Ah..Labor Day! For most of us, time to remember the hazy days of summer and get back to work. For those of you visiting our coastal region, fall means local politicians beginning the arduous task of trying to place a municipal ocean outfall pipe just off the Delaware coast into critical and essential habitat for many marine species.
To update everyone briefly in case you've been away: the City of Rehoboth Beach, during the summer of 2016, violated the covenant of community health, safety and environment by illegally discharging contaminants from their wastewater treatment plant into the Rehoboth Bay. The recent Notice of Violation issued by the state agency responsible for upholding the Clean Water Act, DNREC, clearly defines this egregious act. By knowingly and willingly allowing inoperable equipment to daily discharge "bulking solids" into the waterway, Rehoboth did not, in good faith uphold many national and state regulations and permit obligations under applicable laws.
The levy and issuance of fines is the civic and legal responsibility of DNREC Secretary Small, and should be immediate and substantial. Not only monetary penalties, but a revoking or suspension of Rehoboth NPDES permit (expired in 2010) to discharge into U.S. waterways. How can a city operate with such bad intention? Not only allowing a substandard daily performance of their wastewater treatment plant, but also failing to provide necessary and overdue upgrades to the antiquated facility?
Short answer....
The continued malfeasance of the City of Rehoboth becomes apparent in their naive attempt to permit a new ocean outfall in 2016. For many years the engineering paperwork has stacked up, thick as phone books waiting for the recycle bin. In 10 years of discussion, no person or agency has explained the legality of this project. In the next month or so, a formal public notice and comment period will be issued on the seven permits required by both DNREC and federal agencies for the project. If you want to conserve the local ocean, I ask that you to engage all politicians running for elective office for the state, voice your opposition, and preserve the quality of water and aquatic life in Delmarva.
For the citizens of Rehoboth Beach; the Record of Decision for the outfall in January 2015 was only a preliminary financial mechanism. The language is clear and present. No state funding unless all permits are issued. (No permits have been approved) And, as a coercive contract, it defined the additional requirement of solving the city's storm drain pollution, currently discharging from Rehoboth's streets into the ocean with each rain event. More money, more engineering reports, more permits. Additionally, with the water quality advisory and beach closure notice posted in July, you've lost the five-star beach ratings. Again.
Gregg Rosner
Fenwick Island
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