DNREC Advises Better Air Quality is Back in Delaware

Lums Pond State Park./ DNREC photo

Public Reminded to be Vigilant During State’s ‘Ozone Season’

While the air quality has improved in Delaware, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control advises residents and visitors that the state is currently amidst the ozone season. They should continue to be vigilant about poor air quality and its impacts on their health and safety every day.

Wildfires in Quebec emitted particulate matter into the atmosphere making the air unhealthy — and at times hazardous — to breathe in Delaware, triggering DNREC last week to issue back-to-back Code Red Action Days. Today’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reading shows Delaware as yellow for particulate matter signifying air quality remains a moderate concern in the state.

While the looming haze and unhealthy air of last week may have dissipated for now, DNREC monitoring for air quality continues. Because with a change in meteorological conditions and dozens of wildfires still burning throughout Canada, the poor air quality for particulate matter could return, carried down the East Coast and into Delaware by prevailing winds.

“We are forcibly coming to terms with the many faces of climate change in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The Code Red Action Days for particulate matter is a telltale indication of it. The Canadian wildfires dispersed particulate matter in the some of the highest amounts recorded. The smoke was carried by winds and affected air quality many hundreds of miles away. Which is why we as a country, and as global citizens, must continue to monitor, to prepare, to adapt, but also take action to address the impacts of climate change for protecting the health of people in Delaware and the planet.”

With warmer summer weather ahead and little rain in the forecast after almost a month of negligible precipitation, most of Delaware’s attention to air quality now reverts to the state’s ozone season (May 1-Sept. 30). “Bad ozone” can hover in the state and contribute to existing health conditions in sensitive groups, particularly children, older adults and people respiratory or cardiovascular problems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mantra for ozone is “Good up high, bad nearby” – “nearby” meaning the ground-level ozone known as the troposphere. It’s “bad” ozone” to be aware of in Delaware, the country’s lowest-lying state, where the transportation sector currently is the largest single cause of air pollution.

This kind of ozone pollution is formed from a chemical reaction in the lower atmosphere on hot, still, sunny days. DNREC Division of Air Quality has found ozone pollution levels in Delaware – comprising the air pollutants that contribute most to ozone formation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) – comes from in-state sources and blow in from upwind cities and states. But ozone pollution doesn’t discriminate on where it ends up, and Delaware must always be on the alert for this unhealthy intrusion.

Today’s AQI for ozone shows levels in the 40s indicated by a green color code, meaning good air quality. DNREC advises that the public continue to check the state’s air quality report in the coming days, specifically by signing up to receive air quality alerts at de.gov/aqi and via accessing real-time data and interactive maps on current conditions at EPA’s airnow.gov.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Air Quality monitors and regulates all emissions to the air. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels in Delaware Due to Canadian Wildfires

DNREC, DHSS Advises New Castle County Residents to Stay Indoors, and Kent and Sussex Residents to Limit Time Outdoors

Wildfires in eastern Canada emitting particulate matter into the atmosphere continue to cause poor air quality throughout the region, including in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) – which monitors air quality across the state – and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH) urges Delawareans to take precautions to reduce risks associated with exposure to unhealthy and hazardous air quality levels.

DNREC and DHSS urge Delawareans in areas with hazardous air quality levels to stay indoors. Event organizers should consider moving outside activities inside where possible. Residents in areas with unhealthy or very unhealthy air quality levels are advised to limit time outside. As of Thursday morning, much of New Castle County was under air quality levels of 301 to 500, represented by a maroon color code indicating hazardous on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Kent and Sussex counties have been under purple or very unhealthy levels of 201 to 300 and red or unhealthy levels of 151 to 200, respectively.

In addition, people in sensitive groups, including those with heart or lung disease, older
adults and children, are advised to continue to monitor local air quality and take additional precautions as necessary.

“Right now, we need everyone to be safe, especially Delawareans with increased risk from this very unhealthy air,” said Secretary DNREC Shawn M. Garvin. “We love to get outdoors, especially here in Delaware, but today is not the day. Delawareans should spend this time indoors as much as possible.”

For those who must be outdoors, properly-fitted N95 or KN95 masks help reduce exposure from particulate matter. Typical masks such as cloth or surgical will not provide adequate protection from poor air quality from particulate matter. The best protection is to remain indoors in a cool and clean environment.

DNREC also encourages Delawareans to sign up for air quality alerts at de.gov/aqi. In addition, EPA’s AirNow.gov site offers daily AQI forecasts and real-time conditions across the United States, with interactive maps to more detailed state and county air quality information.

For health-related questions, please contact 24/7 Health Systems Protection 302-744-4700 or hspcontact@delaware.gov.

About DHSS
The Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DNREC Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

DHSS/DPH Media Contact: Tim Mastro, timothy.mastro@delaware.gov; Laura Matusheski, DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

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DNREC Issues Air Quality Alert

Public Health Advises Limiting Prolonged or Heavy Physical Activity and Outdoor Time for All Delawareans

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has issued warnings of poor air quality in Delaware. Air quality that is unhealthy or very unhealthy is predicted Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 by DNREC, and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH) has advised all individuals to limit prolonged or heavy physical activity and time spent outdoors and to stay indoors, preferably in a space with filtered air.

Wildfires in eastern Canada are emitting particulate matter into the atmosphere, affecting air quality throughout the northeast, including in Delaware. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an Air Quality Index with color codes to inform the public about conditions and how to avoid health effects associated with poor air quality. DNREC has declared a Code Red Action Day for particulate matter for Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8. These alerts warn of unhealthy particle pollution levels. DNREC also warned effects from the smoke may at times cause purple conditions, meaning the air quality is very unhealthy.

Particle pollution can affect anyone, but it bothers some people more than others. DNREC and DPH have provided the following guidance:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. While people with respiratory conditions should stay inside, make sure they have their inhaler or medicine.
Wear a properly fitted (fit tested) N95 for those who must go outside for long periods of time. Typical masks such as cloth, surgical, or KN95 will not provide adequate protection from poor air quality from particulate matter. The best protection is to remain indoors in a cool and clean environment.
Avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles.
Avoid spraying aerosol products.
Avoid frying or broiling meat.
Avoid smoking cigarettes.
Don’t vacuum while air quality remains unhealthy or very unhealthy since it stirs up particles already inside your home.
Reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter in your vehicles by keeping the windows and vents closed, and, if available, operating the air conditioning in “recirculate” mode.
Continue to check the air quality for the coming days and sign up for air quality alerts at de.gov/aqi.
Access real-time data and interactive maps on current conditions at airnow.gov.

DPH warns that certain populations—including young children, older adults, and those with lung conditions—could be more significantly impacted. While canceling outdoor events is not necessary, it is advisable to relocate indoors when possible. Individuals should make health decisions in consultation with their medical professionals and based on their own considerations.

DNREC Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

DHSS/DPH Media Contact: Tim Mastro, timothy.mastro@delaware.gov; Laura Matusheski, DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

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Public Encouraged to Avoid ‘Rescuing’ Young Wildlife

A young raccoon, called a kit, is among the many wildlife species’ offspring that are not normally
in need of human help when discovered alone and away from their mother. /USFWS photo

DNREC Reminds Delawareans: ‘If You Care, Leave Them There’

Look but don’t touch, much less disturb – and even then, just a quick glance and be on your way – that’s the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s message to Delawareans likely to see young wildlife in their backyards or almost anywhere in the outdoors this time of year. DNREC reminds the public that it’s best when encountering young wildlife of any species to leave the animals alone, since their mothers are usually nearby monitoring them. Taking or “rescuing” a young wild animal from the wild almost inevitably means that it will not survive.

Thus, the entreaty from DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife: “If you care, leave them there.” While some young animals can appear to be abandoned, most often they are not, with their mothers often in close proximity waiting for the person who “discovered” their offspring to move on. Many wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, will leave their young to forage for food, returning a few times a day, trusting their young’s natural instinct to lie quietly so as not to be detected by predators.

Another insight from DNREC is that handling or removing wildlife can be harmful to both wildlife and humans. Precautions to take with wild animals, young and old, include:

If you see a young wild animal alone, watch from a distance to see if its mother returns, but know that could take several hours.
Be aware that wild animals can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, especially if they are in pain.
Keep pets away from wild animals, which can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, or diseases such as rabies.
Remember that it is illegal to raise or keep a live wild animal in Delaware.

During spring and summer months, rabies, which is occasionally found in wildlife, is more likely to be transmitted to humans and pets due to our increase in outdoor activities during this time of year. All the more reason to leave wildlife undisturbed and keep a safe distance between you and them.

For more help in trying to determine if a young wild animal is orphaned or injured, or is simply exhibiting normal behavior instead of needing to be rescued, contact the Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators.

To determine the appropriate course of action if a young wild animal appears injured or if you are certain its parent is dead, contact the DNREC Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912, or for after-hours and on weekends, call 800-523-3336.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Second Annual Delaware Flood Awareness Week May 15 to 19

Already the country’s lowest-lying state, Delaware is experiencing more frequent flooding events as an impact of climate change. /DNREC photo

Highlights Include Governor’s Proclamation, Interactive Quiz

In conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 15 to 19 as Delaware Flood Awareness Week. The goal is to better inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and about flood remediation for addressing property damage or loss.

“Unfortunately, extreme weather events are becoming more common in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “We want to make sure that Delawareans stay safe and are prepared for unexpected flood events. I want to thank DNREC and DEMA for their partnership in Flood Awareness Week and urge Delawareans to learn more about the risks of flooding and ways to prepare for extreme weather.”

In Delaware, the most prominent impacts of climate change are sea level rise, increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, including extreme weather events and flooding. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan is a resource for how the state can better prepare to deal with these impacts.

Throughout the Delaware Flood Awareness Week, DNREC and DEMA are also partnering with other organizations including the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Delaware to highlight numerous other resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include flood risk training, an interactive quiz, and a floodplain mapping tool.

“We can sound the alarm that extreme weather events are getting worse every year and that flood risk is greater than ever before in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “But action begins with awareness and in acknowledging that we’re up against it as the lowest-lying state – increasingly vulnerable to flooding from one end of the state to the other and on our coasts as well. The Governor’s proclaiming another Flood Awareness Week is outreach that speaks both to the urgency of the situation and to what Delawareans can do in confronting what the future will bring. Preparedness has many hats – from having a flood insurance policy, to using the state’s new flood planning tool, to commencing new home construction where appropriately sited. Flood Awareness Week covers all that and can be of benefit for public health and safety, regardless of whether a resident is a property owner or renter.”

“Floods are one of the most common hazards across the country. Flooding can happen quickly, and we must be aware of changing conditions and our surroundings. It is important for Delaware residents to stay safe by being proactive and knowing what to do and staying aware of flood risks in their communities,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

On Friday, May 12, DNREC is a partner in presenting a pre-Flood Awareness week kickoff event, “Creating a Flood-Ready Community” offered in conjunction with the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration, Delaware Sea Grant and the DNREC Coastal Training Program. The course, to be held in person at DNREC’s St. Jones Coastal Training Center in the Kitts Hummock community, covers basic risk and hazard concepts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping, the Delaware flood insurance program, tools to prevent hazards in a cost-effective manner, and strategies for reducing exposure. For more information, visit de.gov/dnrecmeetings.

On, Monday, May 15, the second annual Delaware Flood Awareness Week formally begins with DNREC and DEMA highlighting preparedness with an interactive quiz and social media content. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

Also on May 15, DNREC’s Coastal Training Program and the University of Delaware Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis will offer demonstrations of coastal monitoring tools used to monitor weather and flooding along Delaware’s coasts. The virtual training session will be presented twice, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Delaware Flood Awareness Week seeks to help the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage.

An article, “Flooding – What You Can Do” published in the Outdoor Delaware online magazine explains what Delawareans can do to protect against flooding. DNREC also provides the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be used to quickly determine flood risk for a particular property and is found at de.gov/floodplanning.

DNREC’s and DEMA’s shared social media message for awareness week is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

About DEMA
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services in order to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and is authorized by Delaware Code, Title 20,Chapter 31§3101-3130.

Media contacts:
DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
DEMA: John Petersen, john.petersen@delaware.gov

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