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News Releases from Region 03

EPA Awards $345,000 to Protect Delaware Wetlands

12/08/2016
Contact Information: 
David Sternberg (sternberg.david@epa.gov)
215-814-5548

PHILADELPHIA (December 8, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has awarded $345,000 to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to enhance wetland conservation in Delaware through science, mapping, and education.

“Wetlands play a significant role in protecting our nation’s water supply,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “By taking action to protect and restore these valuable resources, DNREC is protecting sources of our drinking water, preventing flooding, and making us more resilient to climate change.”

The project will help to improve wetland conservation and watershed planning, while addressing threats affecting Delaware’s wetlands, and building the capacity of Delaware’s wetlands program. The money will also be used to help fund a Delaware wetland conference planned for 2018.  

“Delaware’s wetlands are among our most important ecological resources but continue to face threats – pollution, sea level rise and changing climates and landscapes,” said Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small. “We value our partnership with EPA that will support our efforts to protect and restore wetlands and ensure their valuable services.”

The Clean Water Act recognizes the dangers of upstream pollution sources. As water flows downstream, it can carry pollutants with it. Wetlands are instrumental in eliminating or treating pollution, and can have a huge impact on receiving waters located downstream.

In 2016, EPA’s mid-Atlantic region awarded approximately $2.8 million in Wetland Program Development Grants. Grant recipients also include the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Maryland Department of Environment.

Wetland Program Development Grants are used to build and refine comprehensive wetland programs, with priority given to funding projects that address: developing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program; improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation; and refining the protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources.

For more information: http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/wetlands/grantguidelines/index.cfm

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