NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The State of Rhode Island has filed a lawsuit against Quidnessett Country Club, accusing the waterfront golf club of refusing to remove a large rock seawall that officials say was illegally built along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay.
The lawsuit was filed by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. State officials claim the country club built the seawall without the permits required for construction in a protected coastal area.
According to the complaint, the seawall stretches roughly 600 feet near the club’s 14th hole. Regulators say the structure was built using large rocks and fill material in an environmentally sensitive shoreline area.
State officials said they first became aware of the seawall in 2023 after receiving complaints about unauthorized construction work at the property. Investigators with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council later determined the wall violated state coastal regulations.
The seawall at the center of the lawsuit against Quidnesset C.C Photo: RI Attorney General’s Office
The lawsuit argues the seawall damaged shoreline vegetation, disrupted coastal habitats, and interfered with public shoreline access along Narragansett Bay. Officials are asking the court to order the seawall removed and require restoration of the affected area.
The legal fight between the country club and state regulators has been ongoing for more than two years. During that time, the Coastal Resources Management Council issued cease-and-desist orders, fines, and enforcement actions tied to the project.
Quidnessett Country Club has challenged several of those rulings in court instead of removing the seawall. Earlier this year, the CRMC filed a separate action seeking a judge’s order forcing removal of the structure.
Environmental groups, including Save The Bay, have also criticized the seawall and called for stronger enforcement of Rhode Island coastal protection laws.
Attorney General Neronha said the state will continue pursuing action against companies and property owners that violate environmental regulations along Rhode Island’s shoreline.
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