DNREC updates information on nitrate levels found in water at private residences near Mountaire Farms’ Millsboro poultry plant

MILLSBORO – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working with the Delaware Division of Public Health to sample water from wells at private residences in the vicinity of Mountaire Farms’ Millsboro poultry processing plant that was recently cited by DNREC for wastewater violations involving excessive levels of nitrates. Water in several recently-sampled wells was found to contain nitrates in exceedance of the national drinking water standard of 10 milligrams per liter (10mg/L).

After the wells at several residences in an area neighboring the plant and its spray irrigation fields returned high levels of nitrates in their drinking water, Mountaire at DNREC’s recommendation today began providing bottled water to the affected residences.

Mountaire also agreed to provide bottled water and possibly other water treatment to other areas of concern surrounding the plant that have the potential to be impacted by nitrate contamination. A number of residences nearer the plant already are receiving bottled water from the company.

DNREC also is continuing to work with the Division of Public Health’s Office of Drinking Water to expand sampling of private wells at residences that may be affected by nitrates from the Mountaire plant’s wastewater discharge.

Media contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 47, No. 355

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Carney, First Lady to Host Holiday Open House at Woodburn

Holiday Open House at Woodburn on Satuday, December 2.

DOVER, Del. – On Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will host a holiday open house at Woodburn, the Governor’s Residence. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Governor and First Lady, tour Woodburn and Hall House, view holiday decorations, and enjoy holiday treats. The event is free and open to the public.

WHAT:        Holiday open house and tours at Woodburn.

WHO:          Governor John Carney

First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney

WHEN:       Saturday, December 2, 2017

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. *Governor Carney will arrive around 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:    Woodburn

151 Kings Highway Southwest

Dover, DE 19901

 

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The Woodburn Holiday Open House is one of several events taking place in Dover on Saturday, December 2:

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Delaware’s State Constitution.”
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Guided tours explore the Delaware State Constitution of 1792 which changed the Delaware State to the State of Delaware. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: A Country Tale”
Program at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Museum open 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Program, “Play That Old-Time Country Music,” explores Victor Records’ early recordings of country music, accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of a series celebrating the museum’s creation in 1967. First Saturday in the First State program. Programs held in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required for the programs by calling 302-739-3262. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays”
Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Seasonal program in which visitors can design a tile for the holidays. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Home for the Holidays Market Place & Parade”
3 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Loockerman Way Plaza, Dover.
Click here for more information from the Downtown Dover Partnership.


Governor Carney Orders Flags Lowered for former Rep. John Van Sant

Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday morning, December 1 to mark the passing of former Delaware Representative John Van Sant. Mr. Van Sant served the people of the Thirteenth District in the Delaware House of Representatives for twenty four years. During his time in the House, Mr. Van Sant served as House Minority Whip and also served on the Joint Finance Committee.

Flags are to be returned to full staff Monday morning, December 4.


Delaware Offshore Wind Working Group to hold Dec. 5 public workshop in Lewes in conjunction with DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate

DOVER – In conjunction with DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate, Delaware’s Offshore Wind Working Group will host a public workshop Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Sussex County for input about the potential for offshore wind energy and the ways that it might benefit the state. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958.

As with a workshop held Nov. 29 in Odessa, the Lewes workshop will begin with a briefing on the status of the Offshore Wind Working Group, which was established by Governor John Carney’s Executive Order 13 in August. Representatives from the US Wind and Deepwater Wind companies will then give a presentation on projects approved earlier this year by the Maryland Public Service Commission, and the prospects for new offshore wind projects that might provide economic opportunities and energy benefits to Delaware. The public will then be invited to comment on these projects in an open forum.

The Offshore Wind Working Group began meeting in October, and by Dec. 15 the group must submit a report to the Governor with recommendations on short- and long-term strategies for developing wind power to serve Delaware, and plans to develop job opportunities in the offshore wind industry.

All Offshore Wind Working Group meetings are open to the public and are posted on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar. Briefing materials, public comments, and additional resources can be found at de.gov/offshorewind.

For more information or to submit written comment, please contact Tom Noyes, Division of Energy & Climate, by emailing Thomas.Noyes@delaware.gov or calling 302-735-3480.

Vol. 47, No. 254

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.


Book Club for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

4 people in a book clubThe Delaware Libraries Inspiration Space announces a new initiative to enable small business owners to expand their knowledge with the latest ideas from the business world’s thought leaders. A Book Club for Entrepreneurs will launch at the Lewes Public Library on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at noon.

Small business owners will have the opportunity to learn about the latest concepts in entrepreneurship from books and each other. In addition to discussing the content of the selected book, participants can share their relevant experiences with the group and explore related ideas.

The book club will be self-managed and will select the best day and time for future meetings. Each member will have the opportunity to select a book and lead the monthly meeting. The selected books will be made available in a variety of formats through the Delaware Library Catalog.

Like all Delaware library programs, participation is free.

Register at http://tinyurl.com/bizbookclubjan9lewes. The January book selection and other details will be provided to registrants via email.