DOVER – To help Delaware’s schools, businesses and institutions start recycling programs or expand programs already in place, DNREC is once again offering the Universal Recycling Grants and Low Interest Loan Program – with up to $1 million in funding available this year for successful grant proposals.

Recycling Refrigerator Magnet – Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loans webpage

DNREC, in collaboration with the Recycling Public Advisory Council (RPAC), is placing emphasis on:

• Distribution of preapproved recycling instructional information to influence positive recycling behaviors at the point where recyclable material is generated and disposed of (e.g. kitchen, office, workplace, recycling bin, cart, dumpster);
• Recycling outreach – which covers recycling advertising, education, and related initiatives;
• School or university recycling programs;
• Source-separated food waste recycling infrastructure development, and
• Business, non-profit, community organization, or local government recycling programs

Everything listed above encompasses the various projects and expenses that may be funded by the University Recycling Grants and Low Interest Loan Program – as could other projects that fall outside of recycling priority areas. Creativity is encouraged when applying and all eligible applications will be given consideration to the extent that recycling grant and loan program resources allow. RPAC and DNREC’s recycling program stress that applicants for grants and low-interest loans do not need to be a recycling expert to put forward a recycling grant project.

Governor Jack Markell said DNREC’s recycling grant and low interest loan program is a key component in continuing to drive momentum for Universal Recycling in Delaware. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve achieved in making recycling accessible and practical,” Gov. Markell said. “That experience has shown that we can cost-effectively reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfills and be good stewards of our environment while promoting economic growth, and it’s important that we continue to build on that effort.”

“DNREC’s grant and loan program is again geared toward helping schools and businesses save money and reduce their environmental footprint by recycling in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We want the grants to help businesses and organizations double the recycling rate across the commercial sector and achieve statewide goals for Universal Recycling championed by Governor Markell. We’re now closer to another goal – of every Delawarean having access to recycling at home, at work, at school and making recycling a way of life in the First State.”

DNREC is announcing two grant opportunities for 2016 which will be the seventh and eighth rounds of Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan offerings since the program started in 2011. The first opportunity to apply for funding runs through June 22 (Cycle 7). The second opportunity to apply runs Aug. 17 through Nov. 2 (Cycle 8). Cycle 7 grant and loan awards are expected to be announced in August, Cycle 8 awards in December.

Application forms and a guidance document are available at dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/Pages/RecyclingGrants.aspx, or via Delaware’s recycling website at recycling.delaware.gov. Applicants are advised to read the guidance document prior to submitting their applications. Though most applicants request grant funding, low-interest loans are also available. Grant applicants who may be partially awarded are also eligible for loans to supplement their project costs.

The Universal Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan Program was created by the state’s Universal Recycling Law. The law provides a framework to ensure recycling services in Delaware are effective and easily accessible. Commercial sector entities are expected to be actively participating in recycling programs. The commercial sector includes any for-profit or not-for profit retail or wholesale stores, offices, food service establishments, warehouses, and other manufacturing, industrial or processing activities, and institutions such as social, charitable, educational, health care, professional and government services.

Schools, business owners, and institution managers are encouraged to learn about the growing recycling opportunities in Delaware. Recycling can be economically beneficial when organizations reduce their disposal costs. To learn more about requirements, grant funding, commercial recycling toolkits, recycling grant opportunities and more, please visit recycling.delaware.gov or call 302-739-9403, ext. 8.

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

Vol. 46, No. 109

DOVER – With spring flowers popping up and trees budding as winter’s chills subside, spring cleaning and home improvement projects are probably close to foremost on your mind. While you’re cleaning out closets, tidying storage areas and getting into those often-forgotten crevices of your home, the Delaware Division of Energy & Climate suggests some easy home improvement projects and everyday actions that will make your home more energy efficient. Making home updates while the weather is nice will help you use less energy and save more money now and in the months ahead.

Home:

• Remember that drafty window or door? Add weatherstripping or apply caulk to cracks to keep air conditioning in this summer and chills out next winter.
• Check window and door screens for needed repairs so you can enjoy the fresh spring air.
• Add insulation in attics, basements, crawl spaces and other areas to keep your home’s temperature regulated through seasonal ups and downs.
• Check to make sure your water heater and hot water pipes are well-insulated; if not, add pipe insulation or wrap-around insulation. Turn down the temperature on the water heater by 10 degrees (but no lower than 120 degrees) to avoid using excess energy by over-heating water.
• To save water and the cost of heating it, install flow-restrictors on faucets and shower heads.
• Weary from high winter energy costs? Consider replacing your old hot water heater or furnace with a more energy efficient model.
• No central AC? Replace that wheezing old window air conditioner with a more efficient energy-saving unit.
• Replace air filters and have your furnace or other primary HVAC unit cleaned and/or serviced for maximum efficiency and reliability.
• Add a programmable thermostat to your home’s HVAC system. You can set and forget it, so the thermostat will automatically adjust itself throughout the day. This way, you’re not heating/cooling an empty house when no one is home.
• Ceiling fans are a great addition to circulate air and keep cool, with or without AC.

Appliances:

• To reduce energy usage inside your home, turn off or unplug any appliances, electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use, and encourage family members to turn off lights when everyone leaves a room.
• When using the oven, plan to cook three or four items at a time for the same energy cost as one.
• Set your refrigerator at 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 10 degrees. Keep your freezer full, and try to cut down on how frequently you open refrigerator and freezer doors (the food is the same as it was last time you checked!)
• Run the washing machine or dishwasher only with full loads, and use warm water to wash and cold to rinse.
• Use the dryer only for full loads, and separate loads into heavy and lightweight items to avoid using the machine longer than necessary to dry each type. Dry loads directly one after the other; once the dryer is warm, it requires less initial energy to start up another load.
• Use a clothesline to hang laundry outside in dry weather. Use a drying rack inside for small or delicate items, or in bad weather.
• When purchasing new or replacing older appliances (heaters, refrigerators, etc.), look for the Energy Star rating or Energy Guide label. These appliances are verified energy-savers and could yield lower electricity costs to run.

Simple tips for family comfort:

• For cool spring nights, stay comfortable by putting on a sweater or warmer socks, and keep throws or blankets on the couch and in family rooms instead of turning up the heat.
• On warm days or nights, open windows to catch a breeze instead of turning on the AC. You’ll bring a breath of fresh air into your home and save energy.
• Pull shades or curtains at night to help keep cold out and open them during the day to let sun in.

Auto:

Warmer, longer days also mean more time out and about, so don’t forget energy-saving habits for transportation!

• On warm days, open car windows to the fresh spring air instead of using the air conditioner.
• For better fuel economy, use your air conditioner only when absolutely necessary, and set the temperature higher and the blower lower for comfort.
• Save fuel through mindful driving habits: accelerate from stops slowly, drive at moderate, steady speeds, and avoid unnecessary braking by coasting to red lights and anticipating traffic speed changes.
• Avoid idling as much as possible. Idling wastes fuel and significantly contributes to air pollution.
• To save gas (and time), plan errands in a circular route starting and ending at home instead of traveling in random directions or making several trips.
• Plan for errands during the week, such as picking up grocery items along the route you take home from work or school.
• Combine car trips with family, friends or neighbors; join a carpool or use public transportation if available.
• Smaller cars with smaller engines typically get better fuel mileage, so if you have more than one vehicle, research the average fuel efficiency of each and use the most efficient one most frequently.
• Looking to purchase or lease a new vehicle? Electric and alternative fuel vehicles are cleaner, cheaper to fuel, and often require less maintenance than gasoline cars. The Division of Energy & Climate offers rebates to purchasers or leasees of these vehicles in Delaware, and other manufacturer rebates and federal tax credits may be available. For more information on clean vehicle rebates, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

For more information on the Division of Energy & Climate and its programs, including the online Energy Savers Guide, visit dnrec.delaware.gov/energy or call 302-735-3480.

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

Vol. 46, No. 121

Reminder for the week: Keeping striped bass from spawning grounds during spawning season unlawful

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between March 28-April 3 made 1,054 contacts with anglers, boaters, hunters and the general public, including 44 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 24 complaints and issued seven citations, two of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

An incident of note:

• On April 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Shaikeil O. Young, 22, of Georgetown, for one count of possession of river herring during a closed season at Concord Pond near Seaford. Young was issued a $107 fine, including court costs.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Operating a vehicle off established roads on a state wildlife area (1)*, and littering in a state wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (4), and possession of river herring during a closed season (1).

* Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police reminds recreational anglers that during spawning season for striped bass in Delaware, which continues through midnight on May 31, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C&D Canal, or the C&D Canal or its tributaries. Anglers are required to practice catch and release fishing during this season with no harvest allowed in these areas.

In addition, regulations require anglers fishing with natural bait on any striped bass spawning ground during the closed spawning season to use a non-offset circle hook. The Division of Fish & Wildlife recommends that circle hooks always be used when fishing natural baits because of their proven ability to reduce catch-and-release mortality for striped bass and other fish species. The circle hook’s design usually results in fish being hooked in the mouth, simplifying hook removal and reducing injury to the released fish.

Also, as fish begin entering the spillways this spring, anglers are reminded that using any type of net to catch fish in tidal water within 300 feet below a dam or spillway is illegal, with the exception of using a landing net on a fish caught with hook and line.

Most anglers are required to have a Delaware fishing license. Licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and from license agents throughout the state.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Media Contacts: Cpl. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 115

DOVER – DNREC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold an open house from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday April 20 at the Carlisle Fire Company Hall, 615 NW Front St, Milford, DE 19963 to inform the public about new preliminary flood risk maps for parts of Kent and Sussex Counties.

The public is encouraged to attend the open house to learn about proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) changes and how the changes may affect their property. Maps showing portions of Kent and Sussex Counties impacted by these floodplain map changes can be viewed here: dnrec.delaware.gov/swc/drainage/pages/flooding.aspx

Over the past 10 years, DNREC’s Watershed Stewardship Section has partnered with FEMA to improve the accuracy of flood risk maps statewide through a Cooperating Technical Partnership. New preliminary flood risk maps for portions of Kent and Sussex Counties were released in February. Those maps can also be found at maps.riskmap3.com/DE/Kent2016PMR or maps.riskmap3.com/DE/Sussex2016PMR.

“Hydrologic studies that determine water flows, base flood elevations and accurate floodplain boundaries were performed by DNREC on about 200 miles of waterways in western Sussex and southwestern Kent Counties. With these results, base flood elevations for many areas are now shown on FEMA’s maps for the first time, providing property owners with more detailed and accurate flood risk assessments,” said Michael Powell, flood program manager for DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship.

FEMA’s flood risk maps are used by insurance companies to establish insurance rates and by local communities to enforce local floodplain codes. Many communities have recently amended local codes to adopt higher floodplain development standards, in conjunction with the release of the new flood risk maps. Several of these higher standards, such as first floor freeboard (building living space to a margin of safety above predicted flood levels), limiting development in floodplains and flood resistant foundation designs, were recommended by the Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee which formed in 2011 through Senate Bill 64 to support more effective floodplain management standards.

“Many of these higher standards – especially at least 18 inches of freeboard and siting new buildings away from high risk floodplains – can result in drastically lower flood insurance premiums due to the lower flood risk for buildings built this way.” Powell added.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available to local property owners. Mortgage lenders require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated special flood hazard area to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage loan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

While standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage incurred by flooding, all property owners can purchase flood insurance. Homeowners interested in how the proposed changes could impact the cost of their flood insurance premium should contact their insurance agent.

For information on the flood risk maps, contact Greg Williams or Michael Powell, DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship at (302) 739-9921. For information on the DNREC’s flood mitigation program, visit DNREC’s website at dnrec.delaware.gov/swc/Drainage/Pages/Flooding.aspx.

Media Contact: Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol., 46, No. 116

NEWARK – Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research today released back into the wild a third bald eagle rehabilitated by the Delaware-based organization and DNREC conservation partner following an incident – cause or causes still not known – that also resulted in the deaths of five eagles March 19-20 near Dagsboro in Sussex County.

The bald eagle released today near Tri-State’s facilities was a second immature female captured, rehabilitated, and then set free after Tri-State determined that she need not be returned to territorial haunts in Sussex County. A third bird released after regaining its health from the March incident, a mature female, was taken back to the area she and the other eagles inhabited when they were found disoriented.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service agents and DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are still not commenting on what may have caused the deaths of the five eagles – all of which were sent late last month to the USFWS forensics lab in Ashland, Ore. for testing.

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

Vol. 46, No. 117