The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that the closure of the Salem River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to all waterfowl hunting has been lifted. The Salem River WMA had been closed to waterfowl hunting to reduce the potential for birds to be exposed to oil contamination in the Delaware River. However, based upon observations of limited surface oil during a recent aerial survey by DEP biologists, it was determined that the area should once again be opened for public access.

In addition to reopening Salem River WMA, DEP also rescinded the waterfowl advisory that was in effect for the area from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge east on Route 74 to the junction with the New Jersey Turnpike. South on the NJ Turnpike to the junction with Route 322. East on Route 322 to Route 45. South on Route 45 to Route 581. South on Route 581 to Route 49. East on Route 49 to Route 654. Route 654 west to Route 651. Route 651 to Route 623. Left on Route 623 to Route 658. Right on Route 658 straight onto Alloway Creek Neck Road to the Salem Nuclear Power Plant.

DEP will continue to work with the United States Coast Guard and other federal and state agencies to contain and clean-up a spill that occurred on November 26 when an oil tanker, the ATHOS I, released an undetermined amount of crude oil into the Delaware River while attempting to dock at the Citgo Petroleum Corporation terminal in West Deptford Township. The spill has now impacted more than 120 miles of shoreline.