Dec. 3, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 543

Media contact:  Kathy Bunting-Howarth, Director, Water Resources, (302) 739-9950; or Melinda Carl, Public Affairs, (302) 739-9902

  DNREC Reopens Mispillion River

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has reopened the Mispillion River, wetlands and floodplain from the spillway at Silver Lake down to Delaware Bay including the lower reaches of Cedar Creek today, effective immediately. 

The reopening of portions of the river closed yesterday due to discharges into the river of untreated wastewater coincides with an outgoing high tide at Milford, when optimal flushing is expected.  Additional flushing was produced when DNREC opened the spillway at Havens Pond earlier this afternoon.

“The cold winter temperature coupled with the salt water brought in by the tides reduces bacterial activity and growth. Given these conditions and the tidal action, we have decided to reopen the Mispillion River. As a precautionary measure which applies to all water bodies, people should use their common sense to protect themselves when engaging in activities on the water," said Division of Water Resources Director Kathy Bunting-Howarth.

Over the next few days, DNREC scientists, as well as Kent County staff, will continue to monitor the river and collect water samples. Some residual, intermittent odors are anticipated over the next day or so.

Kent County officials notified the department that the diverted discharge of untreated wastewater at Milford from the Dec. 1 force main break in the sewer system ended about 9:45 p.m. last evening and restoration work on the sewer system by Kent County is continuing.