AM to 3 PM
Where: West Marine, 91 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett

"Properly disposing expired safety flares is a tangible way for RI boaters to protect the environment, safeguard health, and stay compliant with EPA regulations," said Environmental Police Officer Anthony Esposito. "Each year, these collection events made possible through our partnership with the Bomb Squad and West Marine help reduce water contamination, harm to aquatic life, exposure to harmful chemicals, and the regulatory fines that come with improper flare disposal."

The collection events will also feature DLE's popup displays, including an educational trailer with seized poaching items. Environmental Police Officers will be available to answer all attendees' questions. DLE's mission is to protect natural resources, public health, and public safety by ensuring compliance with all environmental conservation laws through law enforcement and education, including Rhode Island's marine safety laws and regulations. These events are part of DEM's Strategic Planto promote our state's natural resources and communicate DEM's mission, programs, and goals to engage with the public we serve.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.