DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and the office of Environmental Finance are now accepting project proposals from state, county and municipal governments and governmental subdivisions for matching grants for wastewater and surface water project planning. Proposals must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.), Thursday, Aug. 4.

Eligible projects include planning, preliminary engineering and feasibility analysis of: wastewater projects; stormwater retrofits; green technology practices; stream and wetland restoration projects; small watershed studies; master surface water and drainage plans; and other source water pollution control projects.

Grant applications of up to $50,000 will be considered with a 1:1 cash match requirement. Up to 10 percent of the grant funds may be used for administrative costs. There is an annual cumulative grant award cap of $100,000 per successful applicant per fiscal year.

The Wastewater and Surface Water Matching Planning Grant programs are set-asides in the State’s Clean Water Revolving Fund. Projects will be recommended for funding by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council through a competitive grant process. New for this grant cycle are insurance requirements of the grant recipient.

For a Wastewater Matching Planning Grant, the project guidelines and the application can be found online by clicking Wastewater Matching Planning Grant. Proposals must be submitted by email (less than 10 megabytes) to Greg.Pope@delaware.gov.

For a Surface Water Matching Planning Grant, the project guidelines and the application can be found online at Surface Water Matching Planning Grant. Proposals must be submitted by email (less than 10 MB) to James.Sullivan@delaware.gov.

For more information, please contact Greg Pope, DNREC Environmental Finance, at 302-739-9941 or Jim Sullivan, Division of Watershed Stewardship, at 302-739-9922.

Contact: Melanie H. Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902                      

Vol. 46, No. 245

DOVER – Rain barrels that won distinction from DNREC for the artists whose creativity went into them in the Division of Watershed Stewardship’s Rain Barrel Painting Contest have been announced, and are now on display at the Delaware Agricultural Museum – preeminent among them this year’s grand prize-winning entry in the adult division by Nathan Zimmerman.

DNREC sponsors the rain barrel painting contest and a youth competition annually to educate the community on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality. Twenty participants were chosen to give their artistic touch to the contest based on their applications, design ideas and site placements for their barrels. Individuals or teams chosen to participate in the contest each received a fully-assembled, primed 55-gallon plastic barrel, topcoat and bubble wrap; the artists supplied their own paint, brushes and other materials or tools. They were given five weeks to finish their artistry and submit final photographs and information about their work, as well as a short biography of themselves.

Nathan Zimmerman’s grand-prize winner, “Early to Rise at Sundown,” depicting a barred owl perched over water (adjacent photo) will be on display at the DNREC building during the Delaware State Fair and finally will be in use at Woodburn, the Governor’s Residence in Dover. Mr. Zimmerman, an artist from Milton, also provided narrative about his winning rain barrel: “Often heard caterwauling from the tree tops, the barred owl is a resident of treed swamps and mature forests and is the perfect embodiment of a watershed warrior. Whether while working at Trap Pond State Park or hunting along Bundicks Branch the barred owl has always put a smile on my face when the ‘noise’ starts. The background was inspired by the countless sunsets I’ve watched while hunting in the marshes along the Broadkill River.”

Other finalists included:

• Artist: Diane Buckingham
  Title: “Holding the Key.”
  Description: “My design illustrates the flow of water through all of earth’s Biosystems, the interconnectedness and interdependency of all life on water, with man ultimately holding the key to its health or detriment.”
• Artist: Lynn Patrice Farina
  Title: “Butterflies and Flowers”
  Description: “I painted my rain barrel depicting Delaware native plants and butterflies. I painted watering cans on the rain barrel to show how a rain barrel can be used to water plants in an economic and environmentally friendly way. Native flowers painted on the rain barrel include: Awned Meadow Beauty, Swamp Rose Mallow, Nodding Bur Marrigold, Trumpet Creeper, Cardinal Flower and Showy Aster. Native butterflies painted on the rain barrel include: Viceroy, Kings Hairstreaks, Clouded Sulpher, and Orangetips.
• Artist: Bruce McKinney
  Title: “Sweetwater”
  Description: “The title of this year’s rain barrel ‘Sweetwater’ is a simplistic entry for what else? – a rain barrel. It represents the needs for humans to incorporate this system in your home or business for wildlife. According to the National Wildlife Federation, humans extract water from the ground and as a result, the water table may drop, damaging habitats miles away. Here it is represented by a raccoon in your empty rain barrel in search of water.”
• Artist: Donna Reed
  Title: “Playing in the Rain”
  Description: “Playing in the Rain evokes the joys of childhood and an innocent appreciation of nature. Featuring two children splashing puddles in a field of flowers; this barrel was painted in the rain to help blend the colors and cause the drips to run down. Rain water was used to thin the paints. Eight rain poems were written by Wilson School students as part of a poetry unit and in support of our school garden.”

In the youth division five finalists have been chosen from online voting, with the Grand Prize winner to be voted on and announced at the Delaware State Fair. Youth finalists included:

• Delmarva Christian School – (Sophia Birl, Savannah Stewart, Chloe Wilson)
  Title: “Reign of the Sea”
  Description: “The reason we chose an underwater design for our rain barrel is because we want to inspire people to help save our waterways.”
• Maclary Elementary – 4th Grade (Alec Ciesinski, Owen Reazor, Alex Ozor)
  Title: “United States of Water”
  Description: “Our barrel symbolizes America using a collage of national symbols. We changed these images to show the importance of conserving water. The wings of the eagle, our national symbol, represent the American flag, and each of the fifty stars is represented as a water droplet. The Statue of Liberty, an American landmark, is holding a simple water bottle instead of a torch. We believe that rain barrels should be used nationwide.”
• Maclary Elementary – 4th Grade (Jordan Short, Katrina Endres, Ella Baldwin, Olivia Kessler)
  Title: “Nature Preservers”
  Description: “Our barrel represents nature’s beauty with and without water. What inspired us to come up with the theme of “Nature Preservers” is how we have the privilege of having almost unlimited water – or at least we think we do, but we don’t! The more water we use, the less water we have, and the less beautiful our environment becomes. So when we use rain barrels we are giving back to our community.”
• Rachel Santos – Phillip C. Showell Elementary
  Title: “Mrs. Minion”
  Description: “All of my friends talk about Minions. I know that everyone loves Minions, so that is why I drew Mrs. Minion.”
• Kara Scarangella – Saint Thomas More Academy
  Title: Tiki – H2O Progenitor
  Description: “My water barrel represents a Tiki Totem Pole showing a water god with the word ‘water’ within its mouth. This uses the Polynesian culture to show a Tiki – H2O progenitor (‘to bring forth’) of water for the people and to show how to use it in a responsible way. Inspiration used for this water barrel is the totem pole in Bethany.”

For more information about the rain barrel painting contests, including photos of the entries, please click 2016 Rain Barrel Art Contest. For more information on the contests, please contact Sara Wozniak at sara.wozniak@delaware.gov or 302-382-0335.

What is a Rain Barrel? A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores the water from roofs and downspouts for future uses such as watering lawns, gardens, and house plants; cleaning off gardening tools; and washing your car. Rain barrels help lower your water bills, particularly in the summer months by collecting thousands of gallons of water a year. Rain barrels are also important for our environment because they help reduce water pollution by decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff reaching our streams and rivers. An average rainfall of one inch within a 24-hour period can produce more than 700 gallons of water that run off a typical house. Such stormwater runoff picks up anything on the ground such as litter, excess fertilizer, pet waste, and motor oil, transporting it to storm drains that dump the untreated water directly into our waterways.

Contact: Phil Miller, DNREC Watershed Assessment and Management Section, 302-739-9939 or philip.miller@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 244

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell today signed Senate Bill 253 that provides additional options and flexibility to developers, contractors and landowners for meeting standards that protect Delaware’s water quality and reduce flooding impacts under the state’s sediment and stormwater management program.

The legislation is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, state legislators, representatives of the development community, and members of DNREC’s Regulatory Advisory Committee (RAC), which has been working to improve upon Delaware’s sediment and stormwater regulations that were adopted in 2014.

“Managing stormwater is a critical component in meeting our water quality goals and for assuring that people and property are protected from flooding in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We also have learned over the past two years of implementing the regulations that there are a number of challenges in meeting these standards. This legislation continues to put a priority on protection of our water resources through additional, more efficient best management practices (BMPs), with the goal of lowering the cost of compliance for developers, contractors and landowners. We appreciate the cooperation from all of the stakeholders, the DNREC team and the General Assembly in reaching agreement on the legislation.”

The new legislation clarifies that the emergency sediment and stormwater regulations that are used currently will remain in force until comprehensive regulations are adopted. SB 253, sponsored by Senator Gerald Hocker (R-20th District) and Representative Tim Dukes (R-Laurel), allows for an alternative standard to be used in meeting requirements to manage the volume of stormwater runoff from a site and will enable the approval process for permits to be expedited.

Sen. Hocker said of the bill, “We knew we had major problems. Projects were being delayed and the costs associated with engineering for the projects were out of control. I met with representatives from DNREC along with homebuilders, engineers, and members of the farming community. We were able to come up with a compromise we feel everyone can work with, without compromising the environment.”

Rep. Dukes said that SB 253 rose above politics in becoming law. “This compromise measure is the result of how government should work with the people it serves. By enacting this legislation, we are recognizing that the 2014 stormwater regulations were too burdensome on the public,” he said. “Legislators, land owners, poultry farmers and developers came together at the table with DNREC, and worked cooperatively to reduce the regulatory burden while continuing to protect the environment. I am proud to be part of this effort and to have been the sponsor of this important measure in the House.”

What resulted from collaborative interests who addressed the state’s stormwater management issues was a bill that:

• Allows the use of additional BMPs that are determined to be functionally equivalent to existing BMPs under existing emergency regulations;
• Provides that DNREC develop standard plans to comply with the regulation for agricultural structures, including poultry houses that disturb less than 10 acres;
• Includes an exemption for stormwater management for residential projects under an acre, which is consistent with federal requirements;
• Allows applicants seeking approval of stormwater management plans to continue to utilize standards established in the current emergency regulations until new regulations are adopted;
• Extends the timeframes for an approved plan and redelegation of program elements from three to five years;
• Requires proposed regulations to comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and
• Waives the timelines of the Administrative Procedures Act so that emergency regulations can remain in effect while the Regulatory Advisory Committee continues to develop changes to the regulations and supporting technical documents.

The current emergency regulations were adopted on April 15 to provide certainty for the development community and to allow projects to continue through DNREC’s approval process without a gap in sediment and stormwater regulations following a court decision citing a procedural flaw in the adoption of the 2014 regulations. Under the state’s Administrative Procedures Act, emergency regulations are only allowed to be in place for up to 180 days. However, with SB 253 having become law by the Governor’s signature, DNREC will not publish the interim regulations that were to appear in the July Register of Regulations. The Department will now be utilizing the emergency regulations, along with the new provisions in SB 253, to review and approve stormwater management plans, pending promulgation of comprehensive new regulations currently being developed by the RAC and DNREC.

CONTACT: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9064

Vol. 46, No. 229

LAUREL – Laurel Riverfront Park will be the setting of the second-annual Eco Paddle as part of the Reclaim Our River (ROR) Nanticoke Series, a program offering monthly events, workshops, and recreational activities designed to raise water quality awareness in the Nanticoke Watershed. DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship, the National Parks Conservation Association, Delaware Nature Society, Abbotts Mill Nature Center and Nanticoke Watershed Alliance invite kayakers and canoeists to come to the Riverfront Park in Laurel Delaware where the ROR partnership will be exploring a portion of Broad Creek. The Eco Paddle takes place Saturday, June 25, with a rain date the next day.

Experienced paddlers and first-timers alike are welcome to bring the family and learn about wildlife, water quality, and the river’s history while floating on the water. After the paddle, there will be a barbecue and viewing of exhibits from the ROR partnership. The event lasts from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the $5 registration fee (plus $1.12 credit card fee) includes food and beverages, along with kayak or canoe rental, if needed. All are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Register here to reserve a spot in a canoe or kayak.

Participants are reminded to be prepared to have fun! Site leaders will brief paddlers on basic safety measures to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own canoes and kayaks; however, equipment can also be provided. The Eco Paddle is a family-friendly event, and kids are welcome. However, all participants less than 18 years old must have a waiver signed by an adult, and participants less than 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Waivers will be provided onsite.

Attendees should dress appropriately for the weather and wear clothes they won’t mind getting wet. Lunch will be provided, but participants should bring a water bottle for their thirst while paddling. All donations collected help cover the costs of food and equipment.

One of the most iconic and scenic rivers in the Chesapeake, the Nanticoke River Water Trail spans a 26-mile segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail through Delaware and Maryland. In 1608, Captain John Smith explored the river, and named it the Nanticoke after the Native Americans who lived along its banks. Today, the 725,000-acre watershed supports a diverse range of wildlife and more rare plants than any other landscape in the Chesapeake. The event will educate residents on techniques used to improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution entering Delaware’s waterways.

The Reclaim our River Nanticoke Series offers participants fun opportunities to connect with their waterways and provides important information on water quality to help protect aquatic resources. Additional sponsors include the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Nanticoke River Sail and Power Squadron, and Survival Products.

For more information on the Reclaim Our River Program, visit www.delawarewatersheds.org

Media Contacts: Phil Miller, DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, 302-672-1149 or philip.miller@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 208

DOVER – The public’s art appreciation is sought in voting for favorite entries now online in the 2016 youth and adult rain barrel painting contests sponsored by DNREC’s Watershed Assessment and Management Section. Online voting is open and continues through Wednesday, June 8, for selecting this year’s winning rain barrel artworks.

This year’s adult and student entries – 10 entries for each category – will be on display for public viewing at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover from Wednesday, June 1 through Tuesday, July 19. The grand prize winner in the adult division, chosen from among the five entries garnering the most online votes, will be displayed at DNREC’s building at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington during the fair’s run in July, and will be presented to the Governor during DNREC’s annual awards ceremony on Governor’s Day, Thursday, July 30.

The top five youth entries out of 10 selected for contest voting also will be displayed at DNREC’s building during the Delaware State Fair, where they will be voted on again by fair visitors for best painted rain barrel. The five youth finalists also will participate in DNREC’s Governors Day awards, with the overall winner to be announced during the ceremony.

DNREC sponsors the contests to educate the community on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality. Participants are chosen based on their applications and design ideas. Individuals or groups chosen each received a fully-assembled, primed 55-gallon plastic barrel, topcoat and bubble wrap; they supplied their own paint, brushes and other materials or tools. They then had five weeks to finish their artistry and submit final photographs and information, as well as a short biography of themselves.

Adult and youth entries will be used for educational projects and placed in public locations. Businesses, organizations and non-profit groups interested in displaying an artist’s rain barrel at your facility, please contact Sara Wozniak at sara.wozniak@delaware.gov or 302-382-0335.

What is a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores the water from roofs and downspouts for future uses such as watering lawns, gardens, and house plants; cleaning off gardening tools; and washing your car. Rain barrels help lower your water bills, particularly in the summer months by collecting thousands of gallons of water a year. Rain barrels are also important for our environment because they help reduce water pollution by decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff reaching our streams and rivers. An average rainfall of one inch within a 24-hour period can produce more than 700 gallons of water that run off a typical house. This stormwater runoff picks up anything on the ground such as litter, excess fertilizer, pet waste, and motor oil, transporting it to storm drains that dump the untreated water directly into our waterways.

Media Contact: Phil Miller, DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, 302-672-1149 or philip.miller@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 202