Delaware Sierra News

A Sierra Club N ewsletter about Environmental Matters Important to Delaware Winter

March April 2007
May 2004

Letter from the Delaware Cool Cities Program

Chapter Chair Progress in Delaware
by David Keifer by Ron Zink
ommunities all over America are working inde-
T his has been an interesting year, for the environ-
ment and for the Chapter.
Global warming and energy conservation were ele-
C pendently to meet the international standards of
reducing pollution by 2012 to 7% below the 1990 lev-
vated to where they should have been all along. Much els. There are about 500 cities, representing 50,000,000
energy was put into recognizing these areas while not citizens, taking the pledge.
losing momentum in other areas such as clean air and Here in Delaware, Wilmington has signed on, while
water and open space. Dover and Newark are considering the various pro-
One communications initiative that seems to have grams available. We are meeting with the Mayor, Town
promise is to break away from the annual membership Council members and City Manager to implement these
meeting to a series of meetings around the State on spe- programs. Action vital to the city’s participation is the
cific topics, this year targeting solid waste issues in the modernization of city buildings with money-saving
late spring and water quality and air and the related energy-efficient technology. In addition the city must
matter of land use in the fall. There were also energy make every effort to modernize their fleet of vehicles to
related meetings. This focus on education of members meet ‘green’ standards. Continual analysis of a city’s
and the public holds promise as a way of stimulating source of power is necessary to determine cost effec-
informed activism. tiveness and efficiency.
While membership has been down slightly in the The League of Women Voters, led by Carol Reid-
last few years, the pattern mirrors that of the Club Grandfield has been most helpful.
nationally. There are indications that the education and
related conservation initiatives are leading the member- WELCOME ABOARD!
ship recruitment. Time will tell. Welcome to the 62 new and 17 transfer members to
Members came forward during the year to help with the Chapter. We are delighted to have you join us in
many programs, from the Newsletter to the Cool Cities promoting conservation issues providing for a truly
program, particularly the activities in the Dover area. Livable Delaware and sustainable environment. We
I wish you all a healthy and happy Holiday season encourage your attendance at the Conservation and
and look forward to your support in 2007. Executive Committee meetings listed elsewhere.

In This Issue Sierra Club - Delaware Chapter

NON-PROFIT
Letter from the Chair 1 100 West 10th Street, Suite 1107 U.S. POSTAGE
Cool Cities Program 1 Wilmington, DE 19801 PAID
WILMINGTON, DE
Conservation Committee Report 2 PERMIT NO. 740

Power House Project 3

DNREC Destroys Forest 3
Southern Delaware Group Activities 4
Chapter Challenges DNREC Proposals 5
Chapter Election Results 5
Delaware Chapter And Southern
Delaware Group Leaders 6
Conservation Committee 2006 Report
by Rich Anthony, Conservation Chair ENERGY & CLIMATE CHANGE
uring 2006 the Chapter’s Conservation Committee • Conducted Climate Change and Alternative Energy
D has:
1) Monitored proposed ordinance changes associat-
Presentations to the Chapter Conservation Committee,
Dover League of Women Voters and at the Chapter’s
ed with the pending Comprehensive Land Use Plan Newark Public Workshop meetings.
updates for Kent and Sussex Counties. • Cosponsored a program of music and poetry in sup-
2) In concert with the Southern Delaware Group port of alternative energy and climate change.
monitored the Inland Bays Pollution Control Strategy. • Cosponsored an Alternative Energy symposium at
3) Worked in concert with and/or served in an advi- Goodstay Center.
sory capacity by providing procedural advice to LAND USE
civic/community organizations regarding the public The subcommittee has and/or is currently in the
process for issues which have impacts on air and water process of addressing the following land use issues:
quality, energy, sustainable growth and wetlands, • Inland Bays Pollution Control Strategy (IBs PCS):
issues. 1) Chapter and Southern Delaware Group represen-
Additionally, the subcommittees listed below have tatives participated in a November 16th multi-organiza-
addressed the following: tional meeting which focused upon the sufficiency of
the latest amendments to the IBs PCS. Following
AIR QUALITY & INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION DNREC’s presentation, the participants presented data
• Continued monitoring and participating in the public impeaching much of the rhetoric which had been used
process relating to the Metachem, Valero, Dioxin & as a basis for demanding the changes. Members of the
VX controversies. General Assembly were receptive and Speaker Terry
• In concert with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Spence observed that he was considering holding a
Chapters-Sierra Club participated in and provided com- meeting of the House to hear and consider the presen-
ments for the nominating process of the Delaware tations presented.
River to the American Rivers Group 10 most endan- 2) Also in concert with the Southern Delaware
gered rivers. Group, request for proposals (RFPs) have been distrib-
BAY AND RIVER DELAWARE uted regarding the recently circulated changes to the
• BP/LNG proposal - Continued to monitor and strategy.
respond as applicable to the ongoing permitting 3) Discussed the potential to co-fund a study to
process. Most recently, FERC denied Delaware’s identify contamination in the bay’s aquatic communi-
(DNREC’s) request to reexamine the permit’s status. ties.
• Monitored and participated in the public commenting • In June, the Chapter cosponsored a program which
process on Costal Zone applications consisted of :
COASTAL and INLAND SHORELINE ARMOR- 1) Three public information meetings addressing
ING and DREDGING recycling issues in northern New Castle County;
These issues were addressed in concert with the 2) An invitational breakfast for recycling haulers to
Southern Delaware Group. See the Southern Delaware discuss the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive
Group report for coverage. statewide recycling program; and
COOL CITIES INITIATIVE 3) A meeting with Secretary Hughes to promote
• Working with the City of Dover to finalize imple- implementing a system of clean, mixed waste stream,
mentation of the Cool Cities Program. Materials Recovery Facilities in keeping with the Zero
• Promoted the screening of An Inconvenient Truth and Waste Philosophy.
a petition related thereto. • The subcommittee is participating in the Mid Atlantic
• Presented materials for public review at Coast Day Environmental Law Clinic’s program to develop a
and at a public education and information event at statewide coalition of civic and environmental organi-
Primehook National Wildlife Refuge. zations to address land use related air & water quality
• Currently discussing the potential for developing a issues.
program with the City of Newark LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
• Currently implementing a public education program • The Committee presented testimony before the House
through the Public Library and Public School Systems Transportation, Land Use and Infrastructure Committee
on energy efficient housing. Continued on Page 3

2
Conservation Committee 2006 Activities
Continued from Page 2 tions filed a 60-day notice of intent for violations of
opposing the adoption of HB 280 as a sprawl preventa- the Endangered Species Act regarding the Red Knot
tive measure because of the bills myriad inadequacies. and the absence of same on the Endangered Species
• The Committee presented testimony before the list.
Senate Natural Resources & Environmental Control • Again, the Delaware Chapter joined the New Jersey
Committee impeaching several inaccuracies associated Chapter - Sierra Club and six other organizations in the
with SB 225 and the logic presented as a justification filing of an amicus action to become a Respondent-
for failing to maximize the potential of recycling and intervener in support of the State of New Jersey’s posi-
instead increasing the burden placed upon Delaware’s tion on the Horseshoe Crab moratorium issue. (NOTE:
landfills and proposing an increase in land fill tipping Both of the foregoing actions are pending resolution.)
fees. • On November 20th Secretary Hughes issued
WILDLIFE & HABITAT Secretary’s Order No. 2006-F-0047. The order
• The Delaware Chapter, in concert with the New approves the Horseshoe Crab Harvest Moratorium, as a
Jersey Chapter - Sierra Club, and eight other organiza- Final Regulation.

The Power House Project DNREC Destroys Forest to Create

by Ron Zink Dredge Spoil Disposal Site

+
eaching children to live in the by Steve Callanen
T 21st century without consuming
commercial energy will be the focus C itizens of Delaware are unaware that the on-going
environmentally destructive dredging of the
of the Club’s Power House project. Assawoman Canal has the related consequence of
The Project provides an engaging destroying a 2.5 to 3-acre young forest of 16 to 18-foot
introduction to regenerative energy tall Loblolly pine trees in Fresh Pond State Park. This is
sources and sustainable living, while teaching basic the first time that state parkland has ever been used as a
concepts in physical science. dredge spoil disposal site.
By building a model house and 20 other energy- DNREC (Department of Natural Resources and
related devices, they will learn about energy from the Environmental Control) changed this parkland use with-
sun, wind, plants, and electrochemical reactions. The out a public hearing. Upland forests have been identified
students will learn how to transform, store and use by DNREC as an important disappearing state resource
these forms of energy. The kit creatively integrates that should be protected, and yet it opted to destroy this
valuable upland forest habitat rather than truck 13,000
physical science lessons with the story of a group of
cubic yards (approximately 928 truck loads) of 98 percent
island dwellers, learning to sustain life on a remote
medium to course grain sand from the north end of the
island. To survive they must learn how to harness the
Canal to nearby severely eroding ocean beaches in
power of the sun, the wind and other natural resources. Bethany and South Bethany.
10 of these units are being purchased by the Delaware Why isn’t trucking this sediment an extra mile to the
Energy Department for classroom use around the state. ocean beaches the first and most desirable option from an
The project is being supervised by Jim Achers, a Club environmental protection standpoint? Governor Minner
member who is a retired Air Force Plant Operations should be asked to explain DNREC’s wanton destruction
chief. Promoting the project is Ruth Ann Purchase of trees on state parkland.
James. Ms. James, a Sierra Club member, is a conflict
analyst and president and founder of Greenbridge, 2007 Reorganization Meetings
CDC where she develops experiential learning process- Southern DE Group ExCom
es and mediation techniques using the common need 7 PM - Monday, January 8th, 2007
for survival to promote environmentalism. Fenwick Island Town Hall / For info call 645-1732
J. William Andrews, President of Delaware Electric Delaware Chapter ExCom
Cooperative in Greenwood, announced that they would 7 PM - Monday, January 15th, 2007
be hosting a session for the trainers. The northern train- St Paul’s Episcopal Church / 212 Old N. Road, Camden
ing session for the project will be at the St. Andres Future Conservation and ExCom meeting dates will be
School in Middletown. Other locations are also being established at the reorganization meetings and posted on
considered. the Chapter web site.

3
Southern Delaware Group 2006 Activities
by Rich Anthony, Chairperson wetlands, air and water quality. (e.g. The Citizens Action
PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH Foundation, Citizens Coalition, Coastal Communities
• In addition to the Group’s regular ExCom and Foundation, Community of West Rehoboth [EJ Issues],
Conservation Meetings the Group conducted two meet- The Rte 5 & 30 Alliance).
ings (One in Kent Co., one in Sussex Co.) open to the Additionally, the Group’s Conservation subcommittees
general public during which air & water quality, land use have either monitored, addressed or provided guidance on
and energy issues relevant to the localities were dis- the following issues:
cussed. COASTAL and INLAND SHORELINE ARMORING
• An additional conservation workshop, where the pri- and DREDGING
mary issues were land use and water quality, was sched- • DNREC applications seeking beach re-nourishment for
uled at the request of the Southern New Castle County private beach projects which involve the utilization of
Alliance utilizing the same core of speakers. public resources but deny public access:
• The Group furthered its effort to promote environmental 1) Sea Colony Recreation Association
awareness by enlisting additional members in a Southern 2) Sea Colony – Carl Freeman Associates
Delaware multi-organizational coalition (The Responsible • A coastal armoring proposal for Herring Point (Cape
Growth Coalition) including Citizens For A Better Henlopen State Park) involving an expansion of the exist-
Sussex, Citizens For Clean Power and the Sussex Co ing groin field.
League of Women Voters. • Public Trust Doctrine / Public Lands Issues
• Hosted the 2nd Annual Assawoman Kayak Float. ENERGY - INDIAN RIVER POWER PLANT (IRPP)
• Held a community workshop for a group of NE Sussex • The committee monitored and testified on behalf of the
County citizens concerned about ill conceived growth and Delaware Chapter regarding the regulatory process for air
its impacts on air and water. quality regulations associated with the IRPP.
• Held a public screening of Kilowatt Ours, an effective • Additionally, the committee is monitoring a proposal to
film that outlines a number of problems associated with construct a second power generating facility at the exist-
the Indian River Power Plant. ing site and the activity surrounding a proposal to con-
• Participated in a multi-organizational program held at struct a new ethanol plant at the IRPP site.
the Lewes Library which addressed the newly proposed • Pursuing the expansion of air monitoring stations to
Inland Bays Pollution Control Strategy. include areas “downwind” of the IRPP.
CONSERVATION LAND USE
In addition to the issue specific topics elaborated below During 2006 the committee has been involved in monitor-
the Southern Delaware Group’s Conservation Committee ing and/or addressing the following land use issues:
has, without limitation, • Issac’s Glen
1) Monitored proposed ordinance changes associated • Baywood
with the pending Comprehensive Land Use Plan updates • New Milton – (NE Sussex Co - Broadkill watershed)
for Kent and Sussex Counties; and • Discovery – (Mid Western Sussex Co – Nanticoke
2) Monitored the Inland Bays Pollution Control Watershed)
Strategy; and • The Sussex County Comprehensive Plan Updates
3) Worked in concert with and/or served in an adviso-
• Promoting the need for Concurrency Laws, Adequate
ry capacity by providing procedural advice to local
Public Facilities Ordinances, and supportive Impact Fees.
civic/community organizations and organizations advocat-
SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE
ing controlled/sustainable growth, the implementation of
adequate public facilities ordinances, concurrency laws
• Water Sentinel Program – The introduction of a program
and associated impact fees, the public hearing process for to collect water quality data for dissemination to public
zoning and subdivision issues which have impacts on agencies and elected officials.
• Inland Bays Pollution Control Strategy – securing the
The Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club publishes the services of private consultants to conduct an assessment
Delaware Sierra News quarterly. This publication is written
and produced entirely by volunteers. Ideas expressed in of the most recent amendments and provide enhanced
the Delaware Sierra News are those of the columnists and alternative methodologies
may not necessarily reflect the position of the Sierra Club. • The Group is also in the process of both
Limited time constraints of an all-volunteer staff do not
1) Assessing the feasibility of commissioning a study
always allow for full data corroboration. Send materials for
submission to the Sierra Club, 2742 Hazlettville Road, to identify the root causes of the recent marsh grass die
Dover, DE 19904-5542. Spring Issue Deadline: March 1. off in the Inland Bays; and
Editor: Sallie Callanen 2) Considering co-funding a study to identify contami-
Production: Susan Oldenburg nation in the Inland Bay’s aquatic communities.
4
Chapter Challenges Recent Chapter and SDG ExCom
DNREC Proposals Committee Elections
by Steve Callanen by Al Denio, Chair, Nominating/Election Committee
Sierra Club challenges donation of publicly he Nominating/Election Committee met on
owned sand to private beach community
t an August 2006 DNREC public hearing the Sierra
T December 18 to count the 188 ballots received in
the recent Chapter and Southern Delaware Group
A Club challenged DNREC’s proposed donation of
290,000 cubic yards of publicly owned offshore beach
Executive Committee Election. Congratulations to the
winners for the Chapter Excom: Jay Cooperson,
quality sand to the private Sea Colony Recreation Kathleen Davis, Dave Keifer and Tim O’Connor.
Association, which denies public access to its beach. A Congrats also to Rich Anthony, John Fenton and Harry
ruling on this matter is due shortly by DNREC Haon who are the new members of the SDG Excom.
Secretary, John Hughes. The Sierra Club does not chal- Thanks to Dick Bewick and Dionne Infante who are
lenge the right of Sea Colony to replenish its beach or also members of the Nominating/Election Committee.
the need for this action. However, public money should Sallie Callanen and Sue Oldenburg invested many
not be used to subsidize the replenishment of private hours in preparing the ballots and candidate resume
beaches where public access is denied. sheets plus the envelopes. I also wish to thank Steve
Callanen, Matt Urban and Chad Tolman who joined the
Public hearing sought on DNREC’s Herring
“ballot counting party.” I hope that you will all give
Point groin construction project
your support to our new leaders as they strive to
he Sierra Club has requested a public hearing on
T DNREC’s proposal to reconstruct timber and stone
groins at Herring Point with 17,900 square feet of stone
achieve our Sierra Club goals. Happy New Year!

rip-rap extending oceanward a maximum of 250 feet

from the mean high water mark in Cape Henlopen State
Park. The Sierra Club is requesting that alternative
beach preservation measures be evaluated before
DNREC embarks upon this proposed groin construction
project, which will cost several hundred thousand dol-
lars and is not designed to optimize preservation of the
severely eroding Herring Point dune.

Congratulations, Dave!
ave Keifer, Chairman of the Delaware Chapter,
D was recently appointed to serve as the Sierra
Club’s national representative on the Fish Conservation
Network’s Board of Advisors.
As a member of the Board of Advisors, Dave will be
able to call upon the knowledge and experience gar-
nered during his earlier career with the mid-Atlantic
fisheries as he represents Sierra and offers input into the
Fish Conservation Network’s policies and strategies.
The Network is a nationwide organization consist-
ing of 180+ member groups. Twenty-four of the mem-
ber groups hold seats on the Board of Advisors. The
network maintains a full staff in Washington, DC and
regional representatives in the middle Atlantic, south-
east Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Northwest.
The goal of the network is the reauthorization and
improvement of the Magnusson-Stevens Act.
For more information on the Fish Conservation
Network visit their website at conservefish.org
5
 Delaware Chapter and Southern Delaware
Group Leaders
All phone numbers are Area Code 302 Treasurer: Dionne Infante 325-0110
Conservation: Rich Anthony 645-1732
Chapter Office Litigation: Carl Solberg 492-1225
100 West 10th Street, Suite 1107 Outings: Jennifer Egan 453-0827
Wilmington, DE 19801 Membership: Ron Zink 735-8996
678-2712
Southern Delaware Group (SDG)
Chapter Mailing Address Executive Committee
2742 Hazlettville Road / Dover, DE 19904-5542 Rich Anthony 645-1732
Chapter Executive Committee Carrie Bennett 732-3358
Rich Anthony 645-1732 Sallie Callanen 539-0635
Dick Bewick 736-1670 Terri Usuki 436-4042
Kathleen Davis 286-0642
SDG Appointed Officers
Lorri Fencer LorriFencer@comcast.net
Chair: Rich Anthony 645-1732
Tim O’Connor 697-7466
Vice Chair: Sallie Callanen 539-0635
David Keifer 678-2712
Conservation: Terri Usuki 436-4042
Chad Tolman 478-3516
Secretary: Carrie Bennett 732-3358
Matt Urban 661-2050
Chapter Appointed Officers Visit us on the web:
Chair: David Keifer 678-2712 www.delaware.sierraclub.org
Vice Chair: Kathleen Davis 286-0642 Web Editor: Mike Casale

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