Contact: Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Delaware beaches receive national recognition
Rehoboth, Dewey Beaches get 5-star rating from environmental advocacy group
REHOBOTH BEACH (July 6, 2011) – Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and the Congressional Delegation of Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney today honored two Delaware beaches – Rehoboth and Dewey – for receiving national recognition as Superstar Beaches - two of the top beaches in the nation for clean water quality. Joining in the ceremony at the bandstand in Rehoboth Beach were U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin (Region 3), University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment Dean Nancy Targett, and University of Delaware President Patrick Harker.
“It takes a lot of superstars working together to keep our 'Superstar Beaches' clean. The entire community - nonprofits, government, business, and many Delaware families - have contributed to preserving this incredible natural resource," said Governor Jack Markell. "Clean beaches are great for our health, and they are vital to tourism, job growth and the economy in our state.”
Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches were among only four beaches in 3,000 beaches nationwide awarded 5-star status from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the non-partisan international environmental advocacy group founded in 1970. In the NRDC report, Testing the Waters, released June 29, both beaches were recognized for perfect swimming water quality for the past three years and for Delaware’s Recreational Water Quality Testing Program that uses best practices to sample and test beach water for bacteria more than once a week throughout the swimming season. The program includes a notification system that alerts the public promptly should a swimming advisory or beach closing be necessary and provides up-to-date water quality results posted on DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov and available by calling DNREC’s toll-free, 24-hour “Beach Hotline” at 1-800-992-WAVE.
Delaware’s picturesque Atlantic beaches attract more than 7 million visitors each year. Beach tourism has a significant impact on the state’s economy, generating more than $800 million in direct sales and supporting 15,000 jobs, with the number of jobs rising in the summer. Delaware’s unique mix of the scenic beauty of our state park beaches – Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore State Parks – and the family-friendly municipal beaches of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island make our coastal resorts a Mid-Atlantic destination of choice.
“Delawareans have long been proud of their beaches, which is why I was thrilled to learn about a report recently released by the National Resources Defense Council that ranks our beaches in Delaware among the cleanest in the nation,” said Senator Carper. “Not only do our beaches provide an opportunity for recreation, but they are also an important component of our tourism industry that helps support the local economy.”
“I am impressed, though not surprised, that two of the cleanest beaches in the nation are located right here in Delaware,” said Senator Coons. “This ‘Five Star’ designation is the result of local, state and federal entities working together to create a clean environment that is not only good for public health, but for our job-creating tourism industry.”
"Delawareans should be very proud that thousands visit our state every year because of the quality and cleanliness of our beaches," said Congressman Carney. "This ‘5 Star’ rating reflects the great work being done by community members, local leaders, and state and federal officials to preserve the environment and strengthen Delaware’s tourism industry and overall economy."
“I believe any credit for water quality on Delaware Beaches goes to the public who follow up with their observations of daily water quality,” said Delaware Senator George Bunting (20th District). “As an old ocean lifeguard. I encourage the public to speak out when they see ocean water quality being compromised.”
“The rest of the country now knows what I’ve known for most of my life: that these beaches are among the most beautiful places on Earth,” said Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. “I spent many summers lifeguarding on this beach and absolutely fell in love with it. Today, as a state representative, I appreciate how the beaches have become the lifeblood for our tourism industry. These beaches are truly special, and I’m glad they are being recognized today.”
The National Resources Defense Council’s report recognized Delaware’s Recreation Water Quality Program, a partnership among the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program and Delaware’s beach communities.
“The national recognition of our “Superstar Beaches” is a testament to Delaware's unique all-hands on deck approach to protect and improve water quality in our great state," said Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara. "The 5-star rating for Rehoboth and Dewey Beach reflects thousands of hours of effort by committed scientists and volunteers from our State's outstanding Recreational Water Quality Program and can serve as a real model for the nation.”
DNREC’s Watershed Stewardship Section manages Delaware’s Recreational Water Quality Program, collecting samples, monitoring beaches for coastal hazards such as floatable debris and other public health and safety concerns, and coordinating with municipalities and public officials to issue closings and advisories, should they become necessary.
Through the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards grants that help the state develop and maintain programs to test water quality and other environmental conditions at beaches and provide public notice if unhealthy levels of bacteria or other contamination is present. Over the past decade, the EPA has provided more than $1.5 million to Delaware under the Act. In 2011 Delaware received a grant of $217,000 to implement the Program.
“EPA is committed to helping protect public health at Delaware’s beaches so that they’re safe and enjoyable for all,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “Through our funding, we’re partnering with Delaware in preventing pollution and providing the public with information on beach conditions.”
The University of Delaware’s Sea Grant College Program analyzes beach water samples and provides a network of volunteer citizen scientists who complete additional water quality sampling and analysis, including testing for enterococci bacteria and harmful algae. “Run by Delaware Sea Grant’s Joe Farrell and Ed Whereat and featuring the efforts of hundreds of trained citizen volunteers, the UD Citizen Monitoring Program is a key partner with DNREC in keeping our waterways clean,” said Nancy Targett, Delaware Sea Grant director and dean of the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. “Our citizen scientists have contributed 25,000 service hours since the program began 20 years ago. They save state resources while helping to protect the health and well-being of everyone who swims in our coastal waters. The additional positive effects of this partnership on tourism and our economy cannot be understated.”
The NRDC report recognized the Program partners for implementing shoreline surveys that identified additional sources of pollution. As a result, a public education effort was initiated to reduce stormwater runoff and malfunctioning septic systems. The Program has provided additional support and funding to the University of Delaware for research into rapid methods of water quality analysis that will improve identification of organisms that could pose health risks. Additional research was funded to investigate algae blooms, levels of bacteria in beach sand, and potential pollution sources.
The NRDC report also highlighted Delaware’s efforts to reduce pollution from entering waterways through community infrastructure projects that have reduced stormwater runoff, increased sewage treatment capacity, and eliminated tens of thousands of septic tanks and other potential sources of pollution. Funded in part by Delaware’s Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, two projects are currently under construction in the area – a new onsite wastewater treatment facility that will eliminate septic systems at Bay Park Mobile Home Community near Rehoboth and the Town of Dewey Beach’s project at Bayard Avenue to decrease stormwater discharges, reducing flooding and pollution.
In his remarks, Secretary O’Mara outlined key legislation and some of the initiatives that help contribute to Delaware’s clean and safe beaches. The federal Clean Water Act ensures that surface waters would meet standards necessary for public enjoyment and recreation. Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act protects coastal areas from the destructive impacts of heavy industrialization, protecting the natural environment of our coastal areas and safeguarding their use for recreation and tourism. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the law that recognizes that coastal areas of Delaware are the most critical areas for our future and our quality of life.
Sec. O’Mara recognized Delaware’s oceanfront beach nourishment program that has pumped tons of sand onto our beaches, turning back the clock on beach erosion, providing recreational areas and storm damage protection. He thanked the hundreds of Delawareans who volunteer at DNREC’s beach grass planting event each spring that helps stabilize our shoreline, conserve beaches, and protect inland properties from coastal flooding.
Lastly, the Secretary praised Delaware’s many environmental stewards, including volunteers at Delaware’s Coastal Cleanup and the Inland Bays Cleanup events and Delaware’s Adopt-A-Beach program. Delaware Senator David McBride was instrumental in starting the Adopt-A-Beach program in 2002 and thanks to the dedication of the volunteers in the program, every beach from Lewes to Fenwick Island – 44 sites in all – have been adopted by individuals, families and organizations committed to keeping the beaches clean through regular maintenance and cleanup projects.
For more information on Delaware’s Recreational Water Quality Program, visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov.
Vol. 41, No. 250
