Gambling with Wildlife? Report Says New Casino Will Push More Deer Into Backyards

TIVERTON, RI—Save Tiverton, a citizens group concerned about the environmental impact of the new Twin River gambling casino, served notice this week it is not giving up the fight. The group hired its own scientists to assess the project and claims the impact on wildlife will be more serious than the developers have indicated. According to the Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. report, which Save Tiverton has sent to the town council president, the construction will push wildlife, especially deer, into residents' back yards.

"There is a solution to the inadequate information in the Habitat Assessment Report," wrote Karen Benson, Save Tiverton's attorney. "That would be to require a properly conducted comprehensive survey to assess impacts to wildlife habitat on the site. Only then will the Town Council have balanced the goals set forth in the CCP, which is to provide for economic growth while protecting the natural and cultural resources of this community."

Benson also has questioned if the findings of the Steere Engineering Report of March 6 have been addressed. That report found "multiple problems with the casino construction as the result of a site visit conducted on March 2." More than 10 problems with soil erosion and sedimentation control were listed.

"These are not mere technicalities," Benson wrote. "The report concludes that the applicant should restore the areas already disturbed, including restoration of wetland buffers and areas outside the limit of disturbance (“LOD”). Let me respectfully suggest that if the applicant has not already notified the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (“RIDEM”), they should be instructed to do so. Additionally, if RIDEM has not been on the site since construction commenced, a site visit with RIDEM scientists should be scheduled, as we believe the findings in the Steere report may be a permit violation."

She also cited other issues in her letter. A site visit is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m. The walk will cover William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road (Route 81) and will take place near Hurst Lane and Jefferson streets, according to the public meetings notice.

Per the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office open meetings announcements "this site walk is open to the public. The property is owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC. All participants will be required to sign a “Waiver And General Release Of Liability” form upon arrival. It is recommended that suitable dress and footwear be worn for inspecting the undeveloped property."