AGP Executive Report

Delaware Bay & Water Quality: Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay progress report says the watershed hit its sediment goal (100% of target) and is at about 90% for phosphorus and 57% for nitrogen, with the pollution-reduction clock now extended to 2030 while updated targets are set for 2040. DNREC & Public Health: DNREC reported its first West Nile virus detection of the year from sentinel chickens, underscoring ongoing mosquito-borne risk for Delaware communities. Local Environment & Enforcement: Donovan Salvage Works near Georgetown faces another DNREC enforcement action and a $135,040 fine over alleged oily water discharges, used oil handling, stormwater runoff problems, and smelter operations. Coastal & Wildlife: Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware launched an inaugural Autonomous Systems Bootcamp in Lewes, using robotics to map the Delaware Bay and detect fish. Community & Food Systems: Gov. Matt Meyer rolled out Delaware’s Farm to Processing program, expanding locally grown produce processing and workforce training tied to reentry. Energy & Climate Tech: Delaware expands community solar to bring lower electric bills to more renters and homeowners. Policy & Fishing: DNREC proposed tweaks to fishing rules, including a change that would prohibit paddling bait out for fishing—sparking questions from anglers who use kayaks. Business & Sustainability Funding: The Division of Small Business opens fall EDGE Grant applications Aug. 11, with a webinar the same day and $1.15M available for small businesses.

DNREC Enforcement: Donovan Salvage near Georgetown is facing another round of DNREC fines, with Secretary Gregory Patterson ordering a $135,040 penalty tied to alleged oily water discharges, used-oil handling problems, and improper smelter operations—after earlier multi-million-dollar penalties and a settlement. Seabed Mining Debate: An op-ed warns that proposed seabed mining off the Eastern Shore could mean long-running dredging that damages seafloor habitat and disrupts marine life, raising alarms for Delaware’s coastal waters. Bay Water Quality Update: The Chesapeake Bay Program says the watershed has hit its sediment reduction target, while phosphorus and nitrogen progress continues—though timelines for remaining pollution goals now extend to 2030. Local Contamination Concerns: Rural Georgetown residents are pushing for answers about long-running groundwater contamination at the Homestead Campground site, where DNREC has monitored levels for decades and homeowners say they weren’t told. Fishing Rules Watch: DNREC proposed tweaks to fishing regulations, including a potential ban on paddling bait out for shark fishing—prompting anglers to ask what the rule would actually cover. Farm to Processing: Delaware launched a Farm to Processing program pairing local growers with workforce training inside correctional facilities, expanding produce processing for youth meals. Clean Energy/Innovation: Gov. Matt Meyer unveiled Innovate Delaware, aiming to connect startups with capital and partners, with emphasis on clean energy and sustainable materials.

Groundwater Watch: Rural Georgetown residents are raising alarms over decades-old contamination at the Homestead Campground site, where DNREC has monitored trichloroethylene (TCE) since the mid-2000s—neighbors say they weren’t told and want clarity on responsibility and health impacts. Clean Energy Access: Delaware is expanding community solar with a new 4-megawatt project in Dover that routes power into the Delmarva system and sets aside shares for low-income households, aiming to cut bills for renters and others who can’t install rooftop panels. Legacy Pollution in the Streets: A new study sampling road dust in seven eastern cities—including Wilmington—finds toxic metals can persist for years, raising concerns about everyday exposure near parks, schoolyards, and residential streets. Climate & Power Infrastructure: A Vineland, N.J. data center hearing drew debate over using liquefied natural gas and fuel cells for on-site power, as AI-driven electricity demand keeps colliding with local environmental and grid concerns. Wildlife & Public Safety: A national report ranks Delaware’s deadliest animal as the Portuguese man o’ war, a reminder that coastal ecosystems can pose real risks during summer outings.

Wilmington Riverfront, then and now: A photo-driven look at how the Wilmington Riverfront has changed over the years, from early waterfront activity to major redevelopment milestones. Data centers and the environment: A new map-based study finds data centers are overwhelmingly concentrated in cities (97.5% in urban areas), raising fresh concerns about power demand, water use for cooling, and local impacts. Legacy pollution in everyday dust: Researchers tested road dust in seven eastern U.S. cities, including Wilmington, and found toxic metals tied to old industrial activity and decades-old pesticides still lingering near parks and schools. Mosquito-borne risk update: Delaware detected West Nile virus for the first time in 2026 in a sentinel chicken in Kent County, signaling the virus is circulating locally and could trigger more mosquito monitoring. Heat preparedness: Delaware Sea Grant hosted a “Beat the Heat” resource fair at the University of Delaware, focusing on energy efficiency and heat safety for coastal communities. State parks rules: DNREC proposed updates to Delaware state park regulations, including e-bike and surf-fishing procedures, reservation rules, and limits on political signage. Local wildlife work: Students joined horseshoe crab tagging efforts in the Chesapeake region to support population tracking and better understand movements. Climate reporting training: Climate Newsroom and Covering Climate Now programs opened new application windows, including a Delaware-area journalism hub for reporters.

Mosquito-Borne Risk Watch: Delaware detected West Nile virus for the first time this year in sentinel chickens in eastern Kent County, with officials urging residents to cut standing water and use repellent as the virus signals mosquitoes are carrying it. Public Lands & Access: DNREC proposed updates to Delaware state park rules, including how e-bikes are treated, surf-fishing reservation procedures, magnet fishing and bait limits, and new limits on political signs and resale of reservations. Heat & Flood Aftermath: After more flooding, a heat advisory is in effect Thursday as humidity pushes heat indexes toward 100, even with temps below 90. Offshore Wind Review: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board scheduled an Aug. 25 hybrid hearing on a challenge to DNREC’s federal consistency review tied to the US Wind offshore project. Community Resilience: Delaware Sea Grant hosted a “Beat the Heat” resource fair at the University of Delaware, focusing on outdoor heat safety and energy efficiency. Local Health & Safety Ops: Delaware mosquito control plans adult mosquito spraying Thursday morning near Frankford, using EPA-registered products per label instructions. Wildlife & Nature Education: Delaware’s Paddle Quest and other park programming continue to roll out as state parks gear up for summer events.

Delaware Mosquito Watch: DNREC says West Nile Virus was detected for the first time in 2026 in sentinel chickens in eastern Kent County, with no human cases reported yet; officials urge equine owners to vaccinate and note the timing is slightly earlier than usual. Offshore Wind Oversight: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board will hold a hybrid Aug. 25 hearing on a challenge to DNREC’s federal consistency review tied to the US Wind offshore project, including export cables landing at 3R’s Beach. Clean Hydrogen in Dover: Aternium says it has finalized a Dover property purchase for a heavy water and clean hydrogen facility, a project it frames as a major Central Delaware investment and job driver. Air Quality & Asthma: New research links higher asthma rates in the Philadelphia metro to worse air pollution near industrial land and major highways, with redlining-era disinvestment tied to where pollution hits hardest. Climate Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court has set an Oct. 5 date for a major climate lawsuit fight over whether local governments can sue fossil fuel companies in state court. Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Mexican lettuce continues to spread, with Iowa now included as cases rise nationwide.

Energy & Water Oversight: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered new data-center projects to meet state rules before construction, requiring developers to report expected electricity and water use, noise/light controls, and ownership details—projects that don’t comply can be denied grid connection. Pollution & Health: Six state attorneys general, including Delaware’s, urged the EPA to withdraw a plan that would let coal-ash disposal sites skip key permits, warning it could raise risks to nearby communities and waterways. Food Safety: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce linked to Mexico’s Taylor Farms has sickened thousands, with health officials still searching for other possible sources. Wildlife in Delaware: A new nationwide ranking named Delaware’s deadliest animal as the Portuguese man o’ war, underscoring coastal wildlife hazards. Delaware Environment Policy: Delaware’s Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force released a final report saying small modular reactors aren’t a viable short-term option for the state, while keeping nuclear on the long-term table. Local Alerts: Delaware Mosquito Control scheduled evening insecticide spraying in multiple areas including Lewes, Milford, Seaford, and Georgetown. Community & Conservation: Coastal Wilds in Frankford is offering animal experiences aimed at building public support for wildlife conservation.

Clean Energy in Dover: Aternium says it will build its first U.S. heavy water and high-purity hydrogen facility in Dover, with a projected $226M investment and dozens of jobs, aiming to close on the site in late 2026. Local Solar Boost: Dover officials launched the 4-megawatt KE73 Community Solar Farm, citing rising electricity demand (including data centers) and the need for more local clean power. Flood Risk Relief for Lewes: Lewes earned a better FEMA flood management rating, moving from Class 8 to Class 7, which should cut flood insurance premiums by 15% starting in October. Wildlife Watch: DNREC confirmed an eagle took a young osprey from its nest at Cape Henlopen State Park, with officials noting they avoided intervention near fledging age. Delaware Bay Conservation: A horseshoe crab blood harvesting fight is heating up, with advocates accusing New Jersey of not enforcing protections meant to safeguard the species and the migratory birds that depend on them. Community Nature & Learning: Delaware Botanic Gardens will host a beekeeping lecture Aug. 15, and Inland Bays Garden Center is running late-summer workshops focused on coastal living and native landscapes. State Planning & Growth: Milton’s planning commission discussed updating its comprehensive plan with a stronger push for economic development and sustainability, including how to better attract businesses.

Delaware Clean Energy: Dover officials celebrated the launch of the KE73 Community Solar Farm, a 4-megawatt project from Nautilus Solar and TurningPoint Energy, as data-center demand and regional grid strain make more local clean power feel urgent. Flood Resilience: Lewes earned a FEMA Community Rating System upgrade, moving from Class 8 to Class 7—meaning flood insurance premiums drop 15% starting in October. Wildlife Watch: DNREC confirmed an eagle took a young osprey from the nest at Cape Henlopen State Park over the weekend, after officials had been monitoring the fledgling’s condition. Climate Accountability: Delaware-linked Chemours PFAS fallout stayed in the spotlight as North Carolina officials criticized an EPA settlement they say was negotiated “behind our backs,” while pushing for stronger fixes to drinking-water impacts. State Innovation: Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched “Innovate Delaware,” a new effort to connect startups with capital and research, with focus areas including clean energy and sustainable advanced materials. Nature & Community Funding: DNREC opened 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund grant applications, and Delaware’s statewide photo contest winners were also recognized.

DNREC Environmental Justice Grants: DNREC is opening 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) applications for community and nonprofit groups, with projects ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and a focus on pollution mitigation, environmental enhancements, and outdoor recreation—priority goes to areas within two miles of recent environmental violations. Wildlife at Cape Henlopen: DNREC confirmed an eagle took a young osprey from its nest at Cape Henlopen State Park, after officials had been monitoring the chick near fledging age. Delaware Bay Birds: Red knot populations along Delaware Bay showed a slight improvement during spring migration, but numbers remain far below historic levels. Osprey Monitoring & Park Policy: Delaware State Parks said it avoided intervening at the nest to reduce risk to the fledgling, noting limited or stopped feedings can happen with osprey pairs. Coastal Paddling: Delaware State Parks launched Paddle Quest for its 75th anniversary, pairing a statewide paddling challenge with new kayak rental options at Delaware Seashore State Park. Climate Accountability: California AG Rob Bonta co-led a multistate amicus brief backing Boulder’s climate deception case against Big Oil, arguing states can pursue tort claims. PFAS Fight: North Carolina officials criticized a Chemours/EPA settlement as being negotiated “behind our backs,” challenging how PFAS cleanup and penalties were handled. Access for Anglers: A USDA-funded grant will help expand public recreational access easements on private lands in Pennsylvania, boosting opportunities for fishing and boating.

Community Grants: DNREC’s Environmental Justice Office opened 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) applications for community or nonprofit groups, with awards from $5,000 to $50,000. Projects must fit pollution mitigation, environmental enhancement, or recreation access, and DNREC will prioritize areas within two miles of an environmental violation; the window runs through Aug. 31. Outdoor Access & Waterways: DNREC launched Paddle Quest for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, pairing a statewide paddling challenge with new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park; participants submit photos, visit at least two locations, and entries are due Sept. 1. Wildlife Recovery: Delaware Bay red knot counts show a resurgence, with biologists tracking more than 30,000 during peak counts and Delaware’s Shorebird Project recording nearly 2,000 at Mispillion Harbor on May 11. Local Education Policy: Cape Henlopen school board reviewed a new cellphone policy required by Delaware law, limiting phone use for younger students and setting rules for devices like smartwatches and AI glasses.

Delaware DNREC Funding: DNREC’s Environmental Justice Office is taking applications for 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) grants from Aug. 1–31, with awards of $5,000 to $50,000 for pollution mitigation, environmental enhancements, and recreation projects—preference goes to communities within two miles of where an environmental violation occurred. Wildlife Update: Delaware Bay red knot counts are improving, with biologists tracking more than 30,000 during peak counts and Delaware Shorebird Project totals reaching about 2,000 at Mispillion Harbor on May 11 and peaking near 3,000 May 20, tied to better horseshoe crab egg availability. Community Outdoors: DNREC launched Paddle Quest for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, pairing a statewide paddling challenge with new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park, including qualifying launches at Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, and more. Local Nature Spotlight: Lums Pond is getting attention as a surprisingly overlooked Delaware freshwater “pond” (about 200 acres) where locals hike, paddle, and fish amid herons and hardwood forests. Coastal Resilience Tech: University of Maryland researchers installed a new Hydronet real-time water-level monitoring station at Breezy Point Beach and Campground to strengthen flood forecasting across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

DNREC Environmental Justice Grants: Delaware is opening 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) applications Aug. 1–31, with $5,000–$50,000 awards for community and nonprofit projects tied to pollution mitigation, environmental enhancements, and outdoor recreation. Preference goes to areas within two miles of where an environmental violation occurred, and DNREC says its ombudsman will help applicants. Paddling for Parks: DNREC also launched Paddle Quest for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, pairing a statewide kayak/canoe/paddleboard challenge with new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park; entries are due Sept. 1. Wildlife Update: Delaware Bay red knot counts are improving, with Delaware’s Shorebird Project reporting nearly 2,000 at Mispillion Harbor on May 11 and a peak around 3,000 by May 20, tied to better horseshoe crab egg availability. Coastal Flood Monitoring: University of Maryland expanded Hydronet with a new real-time water-level station at Breezy Point to strengthen Chesapeake Bay flood forecasting and local preparedness. Community Science: The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for the Dragonfly Mercury Project on Aug. 4–5 along the Upper Delaware River to help track mercury contamination risks to people and wildlife.

DNREC Paddle Quest: Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary is getting a paddling boost with Paddle Quest, a statewide kayak/canoe/paddleboard challenge that asks participants to visit at least two parks and submit a photo by Sept. 1, with qualifying launches including Delaware Seashore, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, and Trap Pond. Wildlife & Coasts: Delaware Bay shorebird news is mixed but hopeful: red knot counts are improving slightly, yet still sit far below historic levels, underscoring how much horseshoe crab eggs and habitat conditions matter. Community Grants: DNREC’s Environmental Justice Office will accept 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund grant applications Aug. 1–31, with projects ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and extra preference for communities within two miles of where environmental violations occurred. Water & Climate Resilience: The University of Maryland expanded Hydronet flood monitoring across the Chesapeake with a new real-time water-level station, aiming to improve preparedness for coastal flooding. Mercury Citizen Science: The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for the Dragonfly Mercury Project on the Upper Delaware River (Aug. 4–5, with a backup date Aug. 11–12) to help track mercury in aquatic ecosystems.

Wetlands Restoration: A Partners for Fish and Wildlife program explains how restoring shallow wetlands on low-productivity farm fields can help wildlife while adapting to rising water tables, tidal flooding, and storm-driven hydrology in the coastal plain. DNREC Photo Spotlight: DNREC unveiled winners of its 2026 statewide nature photo contest, with more than 300 entries and categories spanning watersheds, wildlife, and people enjoying nature. Mercury Monitoring (Upper Delaware River): The National Park Service is recruiting volunteers for the Dragonfly Mercury Project to collect dragonfly larvae for mercury testing on Aug. 4–5 (with a weather backup date). Coastal Flood Readiness: University of Maryland expanded Hydronet real-time water-level monitoring at Breezy Point, adding local data to improve flood forecasting and emergency response across the Chesapeake Bay region. Living Shorelines Training: DNREC opened registration for living shorelines training sessions, aimed at helping Delaware communities protect coasts with nature-based approaches. Community Environmental Grants: DNREC will accept 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund applications Aug. 1–31, with funding drawn from environmental violation penalties and priority for impacted neighborhoods. Horseshoe Crab Fight (NJ): Conservation groups filed a petition challenging biomedical horseshoe crab harvesting practices in Cape May County, raising stakes for Delaware Bay shorebird food webs. Local Water Access: Wilmington Mayor John Carney vetoed a bill that would have limited water shutoffs for at-risk residents, citing the need to enforce utility collections. ACA Legal Challenge (Regional): Delaware AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to block a federal rule that could make ACA coverage more expensive and harder to get.

DNREC Environmental Justice: DNREC will accept applications for 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund grants from Aug. 1–31, with grants of $5,000 to $50,000 aimed at environmental and recreation projects—preference goes to communities within two miles of where violations occurred. Coastal Ecosystems: Block Island Maritime Institute hosts Samuel Koeck Aug. 4 on seagrass meadows—how these underwater habitats support wildlife, stabilize shorelines, improve water quality, and how new tools are helping scientists study and restore them. Outdoor Recreation: DNREC launches Paddle Quest, a statewide kayak/canoe/paddleboat challenge for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, with prize-earning stops at places like Delaware Seashore, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, and Trap Pond. Marine Life Risk: A rare North Atlantic right whale sighting off the Mid-Atlantic shipping corridor near Delaware raises fresh concerns about vessel strikes for a critically endangered population. Agriculture & Soil: A Delaware NRCS regenerative farming update focuses on pest management systems that use targeted, planned approaches to protect crops while reducing pesticide impacts. Community Energy: Roxbury Arts Group announces 2026 Smart Energy Art Grants supporting clean-energy and stewardship-themed public art projects tied to Delaware County.