DOVER – A new DNREC YouTube Channel video about the redevelopment of the old National Vulcanized Fiber mill in Yorklyn shows how far the remediation of the site has come – and how much remains before it becomes the centerpiece of a model public and private venture environmentally transformed and repurposed as commercial, residential and community space.
In the video, DNREC Environmental Scientist John Cargill narrates a tour of the chemicals NVF released into the environment or left behind in mill processing equipment at a facility that made vulcanized paper product for more than 100 years before going out of business in the late 2000s. DNREC’s Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances’ Site Investigation & Restoration Section is spearheading the cleanup and expects it to be largely completed by the end of year as the Yorklyn site nears destination status with an attractive array of amenities including a brewery, equestrian center and proposed amphitheater as summer home of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra.
At a DNREC event April 18 at the NVF site, dignitaries including Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary David Small were joined by business developers, environmental groups, and members of the community in announcing revitalization milestones there. The event also highlighted (as does the new video) site remediation including toxics removal and flood mitigation – along with the newest amenities in Yorklyn and plans for continued redevelopment. More than $5 million in state funds – along with $1.6 million from FEMA for property acquisition, building demolition and site restoration of an office building, and $426,000 from EPA for asbestos removal – so far have gone into the site’s remediation.
Media Contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Vol. 46, No. 144