Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 18-24

Reminder for the week: Have a safe holiday weekend on Delaware waterways

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 18-24 made 3,198 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 37 citations. Officers responded to 52 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

On June 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, Sgt. Chillas and K-9 River visited the Harrington Police Department’s Youth Academy and gave a K-9 demonstration.
On June 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions with a Brandywine Creek State Park summer camp. The campers were then taken on a police boat ride in the C&D Canal.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incident of note:

On June 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested an individual for one count each of leaving the scene of a property collision accident, fail to drive at speed appropriate for conditions, failure to have required insurance, operating a motor vehicle off of an established roadway on a state wildlife area, and three counts of possession of undersized blue crab. The arrest followed an investigation into a vehicle accident that occurred June 13, in the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Frankford. The individual was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released on $450 unsecured bond and $200 secured bond pending a future court date.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (3), trespass to fish (1), possession of undersized blue crab (3), over the limit recreational crab pots (1), possession of tautog during a closed season (1), and possession of undersized summer flounder (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (4), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), operating a personal watercraft without a life jacket (1), no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer (1), unregistered vessel (2), and failure to report a boating accident within 24 hours (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (1), leaving the scene of a property collision accident (1), failure to drive at speed appropriate for conditions (1), and failure to have required insurance (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (9)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2), and destruction of state property (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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 http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
With many boaters heading out on the water for the long 4th of July holiday weekend, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will also be out on the water, increasing their presence for Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit, this press release.

Other tips for recreational boaters to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend include:

Exercise patience and courtesy at crowded boat ramps and docks.
Observe all Slow No Wake areas.
Maintain a lookout for other vessels and keep a safe distance away.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
Check navigation lights and make sure to turn them on when operating at night.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

To report boating violations please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police promoting Operation Dry Water June 29-July 1

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police today announced their active participation in Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities.

Over the June 29-July 1 weekend, Fish & Wildlife officers will increase their presence on Delaware’s waterways to educate boaters on the danger and risk of operating a vessel while their blood alcohol level exceeds the state and federal limit of 0.08 percent. Boat operators found to be at or above the limit will be arrested and may have their vessel impounded, as well as face fines and potential jail time for operating under the influence (OUI). Enforcement efforts against OUI also will be intensified during the Operation Dry Water campaign.

According to national statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. To avoid putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk, boat operators are urged to stay sober and follow safe boating practices, or to plan ahead by having a non-drinking, qualified designated boat operator on board if alcohol is consumed.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who enjoy our waters. Not only during this campaign but throughout the year, our officers check for those who may be operating their boats under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Have a responsible and qualified operator at the helm, and don’t drink and boat,” said Chief Drew Aydelotte, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police.

During Operation Dry Water in 2017, Delaware officers made 3,095 contacts with boat operators and passengers and conducted 587 boardings while performing standard vessel safety checks and encouraging safe boating practices for boat operations and carrying required safety equipment. Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police spent a total of 211.5 hours on the water during this timeframe. Sixteen citations were issued, helping to raise awareness of and reduce unsafe boating practices, with two of the citations issued for OUI.

For more information, visit Delaware Boating Safety or contact Delaware Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Africa at 302-739-9915 or email brooke.africa@delaware.gov.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationwide by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), in partnership with state marine enforcement agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit: http://www.operationdrywater.org/

Like Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 172

DNREC, Delaware City Refining Company, LLC agree to penalty settlements totaling $218,000 on refinery’s outstanding violations

DOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced today that it has reached two separate settlement agreements with the Delaware City Refining Company, LLC (DCRC) over environmental violations by the company’s refinery in Delaware City. The two settlement agreements – totaling $218,000 – are the culmination of a series of violations for the refinery.

“The Department is working to address all outstanding issues at the refinery,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Moving forward, DNREC recognizes the importance of the Delaware City Refining Company taking steps to minimize future violations.”

On March 9, 2017, DNREC issued to DCRC a Notice of Administrative Penalty Assessment and Secretary’s Order, alleging that DCRC violated a 2013 order by shipping crude oil from the its Delaware City terminal to locations other than the Paulsboro, N.J., refinery owned by its corporate parent, PBF Energy. DNREC found that 17 shipments were made to other facilities in 2014, contrary to DCRC representations made in support of an air pollution control permit application from the company in 2013, and contrary to information provided to DNREC by DCRC in February 2016.

In this settlement, DCRC has agreed to pay a $100,000 penalty. Additionally, DCRC has agreed to seek a Coastal Zone Act Status Decision prior to making any future shipments of crude oil from the Delaware City refinery to a location other than their refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey, consistent with Rule 7.0 of the Regulations Governing Delaware’s Coastal Zone.

The Delaware City refinery was also cited for NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit violations for exceeding effluent limits from the period December 2014 through August 2017. The DNREC-DCRC settlement agreement for NPDES violations includes an administrative penalty of $118,000. To offset a portion of the penalty, DCRC has elected to perform an Environmental Improvement Project approved by DNREC. The project consists of shoreline stabilization activities at the nearby Fort DuPont complex.

Both settlement agreements can be found on the DNREC website. The DNREC-DCRC agreement to the $100,000 penalty for air violations is at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/Documents/03-05-18-DNREC-DCRC-settlement-agreement-Air.pdf, and the $118,000 agreement for NPDES permit violations is at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/Documents/03-05-18-DNREC-DCRC-settlement-agreement-Water.pdf.

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

Vol. 48, No. 48

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 29-Feb.4

Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 29-Feb. 4 made 1,106 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 18 citations. Officers responded to 27 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

On Jan. 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Joseph P. Dimattia, 38, of Dover, for two counts of failure to tag antlerless deer and one count each of failure to tag antlered deer and failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, following an investigation into deer hunting violations near Townsend. Dimattia was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7, where he plead guilty, was fined $180, including court costs, and released.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlerless deer (2), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), trespass to hunt (3), hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (1), and possession of over the limit Canada Geese (1).

Public Safety: Failure to drive at speed appropriate for conditions (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, damaging state property on a wildlife area (1)*, and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters that the 2018 Conservation Order to harvest snow geese will open Monday, Feb. 12 and run through Friday, April 13, 2018.

The Snow Goose Conservation Order allows use of unplugged shotguns and electronic calls, with no daily bag and possession limits. Legal shooting hours start a half-hour before sunrise and are extended to a half-hour after sunset. Federal and state hunting regulations otherwise apply.

Hunters who wish to participate in the Conservation Order must register for a free, annual permit, available by visiting www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Participants are required to re-visit this website after the Conservation Order has closed to report their harvest to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Participants must also have a valid Delaware hunting license or a Maryland resident hunting license, a Delaware waterfowl stamp, and a Delaware Harvest Information Program (HIP) number.

Hunters needing assistance in obtaining a permit number should call 302-735-3600 during business hours Monday through Friday. For more information on the Conservation Order, please call 302-739-9912 or visit www.fw.delaware.gov.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 9-15

Reminder for the week: Hunters reminded to avoid using railroad tracks for hunting access

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Oct. 9-15 made 1,389 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 54 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 29 citations. Officers responded to 39 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On Oct. 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended two civics classes at Georgetown Middle School where they conducted K9 demonstrations.
• On Oct. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed the Operation Game Theft Trailer and discussed hunting, fishing, boating and the Operation Game Theft program during Community Day at the Harrington Fire Department sponsored by the Harrington Police Department.
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On Oct. 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Daniel A. Allen, 21, of Seaford, for one count of resisting arrest with force or violence and intentionally fleeing from a peace officer, one count of second-degree assault to injure a law enforcement officer, one count of possession of marijuana for other than personal use, one count of trespassing after hours on state wildlife area, and one count of cause or contributing to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials as the result of an earlier incident that occurred in the Nanticoke Wildlife Area, near Laurel. Allen was arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,202 secured bond. An earlier DNREC press release was issued in regards to the incident: http://news.delaware.gov/2017/10/04/dnrecs-fish-wildlife-natural-resources-police-searching-suspect-assault-officer/
Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Unlawful to hunt on Sundays in Delaware State Forest lands (1), and must wear hunter orange (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3)*, trespass to fish (2), possession of undersized white perch (3), possession of undersized tautog (2), and possession of undersized blue crabs (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1).

Public Safety: Driving without a valid driver’s license (1)*, failure to have required insurance (1)*, resisting arrest with force or violence and intentionally fleeing from a peace officer (1), and assault 2nd injure law enforcement officer (1).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2)*, operating an unlicensed or unregistered vehicle on a state wildlife area (2)*, destruction of state property (3)*, failure to transfer title and registration (1)*, trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1), possession of marijuana other than personal use (1), and cause or contribute to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials (1).

* Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
With early fall hunting seasons now open, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters to avoid using railroad tracks for access to hunting areas.

“All railroad tracks are private property, and no one should be walking, driving or parking on tracks without landowner permission. If found on the tracks, violators will be charged with trespassing and fined,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “Those considering using railroad tracks for access to hunt doves or other game also need to consider the safety hazard involved – many railroad tracks throughout the state are still in active use.”

For more information on hunting in Delaware, including specific wildlife area rules, hunters should consult this year’s hunting & trapping guide and wildlife area maps, available online at Delaware Hunting Information. Hard copies of the guide and the hunting maps are also available at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

Effective July 1, 2017, a Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activity, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and photography. For more information, please click Conservation Access Pass.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913

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