CategoriesEnvironment, Uncategorized by

Clean Water Maps for Delaware Legislative Districts

Over the past few months we have been working on developing a series of maps which illustrate Delawareans’ unique relationship to clean water and clean water infrastructure.

We created these maps in conjunction with Bright Fields Inc. as well as the University of Delaware’s Water Resource Center. The poverty concentrations are based on federal census data. Water and sewer data are from state and county databases. These maps are organized by legislative district, and tell a story about how areas served by sewers and public water systems intersect with poverty concentrations. These maps show that the lack of access to sewer and public water is often correlated to areas with high poverty concentrations in our state.

Descriptions and links to the maps are included below. 

Delaware Legislative Districts Showing Public Sewer Service Areas and Poverty Rates

House Version | Senate Version

The black, forward-slashing on this map shows Sewer Service Areas. Residents of these areas are served by sewage treatment plants. Residents outside of these areas flush their wastes into septic tanks and drain fields that, in Delaware’s sandy soils, can be a major source of groundwater contamination.

Delaware Legislative Districts Showing Public Water Service Areas and Poverty Rates

House Version | Senate Version

The black, backslashing on this map shows the extent of Water Service Areas. Residents inside these areas receive their drinking water from regulated wells or surface water systems that are tested routinely and treated to remove EPA-regulated contaminants. Residents outside of these areas receive their drinking water from a single or community wells, many of which may or may not be tested or treated for contaminants.

Delaware Legislative Districts Showing Impaired Surface Waters and Poverty Rates

House Version | Senate Version

The red segments on this map show dreams that have poor water quality. Delaware’s list of impaired waters includes 377 bodies of water that suffer from excess nutrients, low-dissolved oxygen, toxins, and/or bacteria that negatively impact human and aquatic life. Approximately 90% of Delaware’s waterways are considered impaired. [It is important to note that many Delaware streams have not yet been tested.]

We are happy to answer questions and further discuss the thought process behind these visuals at any time at Emily.Knearl@DelNature.org.

CategoriesEnvironment, Uncategorized by

Reflecting on Climate Justice, COVID-19, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As we celebrate their contributions to this country and continue vital conversations about how to address climate change, we must first come to terms with the complex history of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people here in the United States. We are currently experiencing a devastating increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans that have, in part, been fueled by racist rhetoric around the COVID-19 pandemic. This violence is not new and is also an extension of the mistreatment and discrimination that AAPI have suffered since immigrating to America; as well as the racist rhetoric used to blame Asian and Southeast Asian countries for climate change. The only way we will achieve true climate justice is by acknowledging and working through this ugly part of our history.

Climate justice frames climate change not only as an environmental issue but also as a political and ethical one. Political and ethical climate justice conversations must include countries throughout the world and include environmental justice considerations. For this to happen, we must become more comfortable taking responsibility for our environmental shortcomings without immediately focusing on what other countries can do better instead. For example, conversations about waste management systems around the globe often focus on the challenges that Asian and Southeast Asian countries like India and Indonesia face and how they can do better. These conversations fail to mention those same waste management struggles happening here in the United States This is not to say that we should never critique other countries when it comes to environmental issues with global impacts, but too often the blame is placed on Asian countries while the American responsibility is rarely fully addressed.

What are the chances that violence against AAPI and the blame for climate change is related? We certainly know that the sharp increase in violence against the AAPI community is related to COVID but placing unfair blame on non-white communities is not new. There are years of painful history between the United States and Asian and Pacific Island countries that have translated into the feeling that AAPI are a threat to our way of life here in the United States. The term “Yellow Peril” has been around since the 19th century and represents how these feelings have manifested in American culture. Yellow Peril is the fear that Asian people are going to invade the country, take jobs, and threaten our safety and way of life. While the term “Yellow Peril” has not been used in years, the ideas behind it have been used to push anti-Asian rhetoric and to justify, discrimination, imprisonment of entire families during World War II, and the most recent spate of violence. This continues to result in many people holding implicit biases against Asian American and Pacific Islanders that make it easier to blame them for many issues in the world. It has also helped lead to a paralysis in dealing more aggressively with climate change and feeds misinformation campaigns about the pandemic, threatening the very lives of AAPI friends and families in this country.

We need to do better. Large scale problems like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be solved if countries place blame instead of collaborating on a solution. There is room for the nuances of responsibility for climate change, but not if the United States refuses to own our part that we have played in the past and present. True climate and environmental justice addresses the full, not sanitized, histories of countries around the globe, including the United States. It also means that we have a responsibility to address our country’s role in damaging the environment and the structural racism that means communities of color are much more likely to live near heavy pollution. No longer can we play the blame game with our sister countries when there are people and our planet at risk if we want to build a more just and sustainable future. Nor should we let racism go unchallenged among ourserlves, the world, and our fellow Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.

For more information about the Stop AAPI hate movement click here.

Marissa McClenton is the author of this blog and a student at University of Delaware as well as the Clean Water Team’s Grassroots Organizer. Stay tuned for more insights and resources from the DEIJ Corner and Marissa in the future!

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Help Pass House Bill 200 Today!

Breaking news, Water Warriors! The Clean Water for Delaware Act, known as HB200, is going to be up for vote on the House floor this Thursday, April 1, 2021!

HB 200 will establish a Clean Water Trust Fund, provide financial resources to improve Delaware’s water quality and flood control, and prioritize investments in low-income and underserved communities. With 90% of Delaware’s waterways considered impaired or polluted, over 100 miles of fish consumption advisories, and consistent flooding statewide, there is no better time to act than the present.

In order for HB200 to pass, House legislators need to hear from you, their constituents! Will you help us ask the House to pass the Clean Water for Delaware Act (HB200)?

Below we’ve included the target legislators for you to contact as well as an email template for reaching out. If you’d like to like reach out to your specific House legislator and they aren’t one of our targets, we’ve provided resources for that as well.

Target House Legislators – To send an email directly, simply click on the link associated with each Representative on the right hand side.

Rep. Stephanie Bolden, StephanieT.Bolden@delaware.gov
Rep. Sherry Dorsey-Walker, Sherry.DorseyWalker@delaware.gov
Rep. Kevin Hensley, Kevin.Hensley@delaware.gov
Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, Jeff.Spiegelman@delaware.gov
Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf, Peter.Schwartzkopf@delaware.gov
Rep. Franklin Cooke, FranklinD.Cooke@delaware.gov
Rep. Kim Williams, Kimberly.Williams@delaware.gov
Rep. Steven Smyk, Steve.Smyk@delaware.gov
Rep. Mike Ramone, Michael.Ramone@delaware.gov
Rep. Mike Smith, Michael.F.Smith@delaware.gov
Rep. Tim Dukes, Timothy.Dukes@delaware.gov
Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, Madinah.Wilson-Anton@delaware.gov
Rep. Eric Morrison, Eric.Morrison@delaware.gov
Rep. William Bush, William.Bush@delaware.gov
Rep. Shannon Morris, Shannon.Morris@delaware.gov
Rep. Sean Lynn, Sean.Lynn@delaware.gov
Rep. Andria Bennett, Andria.Bennett@delaware.gov
Rep. Charles Postles, Charles.Postles@delaware.gov
Rep. Lyndon Yearick, Lyndon.Yearick@delaware.gov
Rep. Jess Vanderwende, Jesse.Vanderwende@delaware.gov
Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, Ruth.BriggsKing@delaware.gov
Rep. Rich Collins, Rich.Collins@delaware.gov

Sample Email for House Representative 

Dear [Representative their last name],
I am writing to ask that you support the Clean Water for Delaware Act, HB200, to establish a Clean Water Trust Fund, provide financial resources to improve Delaware’s water quality and flood control, and prioritize investments in low-income and underserved communities. With 90% of Delaware’s waterways considered impaired, over 100 miles of fish consumption advisories, and consistent flooding statewide, there is no better time to act than the present.
Earlier this year, Governor Carney and legislative leaders proposed a $50 million investment in clean water. HB200 will support this investment by creating a Clean Water Trust Fund, a cabinet-level committee to oversee the Trust, and guidelines to developing an Annual Report and Strategic Plan for Clean Water.
Funds from the Trust will go towards numerous priorities, including but not limited to:
  • Municipal wastewater treatment projects
  • Watershed restoration projects, including natural solutions
  • Flood reduction
  • Public sewer and septic upgrades
Clean water is especially important to me because [insert why you care about clean water here. Adding your personal experiences will make your email to your Representative stand out and have a greater impact!]
We need clean water to protect our health, economy, and environment while improving water quality and reducing flooding.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Insert your name here]
CategoriesEnvironment by

Take Action on PFAS in Delaware: House Bill 8, The Drinking Water Protection Act


In early February of 2018, Delaware officials announced Blades residents should avoid drinking their water to allow the town time to install a carbon filtration system. The warning was due to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected at levels higher than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health advisory limit of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). Blades, which sits near the headwaters of the Nanticoke River, is one of 18 sites in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed where PFAS were discovered at levels of concern. The news of their PFAS contamination in 2018 shocked and inspired people statewide to advocate for the improvement and for new protections of Delaware’s water resources.

Now, it’s time to take action by supporting House Bill 8, The Drinking Water Protection Act. HB 8 is sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan and Sen. Dave Sokola and has drawn bipartisan support. It will be heard on the House floor for a vote on Thursday, April 29, at 2:00pm. Make your voice heard by contacting your House legislators today. For contact information and suggested talking points, check out our latest Action Alert newsletter. 

The legislation in its current form would direct the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Division of Public Health (DPH) to set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) on PFAS, specifically PFOS and PFOA, found in drinking water. By establishing enforceable MCLs, Delaware will be going above and beyond the EPA’s non-enforceable healthy advisory limits and will reinforce that water providers must fix problematic PFAS levels.

Background on PFAS

There are thousands of types of Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); two of the most studied are referred to as PFOA and PFOS. The EPA has issued health advisories based on the best available peer-reviewed studies of the effects of PFOA and PFOS on laboratory animals (rats and mice) and were also informed by epidemiological studies of human populations that have been exposed to PFASs. These studies indicate that exposure to PFOA and PFOS over certain levels may result in adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or to breastfed infants (e.g., low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations), cancer (e.g., testicular, kidney), liver effects (e.g., tissue damage), immune effects (e.g., antibody production and immunity), thyroid effects and other effects (e.g., cholesterol change).

PFAS come from a wide variety of sources, and are often associated with manufacturing. In Blades, the source is believed to be from electroplating operations based on other metals that were found in high concentrations in groundwater with the PFAS. EPA Region 3 Site Assessment Manager, Connor O’Loughlin, noted that the EPA has been looking into two electroplating facilities in the area since the mid-1990s, Peninsula Plating and Procino Plating, though the Agency would look at additional sites in their investigation into the contamination.

This is a critical issue facing Delawareans today, and we urge you to contact your state representative to ask that they support passage of HB 8. Make your voice heard and help protect Delaware’s drinking water today.

CategoriesEnvironment, Member Spotlight by

Advocating for Clean Water: It Takes Teamwork!

A reflection of our most recent Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

In early April, a number of our Clean Water Alliance Members had the opportunity to participate in a “Clean Water Advocacy Day” in Washington D.C.  The day, held in conjunction with the Choose Clean Water Coalition and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed’s Advocacy Day, was focused on urging our Congressional Delegation to fight for the much-needed federal programs that help improve Delaware’s water quality and lessen the impact of flooding.

Attendees included representatives from Delaware Nature Society, the Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers Association, Christina Navy, Brandywine Red Clay Alliance and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.

Attendees met with Senator Tom Carper and his staff as well as staff from Senator Chris Coons’ and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester’s offices. Some of our attendees have been to meeting on The Hill before, while this was a new experience for others.

As we headed home, we had a chance to reflect on the experience with some of our attendees, including:

Chris Bason, Executive Director, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (CB)
John Williams, Founder, Christina Navy (JW)
Todd Pride, Lead Coach, Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers and Outdoors Program (TP)

 

Q: Why did you attend Advocacy Day?

 TP: Clean and healthy water is essential to the success of hunting and fishing activities. Delaware is at the “apex” of the Mid-Atlantic region’s Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, which is critical to the health and economic vitality of the region.  It was important to me that our elected officials see the passion and experiences the fishing and hunting communities have for clean water.

JW: Rowing on dirty water in Wilmington for 27 years, I like the idea that green infrastructure projects can improve Wilmington and turn it into a “green” place where people want to work and live — an Emerald City! I think it’s important our officials make this connection.

CB: Ultimately, I’ve dedicated my career to protecting the water and natural lands in Delaware. When I heard about this opportunity from Delaware Nature Society, I couldn’t turn it down!

Q: After the day wrapped up, what were your thoughts on the experience?

 CB: I was impressed by the enthusiasm demonstrated by the advocates and Congressional Offices, particularly that of Senator Carper.  In the face of adversity, a variety of people that have a deep connection and interest in clean water spoke in a very positive way about why continued progress on clean water will happen.

JW: It was great to have so many different perspectives on clean water speaking with our congressional team. We all need water to live and we all will benefit from clean water. The message really “sunk in.”

TP: What was most impressive to me was the broad level of support for our region’s (and country’s) clean water programs. I was also impressed by support from and for our area’s agriculture industry.

Q: Did you feel the folks we met with were approachable and willing to tackle the issue? Would you recommend other Delawareans meet with their elected officials?

CB: The staff is always approachable and they listen.  That is their job, but I feel like many people don’t realize that or they have a hard time trusting that.  The staff have to ensure that everyone who wants to be heard is, so meetings or phone calls are often quick.  But I always encourage people that any opinion or information they have matters a great deal and the Congressional Offices have a strong interest in hearing it.

JW: Everyone was very pleasant and receptive. I could feel their genuine shared concern for our cause. They also had suggestions for how to approach others with differing opinions to help pass needed clean water legislation. 

Q: What was the top thing you walked away with from the day?

JW: I really enjoyed meeting the members of the “clean water team” from Delaware. We are not only advocating for our organizations, but also making cross-connections to stand united with a strong message.

TP: My biggest takeaway was the incredible teamwork and leadership displayed by so many interests. We came out of this day with some new relationships and have already started working with some of the participants we met to further mobilize the support from the hunting and fishing communities.

CategoriesEnvironment, Member Spotlight by

Delaware Master Gardeners take part in Water Warrior workshop

Water Warrior Attendee Group ShotThe following is part of our “Member Spotlight” series. The Clean Water Campaign periodically highlights the work our Clean Water Alliance Members do to support our mission of securing additional funding for clean water initiatives. 

Delaware Master Gardeners take part in Water Warrior workshop

Article by Adam Thomas 

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners spent two days in February learning about the importance of clean water to the state’s environment and economy.

Participants explored simple, low-cost tips for protecting and improving local water quality in their backyards and community and engaging on topics such as green infrastructure as part of a Water Warrior citizen advocacy workshop.

The workshop featured presenters from UD, the Delaware Nature Society (DNS), the Delaware Water Resources Center (DWRC) and the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, and was affiliated with the Clean Water: Delaware’s Clear Choice campaign, a statewide education and outreach effort led by DNS and focused on clean water.

Many of the presenters were also part of the Clean Water Alliance, a group of diverse stakeholders that supports the Clean Water Campaign and the Water Warrior workshops.

Carrie Murphy, extension agent and the lawn and garden program leader, said that a representative from DNS approached her about holding the training for Master Gardeners, saying it was a natural fit as the gardeners already get a baseline of training on how to help homeowners with water problems.

“There are bigger efforts in neighborhoods to manage the water but then on your own property, and in your landscape, there are slight modifications you can make, for example reducing lawn, planting more native plants, considering a rain garden if appropriate, to more effectively manage water. This has been our focus but we’ve never had extensive training to connect these suggestions to the bigger picture, so this was a great opportunity to do this,” said Murphy.

The first day of the workshop focused on sustainable landscaping, specifically how gardens relate to water management, and highlighted some of the challenges in New Castle County with regard to water management and how Master Gardeners can help people troubleshoot those issues.

Sue Barton, associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, presented on sustainable landscaping practices, such as bioswales, a landscaping element designed to concentrate or remove pollution from surface water runoff, and native plants that are appropriate for rain gardens.

A DNS representative gave an overview of the Clean Water Alliance and a presentation on “Water Warrior 101: Citizen’s Guide to Clean Water.”

Individual contributions to clean water

There are a number of ways that individuals can help contribute to clean water through individual practices, which is the focus of Water Warrior training. Gardeners, in particular, have a unique relationship with water and can have an immediate impact based on the individual practices that they utilize.

The second day included presentations on the value of watersheds and water in Delaware from Martha Narvaez, a policy scientist at the DWRC, located in UD’s Institute for Public Administration, and an overview of water restoration in the Brandywine-Red Clay Valley from Ellen Kohler of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance.

The DWRC is on the Clean Water Alliance steering committee and Narvaez said they have been working with DNS on their campaign, trying to attract new alliance members and sharing information about the importance of clean water.

They have also been educating the public on their role in water quality, their impacts on water and the need for clean water.

“We conducted an economic analysis on Delaware’s watersheds in 2012 and, using three different methods, we found watersheds contribute anywhere from $2-6.7 billion annually to the state’s economy. We felt that quantifying [this number] was important so that we could give people a better understanding of why protecting water is important,” said Narvaez.

One of the biggest challenges in protecting water in Delaware and throughout the country is that water crosses state lines, so while Delawareans can address the pollution once it reaches the state, it is increasingly difficult to address the pollution at out-of-state sources.

“How do you address pollution in other states when you really have no regulatory authority to do that? That’s one of the challenges with water. People have different uses downstream and you may not have control of the sources upstream so you need to work to have innovative ways to incentivize people upstream to clean up the water so the people downstream are getting clean water,” said Narvaez.

As far as working with the Master Gardeners, Narvaez said she was happy to participate in the event and share the research DWRC has conducted on the importance of water resources.

“I think the Master Gardeners are a perfect group to carry that through because they are the people on the ground talking to home owners and really connecting with the public and I think they can connect in a way that a lot of us can’t and so I was really happy to be able to participate,” said Narvaez.

Those interested in becoming Master Gardeners or learning about Master Gardener services can call 302-831-COOP or visit the Cooperative Extension website.

Those interested in learning more about the Clean Water Alliance or hosting a Water Warrior training, can contact Brenna Goggin, director of advocacy at DNS, at 302-239-2334 ext. 132 or e-mail brenna@delawarenaturesociety.org.

This blog post is a reprint of an article published in UDaily on 3/13/17.