EPA to hold public meeting Tuesday, Feb. 13 on proposal of Hockessin Groundwater Site to National Priorities List

DNREC and Delaware’s Division of Public Health will participate

DOVER – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with support from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), will hold a public meeting on the proposed listing of the Hockessin Groundwater Site to the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is EPA’s list of sites eligible for remedial action financed under the federal Superfund program. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Hockessin Memorial Hall, at 610 Yorklyn Road, in Hockessin.

In 2002, DNREC took action to ensure that the public drinking water in the area – which is provided by the Artesian Water Company – is treated to remove contaminants and meets state and federal drinking water standards. Subsequently, DNREC requested additional assistance from EPA in 2016 to help fully investigate the area. The proposed listing will allow EPA to use Superfund authority and resources to work with DNREC to identify the sources of contamination and help resolve the groundwater concerns in the Hockessin area.

“Superfund cleanup in our communities continues to be a priority at EPA as we work to create a safer and healthier environment,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This public hearing provides Hockessin-area residents a valuable opportunity to learn about the site and to provide comments on the proposed listing to the NPL.”

“Delaware values the collaboration with EPA on investigating the Hockessin Groundwater Site,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The meeting on the proposed NPL listing offers reassurance to the Hockessin community that we will continue working together to identify the source for contaminants in the groundwater at the site.”

The primary groundwater contaminant of concern in the Hockessin area is tetrachloroethylene (PCE), most commonly used as a dry-cleaning solvent and industrial degreaser. PCE, a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) which can cause adverse human health effects, was identified in a commercial irrigation well, three residential wells, and several public supply wells in the Artesian Water Company’s Hockessin well field. DNREC’s previous actions included installing water treatment systems at the three residential properties impacted by the contamination.

DNREC is working with several potentially responsible parties, and has completed numerous environmental investigations and remedial efforts at sites of potential concern to help determine the extent and potential source(s) of the contamination.

EPA will discuss the proposed listing of the site to the NPL at the public meeting. Representatives from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Delaware Division of Public Health will join EPA and DNREC to answer health-related questions.

EPA has opened a public comment period through March 19. Comments can be submitted online at: http://www.regulations.gov or by mail sent to:

US EPA Docket Center
NPL Notice of Proposed Hockessin Groundwater Site
Docket ID # EPA-HQ-OLEM-2017-0604
Mail Code 28221T
Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

For residents with questions regarding the proposed listing, visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/hockessingroundwater or contact: EPA community involvement coordinator Alexander Mandell, 215-814-5517, or by email at: Mandell.Alexander@epa.gov .

For more information regarding the previous DNREC investigations at the Hockessin Groundwater Site, please visit
www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/SIRB/Pages/Hockessin-Ground-Water-Plume-Site.aspx or contact:
Timothy Ratsep, Administrator; Paul Will, Program Manager; or Christina Wirtz, Outreach Ombudsman
DNREC Site Investigation and Restoration Section
302-395-2600
Email: Timothy.Ratsep@delaware.gov; Paul.Will@delaware.gov or Christina.Wirtz@delaware.gov

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Roy Seneca, EPA Region 3 Press Office, seneca.roy@epa.gov, 215-814-5567

Vol. 48, No. 19

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DNREC receives EPA’s PISCES award; other milestones announced at the former NVF site in Yorklyn

DOVER – As revitalization continues at the former NVF facility in Yorklyn, DNREC’s new water quality project at the site has been recognized as an Exceptional Project by the EPA, one of five such projects nationwide, for its excellence and innovation in Clean Water Infrastructure, winning the coveted PISCES award. Two DNREC Divisions, Waste & Hazardous Substances, and Parks & Recreation, collaborated to remediate the zinc-contaminated site at the former factory. Following the cleanup, a created, remediated two-acre wetland is nearly complete, in addition to four other wetlands that will soon be constructed in the vicinity.

In addition, three new trails at the former NVF site have been completed: the Yorklyn Bridge Trail, the Oversee Trail, and the “CCArts Trail” (yet to be officially named). Under construction now is a bridge that will connect the Yorklyn Bridge trail to Benge Road and the Auburn Heights Mansion.

The PISCES award recognizes the importance of the new wetland to mitigate flooding and improve water quality in the Red Clay Creek area, the support of the economic redevelopment of the Yorklyn Fiber Mills District, and the innovative use of funding for the project.

“EPA is proud to have selected this clean water project as one of five rated exceptional in the nation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “The work at the NVF site will continue to improve water quality in the creek, and enhance the quality of life for residents by protecting this vulnerable area from flooding, and making way for future economic development. It’s an excellent example of the power of partnerships between EPA and the states and communities we serve.”

“We are proud that DNREC has been recognized by EPA with the PISCES award,” said Governor John Carney. “Not only does this project clean up the environment, but it also will support redevelopment. This whole area was once a polluted brownfield site, and because of DNREC’s work, the Yorklyn Fiber Mills District is better equipped to attract more businesses, create jobs, and help strengthen our economy.”

The EPA award acknowledges excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF is a federal-state partnership that provides communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. The EPA’s PISCES (Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success) award celebrates innovation demonstrated by Delaware’s CWSRF programs and assistance recipients.

“Whether at a federal, state, or local level, we should always be striving to get better results for less money, and the Yorklyn project shows that we can, especially when we are working together,” said Senator Tom Carper, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This is an example of exactly the kind of work that EPA should be partnering with states to complete in a more timely and efficient manner. Not only do cleanups of contaminated sites reduce public health risks, they also help to revitalize communities and spur economic development in the area. Proud to see that, once again, Delaware is leading by example and finding ways to most effectively utilize taxpayer dollars.”

“We are honored to receive the PISCES award,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This new wetland is the centerpiece of the site, which will help improve water quality, mitigate flooding, create habitat, and support the economic redevelopment of the Yorklyn area. Three new trails, and others that are under construction, are drawing more and more people to this vibrant new development – commercial, residential and recreational – and turning Yorklyn into a major destination on the Delaware map.”

In total, $3.3 million in CWSRF loan financing was provided to DNREC’s Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances to remove zinc-contaminated soils and create the two-acre wetland by replacing industrial-contaminated soils with clean fill material and topsoil, Another $1 million CWSRF Water Quality Improvement Loan was provided to DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to create the four additional wetlands.

DNREC’s Environmental Finance Office used several innovative financing tools to facilitate project funding. Funding to provide repayment of the CWSRF loans was secured by the state’s Hazardous Substances Cleanup Act and the Division of Parks & Recreation.

The soil remediation efforts at the NVF site included the removal and disposal of approximately 170 tons (340,000 pounds) of zinc and more than 200 pounds of hazardous lead from the soil during a seven-month period beginning in December 2016. A groundwater zinc recovery and treatment system has also been in operation at the site since 2008. Converting the excavation into a wetland that provides flood water storage capacity and other wetland benefits is necessary in the historically flood-prone Red Clay Creek Valley. For perspective, using average recovery rates of zinc from the existing treatment system, it would have taken nearly 40 years to remove the same mass of contaminants from groundwater, at an estimated cost of $14 million. Utilizing the $3.3 million CWSRF loan enabled DNREC to perform necessary remediation in the short term, thus saving taxpayers a projected amount of $10.7 million in the long term.

Using funds for contaminated site remediation has not been done in Delaware before, and is just one of many unique and innovative solutions that the project team employed to complete the work. Substantial savings to Delaware taxpayers will result, and further redevelopment will occur at an accelerated pace. Future redevelopment at the site is designed to provide decades of increased economic value and will be a unique destination to visit and explore in historic Yorklyn.

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


Governor Carney Urges U.S. EPA to Reconsider Repeal of Clean Power Plan

Governor: “I am here today to state that the rest of the country must follow Delaware’s lead and be part of the solution”

WILMINGTON, Del.Governor John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) at its public meeting on Monday to offer public comment on the Trump Administration’s proposal to repeal the federal Clean Power Plan. The goal of the Clean Power Plan is to reduce carbon pollution from coal-, oil-, and natural gas-burning power plants, and combat the threat of climate change. President Trump issued an executive order last year to dismantle the plan. In his remarks, Governor Carney stated the importance of the Clean Power Plan to regulate greenhouse gases, address climate change, and improve air quality.

Below are excerpts from Governor Carney’s remarks, which will be submitted to the EPA:

“Our state environmental regulators are charged with protecting Delawareans’ health and our environment, in collaboration with the federal government. The proposed repeal will make our efforts to reduce carbon pollution much more difficult, and will also remove a strong incentive for states and the federal government to work together to clean up our air….the citizens and economy of Delaware are negatively affected by these changes and if the Clean Power Plan is repealed, we will suffer even more.

Rising average temperatures and prolonged heat waves pose critical health threats to Delaware farmers, outdoor workers, children, and the elderly….these threats will only increase if we don’t take a stance as a nation and a global community to reduce the human emissions of greenhouse gases that feed rapid climate change. Delaware has become a national leader in taking that stance, going to great lengths to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CPP builds on experiences of the states who have already begun enacting clean energy policies – Delaware chief among them. Moving ahead with the Clean Power Plan is of particular importance to Delaware, given EPA’s failure to directly address emissions from power plants that impact Delaware’s air quality. CPP promises to provide additional ozone precursor emissions reductions – which would mean significant public health benefits.

I am convinced that the nation needs viable environmental action such as the Clean Power Plan. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change and the perils it poses to all of us here in the United States and around the world.  I leave you today with the pledge that Delaware stands ready to implement the Clean Power Plan as originally proposed and I strongly encourage the EPA to reconsider their proposal to repeal it.”

 

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DNREC to host public meeting Monday, Jan. 8 in Wilmington as listening session on EPA’s proposed repeal of federal Clean Power Plan

Agency to provide opportunity for public input from Delawareans and other East Coast citizens on EPA’s proposal

WILMINGTON – Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a public meeting Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 to provide an opportunity for Delawareans and citizens of other East Coast states to comment on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal the federal Clean Power Plan (CPP). The DNREC-sponsored listening session will begin at 10 a.m. at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

The goal of the Clean Power Plan is to reduce carbon pollution from coal-, oil-, and natural gas-burning power plants, all of which have been scientifically-proven as contributing to climate change. As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware already is experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change, and both Delaware and the nation will be further impacted by EPA’s proposed repeal of the plan. Because EPA has refused to provide a reasonable venue for Delawareans and others along the East Coast to voice their opinions on the proposed CPP repeal, DNREC has chosen to conduct a listening session enabling that opportunity. The EPA has held a public hearing only in Charleston, W. Va., and though additional hearings are planned for the Midwest and California, none are to take place on the East Coast. Comments from the Delaware public meeting will be submitted in the form of a transcript on behalf of all who speak on the proposed repeal to EPA’s federal docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355.

“EPA should not take action to repeal this important rule without first hearing from our citizens – and Delaware has stepped up to host this public meeting because EPA is not offering a reasonable venue for citizens’ voices to be heard,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The Clean Power Plan offers the states a vital and flexible tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the nation’s fossil-fuel burning power plants. We are hosting the meeting to afford the public the opportunity to participate in the EPA’s decision-making process that will directly impact their lives and environment.”

The federal Clean Power Plan – formally known by its EPA title “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units (EGUs)” – was promulgated on Oct. 23, 2015. On Oct. 16, 2017 the EPA proposed repealing it. More details about the Clean Power Plan can be found on EPA’s website, including the final rule, technical analyses, and other supporting information.

DNREC’s Division of Air Quality, which is hosting the listening session for comment on the CPP, anticipates limiting each speaker to five minutes, but time may be adjusted, depending on the number of people who register to speak. Those who still wish to speak are asked to register by emailing Valerie Gray (Valerie.Gray@delaware.gov).

For updated information on the CPP meeting and for more information on DNREC’s climate and greenhouse gas mitigation programs, please visit the Clean Power Plan webpage on the DNREC website. More information about the meeting and listening session is available on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar.

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

Vol. 48, No. 3

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Delaware to Sue U.S. EPA for Failure to Curb Out-of-State Air Pollution

“Delawareans deserve clean air,” says Governor John Carney 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware announced today its intent to send four Notice of Intent to Sue letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding air pollution that comes into Delaware from other states.

The NOI letters, as required by the federal Clean Air Act, inform the EPA that the Delaware Department of Justice – acting on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control – will file suit against EPA for its failure to require power plants in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to reduce air pollution that significantly affects the quality of the air that Delawareans breathe.

Delaware has previously petitioned for relief to the EPA.

“The Clean Air Act entitles Delaware to relief from upwind pollution and the remedy we are seeking is reasonable and within EPA’s authority and responsibility to grant,” said Governor John Carney. “Delawareans deserve clean air, but our air quality is significantly impacted by pollution traveling downwind from other states. We are simply asking that the EPA require these power plants that pollute Delaware’s air to run their existing pollution control equipment when the plants are in operation.”

Four petitions filed between July and November 2016 by DNREC under Section 126 of the federal Clean Air Act, sought to have EPA require certain power plant units in upwind states to use their air pollution controls to reduce emissions.

The lawsuits will contend that EPA’s approval of the petitions is critical to protecting the health of Delawareans and helping contain the state’s rising healthcare costs from treating respiratory and lung diseases. EPA approval is also important to Delaware’s economy because fewer health-related absences from the workforce results in an increase in productivity.

Ground-level ozone, or smog, has been one of Delaware’s most pervasive and challenging air pollution problems. More than 90 percent of the ozone in Delaware originates from emissions in upwind states.

The filing of the Section 126 petitions, as well as the related Notice of Intent to Sue letters, comes after decades of efforts by DNREC to influence reduction of air pollution transported into Delaware from upwind states.

Though Delaware has made dramatic progress on improving air quality in recent years, emissions from out-of-state power plants continue to prevent Delaware from attaining and maintaining federal health-based air quality standards.

“The Department has pursued – and will continue to pursue – voluntary and collaborative efforts with partner states to ensure upwind power plants meet the same stringent standards which Delaware is required to meet,” said Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “It is now time for EPA to hold upwind sources accountable for ozone emissions that are impacting downwind states.”

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