Gov. Markell, Sens. Carper and Coons, Congressman Carney announce funding to increase resiliency of vulnerable Bayshore habitats
Today, Governor Jack Markell and Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Rep. John Carney and DNREC Sec. Collin O’Mara announced that the state has received $6.9 million in federal funding to design and construct projects for Delaware Bay wetland and beach habitats that will minimize coastal flooding and enhance the resiliency of communities and ecosystems degraded by storms, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The funding will support Delaware’s efforts to protect lands, infrastructure, and communities along the Bayshore from future coastal storms and sea level rise.
Governor Will Nominate Experienced Environmental Leader to Cabinet Post
Governor Jack Markell announced he will nominate Deputy Secretary David Small to be Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
DNREC Secretary O’Mara Recruited to Lead National Wildlife Federation
Secretary Collin O’Mara will conclude a five and a half year tenure leading Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in July, after the completion of the Delaware General Assembly Session, when he will become President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).
Delaware water quality to improve as a result of new wastewater system regulations
Delaware’s revised wastewater system regulations will become effective Jan. 11, 2014. The regulations keep pace with changes in technology for large and small systems, protect public health and reduce pollution in groundwater, streams, rivers and bays, helping Delaware to meet its goal of achieving clean water. The changes correspond to regulations in effect for the past four years in Delaware’s Inland Bays Watershed. They also protect homebuyers from acquiring malfunctioning septic systems.
Delaware, seven other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states seek to curb pollution from upwind states
Eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States, including Delaware, petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require upwind states to reduce air pollution generated within their borders, which causes asthma attacks, respiratory disease, and other public health problems downwind.
