Delaware

Delaware River Basin waterways are still polluted 50 years after the Clean Water Act | Opinion

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2022

Delaware River Basin waterways are still polluted 50 years after the Clean Water Act | Opinion

By Kelly Knutson and Colleen Walters

Practically 50 years after the enactment of the Clear Water Act, half of America’s assessed waterways are impaired by air pollution ― which means they don’t meet their state’s water high quality requirements for designated makes use of, together with recreation, aquatic life, fish consumption, or consuming water sources ― in line with a brand new report by the Environmental Integrity Mission.

The streams, rivers and estuaries within the Delaware River Basin, significantly in Delaware and New Jersey are among the most impacted within the nation.

The report lists many the reason why rivers, streams, estuaries and lakes, stay impaired, regardless of the funding, together with weak controls for polluted runoff, or when rain or snow carry pollution right into a physique of water.

The report additionally notes that price range and capability constraints on the EPA and state companies just like the Division of Environmental Safety result in an absence of enforcement of present guidelines.

One placing takeaway from the report is that 95% of the rivers and streams and 97% of the lakes in New Jersey are impaired for any use. The numbers are even worse in Delaware, although extra progress has been made in Pennsylvania and New York to handle ongoing points with water high quality in these states.

Each two years, states are required below the Clear Water Act to report on the standing of their waterways and the general public is given the chance to evaluation and touch upon their findings. Alternatives for public participation are a useful instrument to spotlight native points, voice considerations with the state and name on decision-makers to take motion on behalf of the state’s waterways, wildlife and group.

Beneath the Clear Water Act, the Clear Water State Revolving Fund is a vital instrument to offer funding for communities to handle their water high quality and safety wants by way of important infrastructure investments and updates, together with supporting sustainable approaches like inexperienced infrastructure. The Infrastructure and Jobs Act, handed final yr, will present much-needed funding to make progress.

Nevertheless, extra funds are wanted to handle these mounting issues. That’s why we’re requesting $8.1 billion for the Clear Water State Revolving Fund in subsequent yr’s federal price range and are asking that $1.5 billion be devoted to the Delaware River Basin.

This funding would offer low-interest loans to assist fund essential native tasks. We’re additionally asking that 20% of those funds be allotted towards inexperienced infrastructures, like rain gardens, and that 40% go towards underserved communities in each city and rural areas. Moreover, funding for state companies and EPA capability ought to improve to allow them to successfully conduct enforcement actions and full the work required below the Clear Water Act.

Whereas we proceed our pursuit of secure and clear water, we should concentrate on our most impaired waters and waterways which have been traditionally ignored. Investments in clear water tasks, equitable enforcement, and pointers that enhance state and multi-state air pollution administration will assist enhance water high quality and shield human well being.

Defending our water at its supply and guaranteeing secure water high quality for all is vital to the well being and well-being of the communities inside the Delaware River Basin. As we have fun the fiftieth anniversary of the Clear Water Act in October, we should look to the long run on the best way to advocate higher and shield our water assets.

Kelly Knutson is the director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

Colleen Walters is the Delaware River Basin Program Supervisor for River Community.

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Delaware

Work has begun to restore eroded shoreline north of Delaware Indian River Inlet

Published

6 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Work has begun to restore eroded shoreline north of Delaware Indian River Inlet

This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.

From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.

An emergency dredging project to restore severe beach erosion along a popular surfing and fishing spot north of Delaware’s Indian River Inlet began this week.

The $15 million initiative aims to restore the shoreline on the north side of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Two separate storms earlier this year triggered dune breaches along the coastline, closing portions of the Coastal Highway.

The project is a crucial step to protect the highway, which serves as an emergency evacuation route, according to Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The project will also prepare the area for the increasing intensity of storms caused by climate change, said the agency’s secretary, Shawn Garvin.

“[The area] is in a position where it tends to lose sand faster than other areas of the coastline, and does not naturally regenerate,” Garvin said. “It is at the foot of the bridge. It is a very popular area for fishing and surfing, and general beach use. So, we’re looking to try to get it back into a stable situation.”

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Delaware

East Coast Has a New Drought Worry

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Salty ocean water is creeping up the Delaware River, the source for much of the drinking water for Philadelphians and millions of others, brought on by drought conditions and sea level rise, and prompting officials to tap reservoirs to push the unpotable tide back downstream. Officials say drinking water isn’t imminently at risk yet, but they’re monitoring the effects of the drought on the river and studying options for the future in case further droughts sap the area, per the AP.

What is the salt front? The salt front, or salt line, is where salt water from the ocean and fresh water meet in the river. That boundary is typically somewhere around Wilmington, Delaware, but the recent drought has pushed it about 20 miles north.

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Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Nov. 26, 2024

Published

22 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Nov. 26, 2024

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

05-22-24-39-42, Mega Ball: 03, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

Day: 8-2-9

Night: 7-2-2

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

Day: 2-1-9-9

Night: 9-5-9-0

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

03-05-09-17-24-33

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

27-29-32-33-47, Lucky Ball: 02

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing

Day: 5-1-8-7-3

Night: 0-2-3-7-4

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

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