The Recycling Public Advisory Council was enacted into law by Senate Bill 234 in May, 2010, and charged with advising the Governor’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority on all aspects of recycling, including: development of grant criteria and selection of applications; a methodology for measuring recycling rates; and possible outreach activities designed to achieve higher recycling rates.

https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Meeting/4249.

Vol. 47, No. 205

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

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LAUREL – Eighteen Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) members spent 11 months in DNREC’s state parks performing trail maintenance, meadow management, invasive species eradication, and assisting in construction of boardwalks, solar panels, yurts and fire rings, and dozens of other park based projects. During a celebration of their service at Trap Pond State Park Nature Center, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin and others thanked the veterans, immediate family members and retired veterans for all of their hard work in state parks managed by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation.

“Not only have these veterans and their immediate family members sacrificed for the good of their country, they have also made a tremendous impact in our state parks that is invaluable,” Secretary Garvin said. “They have helped promote, protect, and conserve Delaware’s natural wonders and that has created outstanding benefits for our state parks and the people who use them. I cannot express how grateful we are for their hard work.”

The VCC celebration highlighted the hard work and progress made over the past 11 months by the 18 members of the 2017 Veterans Conservation Corps, who began the program in October of 2016. DNREC’s Delaware State Parks VCC program provides high quality jobs and environmental opportunities for veterans and their immediate family members and military retirees. Corps members conduct meaningful environmental and park-focused activities as a means of providing a lasting benefit for state parks. VCC is committed to engaging veterans in important conservation and park projects while providing hands-on skills and knowledge enabling members to find employment in the natural resources field.

For more information on the VCC, contact Program Manager Karen Minner, DNREC’s Delaware State Parks Veterans Conservation Corps, 302-739-9208. For information on how to apply, visit: http://www.destateparks.com/volunteers/americorps/military.asp.

Media contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 47, No.189

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RGGI announced plan to continue emissions reduction program through 2030; reductions will help meet U.S. Climate Alliance goal

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Wednesday, the nine northeast states that comprise the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced their intent to continue this successful emissions reduction program through 2030. The RGGI states, including Delaware, also announced improvements to the program that will begin in 2021; these improvements will serve to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the region from the electricity sector by an additional 30 percent between 2021 and 2030. The additional reductions in emissions will help Delaware meet the goals of the U.S. Climate Alliance, which Delaware joined in June to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change. Governor Carney issued the following statement on Wednesday’s RGGI announcement.

“In the absence of federal leadership on climate change, RGGI is a critically important tool for ensuring real reductions in planet-warming greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide,” said Governor Carney. “I am pleased that the nine RGGI states came together to agree to an emissions cap that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by an additional 30 percent by 2030. RGGI is not only a national model, but a global model for collaboration on reducing harmful greenhouse gases while growing the economy and protecting public health. This will also help us meet the goals of the U.S. Climate Alliance, and we are proud to stand by the 13 other states providing necessary leadership on the issue of climate change.”

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Related news:
Governor Carney to Trump Administration; No Drilling in the Atlantic
Delaware Joins U.S. Climate Alliance to Uphold Goals of Paris Agreement
Governor Carney’s Statement on President Trump’s Order to Review Offshore Drilling Restrictions

DOVER – Hours and locations for lifeguarded ocean swimming beaches in Delaware State Parks will change beginning next week, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug 25, Delaware Seashore State Park’s Tower Road will be unguarded. Beginning Monday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sept. 1, Delaware Seashore State Park’s Tower Road and Fenwick Island State Park’s Fenwick Lot will be unguarded. Weekends will be guarded at both locations.

All other state park guarded swimming beaches including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park, will be guarded every day through Labor Day with limited staff. Smaller or limited swimming areas will be available through Labor Day.

All swimming beaches will be guarded on weekends through Labor Day. Lifeguard hours will not change, and will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Reductions in hours were necessary as a result of lifeguards leaving the area to return to high school, college and school sports camps.

For more information, call the Division of Parks & Recreation’s Operations Section at 302-739-9200.

Vol. 47, No.187

$4.2 million project repaired failing century-old structure

Seaford, Del. – Governor John Carney, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Representative Daniel Short, Seaford Mayor David Genshaw, and local officials were joined by local residents today to cut the ribbon marking the completion of the Hearns Pond Dam project.

“Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is critical for our residents and our economy,” said Governor John Carney. “The dam at Hearns Pond was ranked as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. With every heavy rainfall, the local community held their breath in concern for the stability of this dam. Today, residents and businesses of the Seaford community can rest easier knowing this dam is the first in the state to undergo a total rehabilitation and is fully compliant with our new dam safety program.”

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) work together as state agencies to inspect, design, construct, and maintain Dams statewide.

In 2013, Hearns Pond Dam was identified as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. Hearns Pond Dam is the first project completed under this partnership agreement between DNREC and DelDOT.

“We’re grateful to the DNREC team for their work with us to develop a comprehensive dam safety program,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “With the successful completion of this project, we will now move on to performing similar projects for the dam at Trussum Pond next year, and the dam at Records Pond, which is in the design stage.”

“As we stand here on the new Hearns Pond Dam, we mark the end of its history of failure and flooding and the beginning of its role in properly protecting the Seaford community during future storm events,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Now, we look forward to working in partnership with DelDOT to do the same for other communities.”

Hearns Pond Dam failed during a storm in August 2001 and was overtopped with Damage during a June 2006 storm. DNREC funded a study to evaluate the condition and potential hazards of the dam and develop alternatives to bring the dam into conformance with new Delaware Dam Safety Regulations. The rehabilitation consisted of replacing the spillway and the twin box culverts at the dam with a larger spillway and culvert to pass the flow of water, plus the embankments are armored with precast articulated concrete blocks. A new boat ramp was also reconstructed. The contractor for these improvements is KC Construction of Ivyland, PA.

“I am thankful for the much needed safety improvements at Hearns Pond Dam,” said State Senator Bryant Richardson. “And greatly appreciate the amount of coordination between our state agencies, and the patience of nearby residents during this project.”

It’s reconstruction has been years in the making and was direly needed,” said State Representative Danny Short, R-Seaford. “It was twice damaged by storms and topped DNREC’s list of impoundment structures in need of repair. The new dam will safeguard homes and businesses downstream, as well as the historic Hearns & Rawlins Mill that sits on the banks of the pond.”

Mayor of Seaford, David Genshaw said, “Hearns Pond along with the Mill is a great part of Seaford’s history. Like many, I remember the storm back in 2001 and again in 2006 that washed out the dam. Hearns Pond is enjoyed by many and it will be wonderful to celebrate the completion of the dam securing its future for many to enjoy.”

Upcoming Rehabilitation Projects:

• Records Pond Dam, Laurel (Construction FY 19)
• Burtons Pond, Long Neck (Construction FY 21/22)
• Blairs Pond Dam, Milford
• Silver Lake Dam, Milford
• Millsboro Pond Dam, Millsboro
• Reconstruct dams in order of priority (one every two years). 100% state funds; availability of funding.

Repair Projects:

• Spillway improvements at Chipmans Pond Dam, Laurel; Concord Pond Dam and Craigs Pond Dam, both near Seaford; Construction started in July 2017
• Spillway improvements at Mudmill Pond Dam near Marydel (Tentative Schedule 2018)
• Spillway repairs at Garrisons Lake Dam near Cheswold (Tentative Schedule 2018 or 2019)