NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
October 13, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 408
For more information, contact Kevin Coyle, Coastal Zone Act administrator, 302-739-9071, or Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Bouchard Affiliates Inc. seeks Coastal Zone status
decision for lightering operations in Delaware Bay
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has received a request for a Coastal Zone Act status decision from Bouchard Affiliates, Inc. The company seeks a decision to determine if a Coastal Zone Act Permit is required to conduct lightering operations at Big Stone Anchorage in Delaware Bay.
This lightering activity would entail the offloading of oil from large, ocean-going tankers to Bouchard’s fleet of flat deck barges. The barges are moved upriver to be unloaded at oil refining or storage facilities throughout the Delaware River estuary.
Bouchard Affiliates asserts in an affidavit provided in the company’s application that it was lightering in Delaware Bay prior to 1971 and qualifies as a “nonconforming use in existence and in active use on June 28, 1971.” Therefore, the company is seeking to continue with a pre-existing use.
Bouchard Affiliates’ application is presently on public display at the DNREC Offices at 715 Grantham Lane south of New Castle and 89 Kings Highway in Dover, and on DNREC's Coastal Zone Act applications web site. The application is also on display at the Hockessin, Wilmington and Delaware City Public Libraries.
The public is encouraged to review the application and send written comments to DNREC, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE, 19901, Attention: Kevin Coyle. All comments should be received by close of business on Oct. 28, 2009.
Following the public review period, DNREC Secretary Collin P. O’Mara will make a decision on the application and public notice will be given.
For more information, please call Kevin Coyle, Coastal Zone Act administrator, 302-739-9071.
