The Delaware County Conservation District, through a $25,000.00 grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, has been able to hire a second conservation technician as part of the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program (CNPP). The national goal of the program is to improve the water quality of the nation’s coastal waters. Here in Delaware County, the Conservation District will be responsible for drainage to the Delaware River Watershed, which is both a federally approved coastal management area and our primary link to coastal waters. Currently, all states with federally approved coastal management programs are required to develop a CNPP. In 2000, the Department of Environmental Protection, through the Office for River Basin Cooperation and the Bureau of Watershed Management, received federal approval for this program from the EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In late 2002, the Delaware Conservation District was selected to administer this program here in the county. New Staff member, Kevin Boyle, has been hired to work on implementation of this program. The primary responsibilities of this position include tracking implementation of Best Management Practices that are in compliance with the CNPP Program, conducting public outreach and education on CNPP management measures. These measures include implementations to protect coastal waters from nonpoint source pollution resulting from urban runoff, agriculture, marinas and recreational boating, and hydromodification (changes to stream channels and flows). These measures also require the protection of wetlands and riparian areas here in the county. Over the next several months, more information about the program and its activities will be available. Any questions can be directed to Kevin Boyle, at the Delaware County Conservation District.
Clean Boating Program information
DEP Coastal Zone Program Information
Coastal Zone Grant Program