Section 250-RICR-20-00-3.1 - PurposeA. The purpose of these Guidelines is to describe the general procedures for administrative inspections undertaken by employees of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (herein after referred to as "DEM" or the "Department"). These Guidelines are promulgated to balance the State's interests in protecting the environment and enforcing environmental laws and regulations with reasonable private property interests guaranteed by the Federal and State Constitutions and to promote awareness of DEM regulations involving private property. More specifically, these Guidelines: 1. explain expectations of privacy recognized and protected by law;2. explain the reasons for and degree of urgency associated with different types of inspections;3. explain how inspections of private property must be conducted to ensure that the rights and legitimate privacy expectations of the owners and occupants are protected;4. promote public awareness of DEM programs; and5. explain some of DEM's duties and responsibilities under state law and regulations.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-20-00-3.1