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DRBC To Hold Informational Meeting In Stockton, N.J. On Proposed Rulemaking To Protect Lower Delaware Water Quality

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2007

(WEST TRENTON, N.J.) -- The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, October 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on proposed regulatory changes to permanently designate the Lower Delaware and its drainage area as Significant Resource Waters under DRBC’s Special Protection Waters (SPW) program. 

The meeting will take place at the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission’s office located at the Prallsville Mill Complex, Route 29, in Stockton, N.J. and will include presentations by DRBC staff as well as a question and answer period. 

The proposed changes would include establishing numeric values for existing water quality in the 76-mile-long stretch of river extending from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area downstream to the head of tide at Trenton, N.J.  Another informational meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 1 in Room 315 of the Acopian Engineering Building on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. 

“If adopted, this rulemaking will protect the existing high water quality in the Lower Delaware River and expand the coverage of the commission’s SPW anti-degradation regulations to encompass the entire 197-mile non-tidal Delaware River from Hancock, N.Y. to Trenton,” DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier said.  “This clearly demonstrates the DRBC’s long-term objective of keeping our clean water clean.”

A public hearing on the proposed rulemaking will take place on Tuesday, December 4 at the DRBC’s office building, located at 25 State Police Drive in West Trenton, N.J.; the hearing will begin at 2:30 p.m. and continue until all those who wish to testify have the opportunity to do so.  Those who wish to testify are encouraged to register in advance by phoning (609) 883-9500 ext. 224.  Written public comments will be accepted through the close of business on Thursday, December 6 and may be submitted by email, fax, U.S. Mail, or overnight mail.

The SPW program is designed to prevent degradation in streams and rivers considered to have exceptionally high scenic, recreational, ecological, and/or water supply values through stricter water quality standards and reporting requirements. 

The full text of the proposed rule changes, instructions for submitting written comments, and additional SPW information are available on the commission’s web site at www.drbc.net.

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Contact:
Kate O'Hara, (609) 883-9500 ext. 205

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