Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

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We released findings today from a comprehensive study on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in surface waters across Delaware. The study, conducted in the fall of 2022, involved the collection and analysis of 83 surface water samples from 33 watersheds throughout the state. The study summarizes and presents analytical results used to evaluate existing concentrations of PFAS and prioritize future actions to address areas of the state most impacted by what have become known as “forever chemicals.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ed99mTAA El Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Control Ambiental (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, DNREC) publicó hoy los hallazgos de su estudio integral sobre las sustancias perfluoroalquiladas y polifluoroalquiladas (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS) en las aguas superficiales de Delaware. El estudio, realizado en el otoño de 2022, incluyó la recolección y análisis de 83 muestras de aguas superficiales de 33 cuencas hidrográficas en todo el estado. El estudio resume y presenta los resultados analíticos utilizados para evaluar las concentraciones existentes de PFAS y priorizar acciones futuras para abordar las áreas del estado más afectadas por lo que se ha llegado a conocer como "químicos persistentes". Más información: https://lnkd.in/eXhSG_96 Depatman Resous Natirèl ak Kontwòl Anviwònmantal la te pibliye dekouvèt yo jodia ki soti nan etid global DNREC a sou PFAS (sibstans pè ak polifliyowoalkile) nan dlo sifas nan Delaware. Etid la, reyalize nan otòn 2022, te enplike koleksyon ak analiz 83 echantiyon dlo sifas nan 33 basen vèsan atravè eta a. Etid la rezime ak prezante rezilta analitik itilize pou evalye konsantrasyon PFAS ekzistan epi priyorize aksyon fiti pou adrese zòn nan eta a ki plis afekte pa sa yo te vin konnen sou non "pwodwi chimik etènèl." Aprann plis: https://lnkd.in/eAGK5Hxu

Two of our hydrologists, John Cargill IV and Todd A. Keyser, P.G., addressed the issue per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals" in our state, just published in Daily State News/BaytoBayNews.com: https://lnkd.in/efkht8Sg

DNREC encourages nonprofit groups, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners’ associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC’s Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program. Funding for grant award projects in this cycle is expected to range from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects recommended by DNREC staff for funding through a competitive grant process will be presented to the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council. Applicants may submit up to two project proposals per grant cycle. Project guidelines and the grant application can be found at de.gov/envfinance. Community Water Quality Improvement Grants assist in implementing projects or programs that improve water quality on developed lands with specific watershed improvement plans and strategies. Programs and projects selected for these grants must demonstrate innovative and sustainable methods, techniques, and/or practices for water quality improvements, with cost-effective and measurable results. Eligible projects may include: • Enhancement or restoration of water quality within an impaired watershed • Community stormwater management improvements in existing developments in partnership with municipalities • Non‐regulatory or voluntary plans involving pollution control strategies, watershed-based restoration plans, whole basin management preliminary assessments, or community‐based stormwater permits. Past projects that received Community Water Quality Improvement Grant funding have included: a green roof installation; living shoreline installation and marsh enhancement to stop erosion; a stormwater retrofit project featuring a wetland and bioswale to manage stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces; stream bank restoration to reduce erosion and sedimentation; and green stormwater improvements. Grant proposals should be submitted by email to NPS.grants@delaware.gov, with “Community Water Quality Improvement Grants” in the subject line. Emailed proposals must be less than 10MB. All grant proposals must be received by DNREC close of business (4:30 p.m.) Wednesday, Oct. 30. https://lnkd.in/e47N_C7F

Thank you to Ana Golia, our incredible summer intern, for all her excellent work during her time at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Ana joined our Public Affairs team after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware in May. (Go Blue Hens!) Her environmental communication professor (h/t Carolyn White Bartoo, APR) encouraged her to apply. We're so glad she did! During Ana's internship, she helped us create engaging content for our digital newsletter, online magazine, social media, website and more. She helped coordinate events to celebrate a new outdoor classroom in Wilmington, the installation of life rings at Woodland Beach and young environmentalists throughout the state. She staffed the Delaware State Fair and helped plan our annual Coastal Cleanup. She did it all with so much joy too! We wrapped up her last day with a fun visit to the scenic Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend. Though Ana is heading back to New England, we'll miss her in Delaware. Ana, we can't wait to hear what you'll do next!

In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS and sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” have entered the public consciousness as scientists have come to realize how prevalent these substances are in our water, soil, food and bodies. DNREC has stepped up to the plate to help develop solutions to the problem, and in 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unveiled the first official limits for PFAS, as low as four parts per trillion for certain substances. But how can policymakers even know if something is present in such a small amount? After all, four parts per trillion is literally 0.0000000004% — a total that can seem almost impossibly infinitesimal. That’s where DNREC’s Environmental Laboratory comes in. The team of about two dozen scientific, technical and support staff play a vital role in supporting DNREC by collecting and testing water samples for various contaminants, and their work helps inform the decisions of policymakers as they confront modern environmental and public health challenges. Laboratory staff look for various contaminants in samples collected, which can include nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals or bacteria. Their work helps detect potential pollution concerns for both humans and the environment and is of course vital as Delaware continues to respond to the growing issue related to PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Currently, Main is working on environmental DNA, which is DNA that can be found in the natural environment from skin cells, feces and other environmental sources and can be used for the detection of rare and invasive species. Read more on our new Outdoor Delaware article, "Inside the DNREC Environmental Laboratory Responsible for Testing for Forever Chemicals and Other Contaminants". https://lnkd.in/ep54FW2k

Anyone who’s experienced the frustration of being continually bitten by mosquitoes would probably vouch for why mosquito control is necessary, but even if it’s not immediately obvious, the practice has important benefits. Not only does having fewer mosquitoes enhance quality of life, it lowers the risk of the insects transmitting diseases to humans such as West Nile virus. We recently spoke with Thomas Moran, our Program Manager for Mosquito Control, to gain insights into the importance and challenges of mosquito control in Delaware. Mosquito Control also has an important economic component by enabling beach tourism, as pioneered by New Jersey in the early 1900s. New Jersey needed a way to protect people from the biting mosquitoes that came from the salt marshes prevalent along the state’s coast. Thus, mosquito control was born. It wasn’t until after World War II that modern mosquito control really came into being, the result of advancements in insecticide and aerial spraying technology and better scientific understanding of mosquito biology. Suburbs started growing in the 1950s in areas previously dominated by farmland, wetlands and other natural spaces, and the residents of these new communities came to learn what many farmers already knew: mosquitoes can be a real nuisance. Out of a desire to eradicate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases of the time and to keep citizens free from biting insects, Delaware law granted Mosquito Control broad authority to spray public and private property as the need requires. Although preventing disease remains important, mosquito control today is largely nuisance-driven. While there probably isn’t a soul in Delaware who is happy to see mosquitoes, residents should keep in mind Mosquito Control cannot work magic. Demand outpaces what the Section can supply at times, and the experts must take into account things like weather conditions. It’s a careful balancing act between controlling mosquito populations and protecting human health and also being mindful of other wildlife and natural habitats. Read more on our Outdoor Delaware article: https://lnkd.in/ef-Pmx4d

We welcomed three new officers to our Delaware Natural Resources Police last week! Please join us in congratulating Officers Patrick Steffey, Erik Wright, and Matthew Danz on their completion of the Delaware State Police Training Academy - 102nd Delaware State Police and 98th Municipal Recruit Class. All three officers received awards for excellence in the academy. ▪️ Officer Steffey was awarded the Outstanding Proficiency in Firearms Award. ▪️ Officer Wright was awarded the Attorney Generals Award for Legal Excellence. ▪️ Officer Danz was awarded the Delaware Association of Police Chiefs award. All three Officers were sworn in by Delaware DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin last Thursday and are ready to begin their 12 week field training program!

We're hiring! Join our Division of Watershed Stewardship as a conservation technician or an engineering/planning/surveying technician! Conservation Technician I - Waterway Management: This position will help in shoreline restoration projects, storm cleanup events, public outreach events and large marine debris removal projects. This position will be expected to do basic marine watercraft maintenance tasks. This position will work on boats and around water. https://lnkd.in/eGRscFHk Engineering/Planning/Surveying Technician V-Stormwater Construct: This position is responsible for management of the Construction Section in the Sediment and Stormwater Program (SSP). This includes providing oversight of construction review staff and all aspects of construction and maintenance reviews of state and federal projects and post-construction stormwater facilities in Delaware; supporting delegated agency-related activities; and providing technical support and/or outreach to the regulated community, delegated agencies, local and state agencies, and the general public. https://lnkd.in/e3gFqKjd

We're hiring! Join our Division of Air Quality as an engineer or engineer program manager. Engineer I - Transportation Planning: Two positions will be filled under this posting. Both positions will be responsible for promoting air quality and environmental considerations in all transportation planning, decision making and initiatives to bridge the technical gap between the transportation sector, land development and community planning. (Sign-on bonus)* https://lnkd.in/ehtk5sMW Engineer Program Manager I - Permitting and Compliance: We're looking for two Engineer Program Managers, one in Kent County and the other in New Castle County. These positions supervise permitting and compliance work for minor and major air emission sources in the State of Delaware. https://lnkd.in/gyjJWEbB