DNREC Announces New Law Streamlining Delaware’s Subaqueous Lands Permitting
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Water | Governor Matt Meyer | Newsroom | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Delawareans who need permits to build docks, install utility lines or undertake other work on Delaware’s submerged lands and tidal waters will see faster decisions and a clearer path though the approval process under a law signed last week by Gov. Matt Meyer.
DNREC Opens New Delaware Environmental Laboratory in Smyrna
Delaware Health and Social Services | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Public Health | Division of Water | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2026
DNREC today opened the new Delaware Environmental Laboratory near Smyrna, a state-of-the-art facility to test water quality, chemical contaminants including per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and to conduct molecular and microbiology. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson was joined for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by representatives of the state’s congressional delegation, state legislators, former DNREC cabinet secretaries and organizations that depend on the environmental lab for scientific analysis.
Governor Meyer Declares Statewide Drought Watch
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Water | Newsroom | Office of the Governor | State Fire Marshal | Date Posted: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer has issued a statewide drought watch after receiving guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC).
DNREC to Conduct Statewide Assessment of Wastewater Infrastructure in Manufactured Home Communities
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Water | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
DNREC has begun a statewide assessment of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure conditions in Delaware’s manufactured home communities (MHCs), aiming to assist them with wastewater and water challenges that have arisen through no fault of residents. Many MHCs are located in underserved communities with systems believed to be outdated, poorly maintained or in various stages of disrepair.
DNREC Expands Paid Summer Internship Program for College Students and Recent Graduates
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Air Quality | Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy | Division of Community Affairs | Division of Fish and Wildlife | Division of Parks and Recreation | Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances | Division of Water | Division of Watershed Stewardship | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
DNREC is again offering full-time, paid internships for college students and recent graduates. The internship program enters its third year with expanded opportunities in several areas. Up to 20 interns in various roles will be hired for positions that touch an array of environmental livelihoods, including: environmental finance, engineering and compliance, marketing communications, environmental research and education, community and volunteer engagement, water quality research and regulations, strategic planning, government administration, and data science and statistics.
