EEE Found in NCCo Sentinel Chicken

A northern New Castle County sentinel chicken has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE. This is the first positive detection this summer in a sentinel chicken – it was tested on August 9th. There have been 5 positive cases of West Nile Virus in sentinel chickens, however, there have been no positive equine…

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More EV Charging Stations Coming to Delaware

More electric vehicle charging stations are coming to Delaware roadways. DelDOT and the Department of Natural Resources plan to place 11 multi-vehicle fast-charging stations along major routes through part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law utilizing $18-million in federal funds. Targeted first will be the general areas of Rehoboth Beach on Route 1, Selbyville on Route…

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DNREC Issues Recreational Water Advisory for Bethany Beach

A recreational water advisory has been issued for Bethany Beach,According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, elevated levels of bacteria were found in water samples that were taken Wednesday at Garfield Parkway. The beach is open, but swimmers are advised to use caution and / or avoid prolonged periods in the water.Onshore ocean flows…

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Volunteer Registration Begins for Del. Coastal Cleanup

There is much more summer to come, but volunteers are already being recruited to take part in the 35th Delaware Coastal Cleanup.41 spots along beaches and waterways will be targeted Saturday, September 17th between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Online registration opens today (Monday) and is open through Wednesday, August 31st. Volunteers may choose the location…

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UPDATED: DNREC CANCELS Water Quality Advisory in Rehoboth Beach

UPDATED – 3pm – 7/29/22 – Rehoboth Beach officials say that a DNREC water advisory for swimmers in Rehoboth Beach between Baltimore Avenue to Stockley Street has been terminated. A follow up test has been conducted and no elevated levels of bacteria found. ================================================================ Elevated levels of bacteria found in a water sample have led…

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Dredging of Murderkill River in August

dredge file photo, courtesy of DNREC

DNREC and the Army Corps of Engineers will begin an emergency dredging project in August to restore navigability in the Murderkill River in Kent County. About 52,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the river’s navigation channel – and the dredged sand will then be used to nourish up to 1000 feet of…

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West Nile Virus Found in NCCo Sentinel Chicken

DNREC officials have found a positive test of West Nile Virus in a sentinel chicken in Southern New Castle County. There have been NO reported cases of West Nile Virus in humans in Delaware so far this year – however the possibility of contracting a mosquito-transmitted disease is possible until colder autumn temperatures arrive –…

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Former Floating Casino Becomes Part of Artificial Reef

The Texas Star was sunk on Redbird Reef in the Atlantic Ocean on June 29. DNREC photo.

With a slow splash, the 180-foot long Texas Star, originally outfitted as a floating casino and repurposed as a commercial fishing vessel, recently became part of Delaware’s artificial reef system. The reef site is 16.5 miles off the Delaware coast. “With today’s sinking of the Texas Star on Redbird Reef, one of 14 separate reef…

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Update: Girl Critically Injured in Millsboro Boat Accident

  One girl was critically injured and at least one other child was injured last night during a boating accident that involved a boat pulling children on tubes.  The boat eventually struck a dock in the Millsboro area.   It was reported around 5:15 p.m. at the end of Warwick Road which is off the…

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DE Climate Change Measure Passed in State Senate

Legislation regarding climate change (SB 305) has been passed in the Delaware State Senate by a 13 to 6 vote. This measure will adopt a comprehensive approach to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Delaware by not less than 50% by 2030. According to the legislation, the Governor and DNREC will update the Climate Action…

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Updated: Search for Missing Kayaker off Cape Henlopen

Update (9 a.m., June 8): The missing man was located by a DNREC marine vessel just before 9 a.m. on the rocks of the inner wall. He was checked by EMS and was reported in good condition. Original post (3 a.m., June 8): Multiple agencies are searching for a missing man who reportedly went kayaking…

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Code Orange Air Quality Action Day For Del. Tuesday

Today (Tuesday, May 31st) will be a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Delaware.Sunshine, soaring temperatures and southwesterly winds are expected to combine to generate ozone production and additional pollutants.Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as young children, the elderly and people with heart and/or respiratory conditions. Such individuals…

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As More Visitors Arrives, Beach Communities Continue Response To Early May Nor’easter

Photo provided by the City of Rehoboth Beach; photo taken by Carolyn Brace

As Memorial Day approaches, finding solitude along some Delaware Beaches may be a bit more challenging.An early May nor’easter caused significant erosion in some communities. Crews have been working during the past few weeks to restore access ramps and pathways.According to Rehoboth Beach officials:By tomorrow (Friday) morning, three of the five closed dune crossings in…

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Saturday a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Delaware

Saturday, May 21, will be an Ozone Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Delaware! As upper-level high pressure moves east of the state, vertical mixing will be hindered, while partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-90s will enhance ozone development. In addition, light southwesterly winds will limit dispersion and transport thin-density smoke into the state, contributing…

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Update: Beach Access Points All Cleared In Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach access - photo courtesy of The Town of Bethany Beach

All access ramps to the beaches in Bethany Beach have reopened following the early May nor’easter, which was followed by days of coastal flooding.Town officials said Friday that crews have been working hard to make sure it’s safe to get onto the beach.The storm also caused substantial erosion, and DNREC crews have been assisting local…

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Bethany Officials Assess Storm Damage

Bethany Beach officials are investigating the damage from the Nor’ Easter and say the beach, dune and pedestrian crossovers are in poor condition just two weeks before the start of the summer season. DNREC is working with the town to restore the beach ramps as soon as possible. Currently only seven beach access ramps are…

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Concord Pond to be Treated for Hydrilla Beginning May 16

With inland water temperatures rising and aquatic plants emerging, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will treat Concord Pond near Seaford beginning May 16 for the nuisance aquatic weed hydrilla. Signs will be posted at the Concord Pond boat ramp the day of treatment, and will remain in place for a month to advise…

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Del. Extends Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

Delaware is extending its “clean vehicle rebate program” through the end of the year. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the program was originally scheduled to expire June 30th. DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, and the environment benefits continue due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Since its inception…

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How Is Your Flood IQ? This Is Del. Flood Awareness Week

Delaware Flood Awareness Week is underway.The Department of Natural Resources and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency hope to educate citizens about the risk and the likelihood of flooding. Also, property owners should be well versed in the importance of a flood insurance policy and flood remediation for any property damage or loss caused by flooding.Governor…

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Lewes Approves Plan To Annex Donovan-Smith MHP

A section of the Donovan Smith Mobile Home Park off Savannah Road (photo provided by Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer)

Lewes is moving forward with a plan to annex the Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Park community, which clears the way for the community to be connected with the Lewes Board of Public Works water and sewer system. Residents there have been plagued by a failing water and sewer system for years.The Lewes Mayor and Council…

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DNREC Releases Report On Offshore Wind Power Opportunities, Challenges

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources released a report Thursday that explores the possibilities of the state entering the growing offshore wind industry, as well as challenges. The study was prepared by University of Delaware researchers and DNREC, according to Natural Resources Secretary Shawn Garvin. Garvin last year asked UD’s Special Initiative on Offshore Wind…

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