Please note: the comment period on this proposal began on December 13, 2023, and ended on February 20, 2024.
To support public engagement, the DRBC helped share information about the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA") public process regarding a proposed rule to upgrade water quality standards in the Delaware River Estuary. The rule, if adopted, would update the "designated use" for aquatic life and the water quality "criteria" for minimum dissolved oxygen values applicable to the portion of the tidal Delaware River that flows past Philadelphia, Camden, Chester and Wilmington.
The publication of this proposed rule in December 2023 represented a milestone in the effort to reach a Delaware River that fully supports aquatic life and is one step in an ongoing process to improve dissolved oxygen levels in the Delaware River Estuary.
The DRBC has been an important part of the process leading up to this proposal and will continue to be involved, working with the EPA, our state environmental agencies and stakeholders to plan for the implementation of revised aquatic life use standards to improve water quality in the Delaware River.
Public Hearings
EPA held two hearings that gave members of the public an opportunity to offer oral comments of up to 5 minutes. Folks were able to register to speak, or to simply listen in, at the links below:
EPA requested that individuals in need of special accommodations contact Hannah Lesch at Lesch.Hannah@epa.gov, 202-566-1224, at least three weeks prior to the hearing (by Tuesday, January 16, 2024.)
Written Comments
The EPA accepted written public comments on the proposed rule through February 20, 2024. See regulations.gov (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2023-0222) to learn more.
Additional Information
Questions about the proposed rule or the public process should be directed to the EPA.
