Estuary News, 2024, Volume 34, Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

Studying Nature’s Symphony

PDE Uses Sounds to Measure Marsh Health

PAGE 6

School Cuts Ribbon on New Rain Garden

PAGE 3

SAN-sational!

Schuylkill Action Network Celebrates 20th Anniversary

PAGE 4

RASCL Summit Explores Renewable Energy

PAGE 5

COMMITTEES CONTACT LIST

Dear Friends of PDE,

As you read through the stories in this issue of Estuary News, you will see a theme of collaboration. One of the principles that guide all 28 National Estuary Programs across the country is the strong belief that to improve the health of our nation’s estuaries, we must bring together diverse stakeholders to find ways to address our challenges. We also have a shared commitment to direct support and resources to communities that are most in need.

We work with people of all ages and walks of life to create a shared respect and understanding that although we come to this work differently, we share the goals of achieving cleaner waters, healthier habitats, and stronger communities.

Whether this work involves building a rain garden in Woodstown, New Jersey, working with farmers, utilities, and landowners in the Schuylkill River Watershed, or partnering with others to create a more resilient, sustainable Delaware, the common theme here is collaboration.

Now that spring is here, we look forward to finding ways to collaborate with you. We’d love you to join us at a clean-up, river festival, or oyster shell bagging event (see page 11 for event details). After all, protecting the health of the Delaware Estuary for future generations has to be a team effort, and we are committed to creating opportunities to help connect you to this amazing resource that we call home.

Best Wishes,

Cows munch on hay at Kerith Brook Farm in Kutztown,Pennsylvania. The Schuylkill Action Network’s Agriculture Workgroup partners work with farmers in the Schuylkill River Watershed for greener outcomes and cleaner drinking water.

Meetings conducted by the Delaware Estuary Program’s implementation and advisory committees occur on a regular basis and are open to the public. For meeting dates and times, please contact the individuals listed below:

Estuary Implementation Committee

Kathy Klein

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Executive Director (Chair) (302) 354-0307 kklein@DelawareEstuary.org

Monitoring Advisory & Coordination Committee

Elaine Panuccio

Water Restoration Scientist, Water Quality Assessment

Delaware River Basin Commission (609) 883-9500, ext. 307 elaine.panuccio@drbc.gov

Toxics Advisory Committee

Jeremy Conkle

Senior Toxicologist

Delaware River Basin Commission (609) 883-9500 Jeremy.Conkle@drbc.gov

Science and Technical Advisory Committee

LeeAnn Haaf, Ph.D.

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Assistant Director of Estuary Science (800) 445-4935, ext. 116 lhaaf@DelawareEstuary.org

Water Quality Advisory Committee

John Yagecic, P.E. Manager, Water Quality Assessment Delaware River Basin Commission (609) 883-9500, ext. 271 john.yagecic@drbc.nj.gov

ON THE COVER

Kelly Faller, PDE’s Science Coordinator, stands in a New Jersey marsh with acoustics recording equipment. Faller used the equipment to record bird and other wildlife sounds as part of a larger PDE marsh restoration project. Story on page 6.

FOLLOW US ON:

KATHY KLEIN, Executive Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

CUTS RIBBON ON NEW RAIN GARDEN SALEM TECH

Students Planted Nearly 400 Native Perennials and Shrubs on School Grounds

Agriculture is about more than farming. It includes aquaculture, research, and water quality analysis, to name a few things.

“There’s a lot of careers that are encapsulated in agricultural sciences,” said Keely DiTizio, the Agricultural Sciences teacher and National FFA Organization advisor at Salem County Career and Technical High School (Salem Tech) in Woodstown, New Jersey. So when her students spent class time last fall creating a rain garden at their school, they weren’t just putting a few flowers and shrubs in the ground. They were getting first-hand knowledge about the importance of native plants in the environment and how rain gardens can help with stormwater runoff, groundwater replenishment, and bird and insect habitat.

Many of the students’ homes in this part of New Jersey use well water, where pumps draw water from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer. An aquifer is a body of rock or sediment that holds groundwater.

“Having a rain garden that will recharge the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer under our feet right now is going to be a great thing for not only the water quality, but having more water underground to draw from,” DiTizo said. “As water becomes more scarce in our society, certainly we care about having a sustainable water supply that recharges.”

Last December, students, faculty, and officials of Salem County Vo-Tech joined Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) and representatives from the

Salem Tech students install native plants and shrubs in a rain garden on school grounds. The new garden has nearly 400 shrubs and perennials and installing them gives students hands-on experience in planting and agriculture.

PSEG Foundation and DuPont’s Clear into the Future program to cut the ribbon on the newly installed rain garden and sign outside the school.

With help from DiTizio, PDE, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, and Davis Lawn and Landscapes, students installed the garden over just a few days in October.

“You folks did something with the partners to beautify the school, and we’re appreciative of your hard work on the project, and it’s something that is going to stay here long after you move on to your next phase in life,” said Superintendent of Schools John R. Swain.

Rain gardens combat flooding and also help filter pollutants from rainwater. They use water-loving native plants and shrubs to absorb excess stormwater and keep it from flooding other areas. The Salem Tech rain garden’s 397 native plants and shrubs will catch stormwater as it washes off the school’s roof, keeping the lawn, parking lot, and nearby streams from flooding while providing critical habitat for pollinators for many bee species, butterflies, birds, and bats.

Students from Salem County Career and Technical High School in Woodstown, New Jersey, and Agricultural Teacher Keely DiTizio (second from right) show off their work as they install a new rain garden on school grounds.

SCHUYLKILL ACTION NETWORK CELEBRATES 20-YEAR MILESTONE

By Kaitie Evers, PDE’s SAN Coordinator

Decades ago, the Schuylkill River had problems. Pollution from septic systems, combined sewers, farm runoff, and abandoned mine drainage threatened the Schuylkill as a drinking water source and kept people from enjoying the watershed for recreation. When a Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) study identified these impacts, it was time to take action. Therefore, PWD, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other partners formed the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) to turn things around.

Today, the SAN is a thriving and dedicated network of more than 300 partner organizations acting as stewards for the Schuylkill River Watershed. Millions of Pennsylvanians rely on the Schuylkill for drinking water and regularly use the river for fishing, kayaking, and more.

“So you’re seeing a recovery; breaking down of the fear of the river when there was a time when the river was well worth avoiding,”

said SAN member John Jackson of Stroud Water Research Center during an interview to reflect on SAN’s history. “That’s not now. The SAN provides a platform, a voice to help people see that and those concerns of the past, while not completely gone, are very different today.”

In November, the SAN celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. Held at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the event brought together a diverse group of about 80 partners under the theme “Then, Now, and the Future.” The meeting underscored

the power of partnerships and collective action in addressing the challenges facing the Schuylkill River Watershed.

Kelly Anderson Director of PWD’s Office of Watersheds, opened the celebration by highlighting the evolution of SAN’s efforts, from early initiatives to address river pollution to current and future priorities for watershed health. A documentary called SAN Stories captured the network’s achievements over the past two decades and shared experiences of its members, illustrating the lasting impact of community and collaboration in environmental conservation.

“It’s only gotten better over time because we have learned,”

SAN partner Larry Lloyd of Berks Nature said in the film. “We have our past that we’re learning from, and we’re always adapting. So, after adapting to the whole farm approach, then we moved to drinking water and source water protection planning which has opened up another huge avenue for SAN.”

continued on page 10

From left: Virginia Vassalotti of EPA Region 3, Kathy Klein, PDE’s Executive Director, Kate Hutelmyer of the Chester County Water Resources Authority, and Alex Cupo of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia celebrate the SAN’s 20th anniversary at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Chris Crockett, Chief Environmental Safety and Sustainability Officer for Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company, speaks on a panel at the SAN 20th Anniversary Celebration.

RASCL EXPLORES RENEWABLE ENERGY AT JANUARY SUMMIT

By Jana Savini, PDE’s Coastal Collaboration Coordinator

What do solar power, wind power, and electric vehicles have in common? They’re all part of the movement for renewable energy. On Jan. 17, the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL) held its 7th Summit in Dover, Delaware.

Renewable energy is a complex and evolving topic.

To learn more, 150 attendees representing non-profits, local governments, state agencies, private consultants, and community groups attended in the Summit, whose theme was “Leading the Charge: Empowering Our Communities for a Sustainable Delaware.”

Keynote speaker Stefen Samarripas, from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, kicked off the Summit, which segued into presentations about solar and wind power and electric vehicles and dispelling common misconceptions about renewable energy. Other talks came from Chester County,

Pennsylvania, which has made using renewable energy a priority. A third talk explored renewable energy resources available to Delaware communities and asked the attendees what more RASCL could provide to them.

This year, RASCL awarded its first Community Champion Awards at the Summit. These went to Stacey Henry of the Delaware Resilience Hub and Kathy Lock of Slaughter Beach, Delaware.

Many thanks to the sponsors, speakers, moderators, and planning committee for making this year’s RASCL Summit a success. Presentations, photos, the program, and agenda are available at www.derascl. org/summit 

STRONG COMMUNITIES/ GOAL 1: INCREASE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND ACCESS / GOAL 2 IMPROVE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT / STRATEGIES C1.2 AND C2.4

Keynote speaker Stefen Samarripas of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, kicks off the 2024 RASCL Summit in Dover, Delaware.

KELLY’S WILD ADVENTURE: PDE Science Coordinator Explores Nature’s Melody in the Marshes

By Kelly Faller, PDE’s Science Coordinator

You might not know this, but tidal marshes are teeming with a rich tapestry of sounds. From noisy bird calls and distant coyote howls to the rustle of vegetation, these auditory cues contain a wealth of information about the health and vitality of an ecosystem.

After two months and 1,600 recorded hours of wildlife sounds from New Jersey salt marshes, I started learning how to decode these intricate soundscapes and discern how wildlife reacts to changes in their environment, especially when humans are trying to restore it.

I launched this soundscape study last year as part of a larger, ongoing restoration project between PDE, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. The restoration project focuses on the use of cost-effective methods to restore tidal marshes in New Jersey and Delaware, which are increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise. Restoring these landscapes will boost resiliency and prevent these environments from eroding into the Delaware Bay.

Restoring these vital ecosystems is the impetus for PDE’s work, but I proposed the soundscape study to add perspective to the big picture of this effort.

The recordings I collected last year establish a baseline for the soundscape of the unrestored marshes. As PDE moves through the restoration phases, I can compare soundscapes over time with the initial data. I’ll also be able to compare sounds from marshes that won’t be restored as a way of knowing which soundscapes have natural

variations and which ones are reacting to our work.

Marshes have amazing environmental benefits. They provide wildlife habitat, filter pollutants, and act as buffers from heavy storms. As a person who is passionate about wildlife, my motivation in both the sound study and the restoration work is protecting endangered species.

Salt marshes in this region are native to the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) and the eastern black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis), which are at risk of

on page 7

Kelly Faller, PDE’s Science Coordinator, with a recording device from Wildlife Acoustics. Faller uses devices like this one to record wildlife sounds in New Jersey salt marshes.

continued from page 6

losing breeding habitat to sea-level rise. The saltmarsh sparrow only breeds and nests in areas of tidal salt marsh that are meant to flood once a month. Due to marsh degradation, the birds’ breeding success has plummeted and their population has dropped 87 percent since 1998. The National Fish and Wildlife Service is determining whether the saltmarsh sparrow should be listed as endangered. Without management intervention, our lush salt marshes will disappear, and the salt marsh sparrow could go extinct.

Thanks to a grant from Wildlife Acoustics, I used cutting-edge recording devices to collect soundscapes. I set the devices to

start recording two hours before sunrise and stop two hours after sunset (at half-hour intervals) to capture daytime and nocturnal animals. Every so often, while swapping out the equipment’s batteries and SD cards, I saw telltale signs that curious critters had come to visit. I knew birds had been perching if the recorder was covered in droppings. Another time, a raccoon ate the foam covering off one of the microphones. Luckily, the microphone was recording at the time, so I have great coverage of the whole event, including when the raccoon jumped down and splashed into the flooded marsh (must have been high tide).

After two months, I amassed 49,367 separate recordings, equivalent to over 1,600 hours of audio from loon yodels and hoots from great horned owls, to nightjars, eastern whip-poor-wills, and Chuck-will’s-widows.

As you can imagine, nearly 50,000 recordings are a lot of data to comb through, so I’m using artificial intelligence software

The salt marsh sparrow, top, and the eastern black rail, bottom, are at risk of losing their habitat due to sea level rise and climate change.

to help with species detections. I’m also using Wildlife Acoustic’s Kaleidoscope software to pull out ecologically significant information, such as bird species diversity and human-generated sound pollution.

This project will continue for the next few seasons to help me understand how this marsh will respond to the restoration project. PDE hopes the degraded habitats restoration project will improve and we can turn the tide on the decline of rare animal species.

GOAL 1: PREVENT WETLAND LOSS STRATEGIES 1-3

WANT TO HEAR SOME OF KELLY’S RECORDINGS?

Chuck-will’s-widow: https://bit.ly/chwilwid Eastern whip-poor-will: https://bit.ly/easternwpw Loon (48 seconds in): https://bit.ly/loon-48secs Raccoon eating Kelly’s microphone: https://bit.ly/hungryraccoon

Apparently, microphones are delicious. A raccoon chewed through one of Faller’s microphone coverings, which she caught on audio. Go to the link at the end of the article to listen.

WANDERIN’ ROUND THE WATERSHED

PDE would like to take you wandering around the Delaware River Watershed. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have amazingly beautiful places to visit and explore, and we want to take you to them through photos from issue to issue. Maybe they’ll inspire you to do a little wandering of your own.

In this issue: hiking enthusiast Erica Rossetti, of Philadelphia loves Wissahickon Valley National Park.

“Living in Philadelphia, Wissahickon Park has been my backyard refuge and go-to

spot to hike, hammock, rock climb, and see wildlife in every season. Just one step from several neighborhoods of Philadelphia, I am immediately transported to a lush 1,800-acre forest and a creek with several miles of trails to explore.

The park also has many interesting historical structures recognizing Native Americans, settlers, and industrialists. The name “Wissahickon” comes from the Lenni Lenape word “Wisameckham,” which means “catfish creek.”

GOAL 1: INCREASE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND ACCESS / STRATEGY C1.4

WE GOT YOUR WETLANDS RIGHT HERE!

PDE Story Map Can Guide Your Next Visit to Delaware Estuary Wetlands

Eager to explore our nearby wetlands but feeling a bit lost? No worries. Check out PDE’s Public Access to the Tidal Wetlands of the Delaware Estuary story map. It’s your one-stop shop for planning your visit to local wetlands. View a list of wetland public access points within the Delaware River Watershed. Find boat ramp guides in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and discover

To view the story map, visit: https://bit.ly/wetlandsguide

educational opportunities, safety tips, and much more. Get ready to soak up nature.

GOAL 1: INCREASE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND ACCESS / STRATEGY C1.4

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. received financial support from the EPA under an Assistance Agreement funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support this work.

“When you think about it, one of the core components of what we teach in agricultural education is sustainability and being good caretakers of our environment,” Principal Jason Helder said. “What better way to do that than this project? Obviously, it makes our school looks beautiful, but to know the environmental benefits that are not only happening here on campus but then beyond as we get out into the Delaware Bay area, it’s just awesome.”

PDE’s Engagement Director, John Harrod, explained that the project “is part of a larger

pillars that include environmental sustainability, social justice, equity, and economic empowerment. DuPont’s Clear into the Future program provides small grants to non-government organizations that must meet specific parameters for qualification, including protecting biodiversity, contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigating the effects of climate change, advancing a circular economy, and promoting water stewardship.

“I’ve worked with Keely for a couple of years now, talking to some of her students about energy choices and the environment, and realized Keely has a passion for the environment and educating her students,” said Brendan Daly, a Principal Environmental Engineer at PSEG Nuclear, located in nearby Hancocks Bridge, NJ. “It just goes to show the power of networking as it started out as just a casual conversation to gauge Keely’s interest in having a rain garden installed, and the next thing you know, PDE was putting in grant applications for the project through both the PSEG Foundation and DuPont Clear Into the Future program. Both applications got approved, and we obviously have the rain garden to show for it now and for years to come.”

stormwater management plan that was developed for the school and with technical support from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program. This rain garden is a first step, with other elements of the plan that can be implemented in the future.”

This project was made possible through grant funding from the PSEG Foundation and DuPont’s Clear into the Future program. Funding from the PSEG Foundation comes through their Neighborhood Partners Program, which has strategic

“What we really try to look for with Clear into the Future Grants is adherence to our focus areas and close connection to a local DuPont community,” said Mary Reinthal, an Associate Investigator in analytical chemistry at DuPont and Co-Chair for Clear into the Future.

“We are proud to support the program because of its positive environmental impact and emphasis on volunteerism. It met everything that we wanted in a grant.”

Students from the school will continue to use this garden installation as a living classroom for years to come.

STRONG COMMUNITIES/ GOAL 2, STRATEGY C2.3

More photos of the garden installation and ribbon cutting are available at:

https://bit.ly/salemraingarden and https://bit.ly/salemribboncutting

Students from Salem Tech, along with Agricultural Teacher Keely DiTizio (standing in a gray coat to the right of the sign), representatives from PSEG (far right in blue coat), and DuPont Clear Into the Future (left in yellow coat), cut the ribbon in celebration of a newly installed rain garden and informational signage.

A founder’s panel provided insights into SAN’s early days and visions for its future, while workgroup updates showcased ongoing efforts across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and engagement.

“I work in eight states, and I have yet to see anything like the Schuylkill Action Network,” said Chris Crockett, chief environmental safety and sustainability officer

Kfor Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company, commenting on the SAN’s ability over the past two decades to synchronize various organizations toward a common mission and to keep it going for the next 20 years.

This anniversary meeting celebrated past successes and set the stage for future endeavors, reinforcing SAN’s role as a model for effective collaboration and community involvement.

Read more about the event and Schuylkill Action Network in the SAN Connections publication.

To view the SAN Stories video, visit: https://bit.ly/sanstories20

To view more photos from the event, visit our Flickr page: https://bit.ly/20san.

STRONG COMMUNITIES/ GOAL 2 IMPROVE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT / STRATEGY C2.4 AND C2.6

SAN NAMES KRISTA SENG AS MVP

By Kaitie Evers, PDE’s SAN Coordinator

rista Seng views water as a vital resource and a cornerstone for recreation and education. This holistic perspective has been the driving force behind her career and why the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) proudly named her as its most valuable player last fall.

“I am totally surprised and honored by this award,” Seng said about her recognition. “I care very deeply about the work of the SAN to improve the quality of our waterways and the lives around it.”

Longtime fellow SAN member Chris Anderson, Regional Source Water Protection Coordinator with EPA Region 3, presented Seng with the award at the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 2. He highlighted Krista’s legendary dedication, passion, and enthusiasm, not only for her professional endeavors but also in personal touches like her famous breakfast spreads for the SAN Stormwater Workgroup meetings. As the lead of Corporate Giving & Community Affairs at Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company, and a member of the SAN Planning Committee, Seng’s strategic insights and proactive approaches to community initiatives have significantly advanced the SAN’s reach.

Krista’s career path to date has been intimately tied to the Schuylkill and its tributaries, beginning with an

internship at the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, where she cultivated her passion for habitat, ecology, and the human aspects of clean water. Her impact grew in her role as the Watershed Specialist for Montgomery County Conservation District, where she led, supported, and advised the implementation of various stormwater management and stream restoration projects in the Schuylkill River Watershed and beyond. As SAN Stormwater Workgroup co-chair and a key player in projects such as Schuylkill Action Students, she has shown an exceptional ability to identify needs and inspire action.

Seng’s influence extends far beyond her official roles, touching the hearts and minds of those around her.

“Each SAN meeting inspires me to bring my problemsolving and creativity to the table, and I’m so thankful to have this group of partners who care just as much as I do,” Seng said. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the next 10 years.”

This year’s award is a testament to Seng’s unwavering commitment and impactful work on behalf of the Schuylkill watershed.

STRONG COMMUNITIES/ GOAL 2 IMPROVE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT / STRATEGIES C2.4 AND C2.6

Krista Seng is presented with the 2023 SAN MVP award by SAN member Chris Anderson at the 20th Anniversary SAN Annual Meeting.

Schuylkill continued from page 4

SAVE THE DATE!

CHESTER RIVER FESTIVAL

Sunday, May 19

Subaru Park Plaza, Chester, Pennsylvania

Save the date for a whole day of free family fun that’s mere steps from the majestic Delaware River Festival. Join us on May 19 for the annual Chester River Festival, held in connection with the Delaware River Festival. We’ll have exhibitors, music, food trucks, games, education, local community groups, activities and more. For festival details, visit: delawareriverfest.org/chester

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Sign Up to Bag Shell with PDE

Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware

Got a great group that wants to give back? PDE has volunteer opportunities for five or more people to bag oyster shells at its recycling area in Wilmington, Delaware. These outings are great for community organizations, clubs, scout troops, corporate groups, and more.

Participants must be at least 15 years old. To organize a group volunteer event, contact Leah Morgan at lmorgan@delawareestuary.org

STRONG COMMUNITIES/ GOAL 1: INCREASE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND ACCESS / GOAL 2 IMPROVE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT / STRATEGIES C1.2 AND C2.4. / HEALTHY HABITATS / GOAL 3: INCREASE AND IMPROVE FISH AND SHELLFISH HABITAT / STRATEGY H3.1 - 2

SAVE THE DATE!

EXPERIENCE THE ESTUARY CELEBRATION

4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9

Vie by Cescaphe, 600 N Broad St. Philadelphia

Save the Date! You’re invited to join Partnership for the Delaware Estuary for an elegant evening in Philadelphia this October. The Experience the Estuary Celebration will feature incredible food, cocktails, and our famous raw bar featuring a variety of oysters from the Delaware Bay. This is your chance to rub elbows with old friends and new, bid in the silent auction, and support PDE’s mission-driven work.

Keep your eyes open for ticket sales this summer. For more information about the event or how to sponsor this special celebration, email Elizabeth at ehorsey@delawareestuary.org

110 South Poplar Street, Suite 202

Wilmington, DE 19801

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

GET ESTUARY NEWS ONLINE AND SAVE PAPER! IT’S EASY!

E-mail KOConnell@delawareestuary.org and say you want to receive only electronic copies. Provide your name

Confirm your email address

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DELAWARE ESTUARY CONNECTING PEOPLE, SCIENCE, AND NATURE FOR A HEALTHY DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. (PDE), is a nonprofit organization established in 1996. PDE is the host of the Delaware Estuary Program and leads science-based and collaborative efforts to improve the tidal Delaware River and Bay, which spans Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. To find out how you can become one of our partners, call PDE at (800) 445-4935 or visit our website at www.DelawareEstuary.org.

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.

Kathy Klein (302) 354-0307 kklein@DelawareEstuary.org

Environmental Protection Agency

Irene Purdy, Region II (212) 637-3794 purdy.irene@epa.gov

Megan Mackey, Region III (215) 814-5534 mackey.megan@epa.gov

Pennsylvania

David Burke PA Department of Environmental Protection (484) 250-5822 daburke@pa.gov

Delaware

Rachael Phillos

DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (302) 735-3411 Rachael.Phillos@delaware.gov

New Jersey

Natalie Young NJ Department of Environmental Protection (609) 940-4512 natalie.young@dep.nj.gov

Delaware River Basin Commission

Chad Pindar (609) 883-9500, ext. 268 chad.pindar@drbc.gov

Estuary News encourages reprinting of its articles in other publications. Estuary News is produced four times annually by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. (PDE), under an assistance agreement (CE-99398517-0) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an open, informative dialogue on issues related to PDE. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of PDE or EPA, nor does mention of names, commercial products or causes constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. For information about the PDE, call 1-800-445-4935.

Philadelphia Water Department

Will Whalon (267) 207-0937 william.whalon@phila.gov

Editor

Kate Layton (800) 445-4935, ext. 113 klayton@DelawareEstuary.org

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Unless otherwise noted, all photos are property of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.