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Council narrows Rhode Island Energy noise‑exemption request: weekday hours expanded to 7 a.m.‑7 p.m.; weekend rules unchanged
Summary
After a public hearing on a transmission‑line reconstruction, the North Smithfield Town Council voted to advise that Rhode Island Energy may work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the project but left current weekend limits (Saturday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., no Sunday work) in place; the council’s recommendation is advisory to the Energy Facility Siting Board.
The North Smithfield Town Council held a public hearing on Rhode Island Energy’s request for a construction noise exemption for a transmission‑line rebuild that crosses town and voted to grant a narrowed, advisory relief: weekdays may be extended to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the project, while current weekend restrictions (Saturday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; no Sunday or holiday work unless for emergencies) remain in effect.
Company representatives (Robinson & Cole attorney George Watson and a project engineer) described the work as a phased rebuild of an existing line (roughly 74 pole locations) to replace aging wood poles with weathered steel, add a second circuit for reliability, and expand an existing substation bay. The company asked for a blanket construction-hour exemption for the length of the project to allow flexibility for outages and certain pours or outages that must occur in limited seasonal windows.
Public commenters, including abutters, expressed concern about weekend work, noise and the use of bright lights during darker months. One abutter, who said his 22‑acre property is under conservation contract, urged the council not to permit weekend work because it would violate his quiet enjoyment. Others asked whether exemptions could be limited geographically (e.g., non‑residential areas only); councilors noted the council’s advisory role to the state Energy Facility Siting Board and that conditions may be attached in the town’s advisory opinion.
A motion that the council would authorize weekday hours of 7 a.m.–7 p.m. for the project while retaining the existing weekend restrictions passed on a roll call with one recorded no vote. Council members also agreed to notify abutters and the public of the schedule and suggested the company coordinate direct outreach and updates.
The council’s vote is advisory to the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board, which retains final authority to grant statewide exemptions. The company representatives said they will pursue the necessary permitting at the state level and provide local outreach to neighbors through RDW.
