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Delaware River Basin Commission Spring 2000
Flowing Toward Flow Management Strategy in the Basin
the Future Flow Needs Study Set to Begin
A A
s the twentieth century came to a lthough there are no dams on the many years, requests for additional flow
close, a consortium of government main stem of the Delaware River, flows augmentation, especially for recreational
agencies and nonprofit organiza- are regulated by releases from several and habitat use, continue.
tions, including the DRBC, embarked on large tributary reservoirs. These releases, To develop the most efficient flow aug-
a multi-step process designed to gener- made in accordance with a 1954 U.S. mentation policy, it is important for deci-
ate a vision to meet water resource Supreme Court Decree sion makers to fully
challenges for the Delaware River and and subsequent understand the benefits
its 216 tributaries in the new millennium. amendments enacted
It is important for decision of stream flow for mul-
This project, called “Flowing Toward the through the DRBC, sus- makers to fully understand tiple, competing uses.
Future,” consisted of three elements— tain flows during dry The required analytical
regional workshops, a Governors’ Sum- periods. During such
the benefits of stream flow tools must show how
mit, and a watershed-wide conference. periods, reservoir for multiple, competing uses. such general parame-
The process began in April and May releases can account ters as water quality,
1999, with approximately 350 people for up to 90 percent of recreation, in-stream
attending 10 regional workshops held at the flow in the upper reaches of the habitat, and waste assimilation are related
five locations in the Delaware River Delaware River. The enhanced flows pro- to stream flow and, ultimately, to the degree
watershed—Dover, Del., Philadelphia, Pa., vide benefits to water quality, recreation, of flow augmentation.
Bridgeton, N.J., Narrows- stream habitat, and waste assimilation. The need to better define and integrate
burg, N.Y., and Bethle- These benefits, however, can and do lead stream-flow relationships in decision mak-
hem, Pa. In addition, to competition for the use of reservoir stor- ing has led the DRBC to propose a study to
students attending a age, which also must provide for water develop a strategy for resolving interstate
regional Youth Summit in supply. Despite a detailed reservoir operat- flow management issues in the Delaware
continued on page 5 ing plan, which has been negotiated over continued on page 7
Reservoir releases can benefit such things as water quality, recreation, and natural habitat.
The two paddlers shown here are participating in the Delaware River Sojourn, an annual event
INSIDE that highlights the river’s vast recreational opportunities. That’s Congressman Maurice Hinchey
(D-N.Y.) at the bow (front), and National Park Service Superintendent Calvin Hite near the stern.
The Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Executive Director’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Basin Flood Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
DRBC Takes Action to Control Toxics . . . . . . . . .4
Pumpout Sites for Boaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
May 2000 Student Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Web Site Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
River Basin Washington Project . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Mark Your Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
“Name That Beast” Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Executive Director’s Corner:
THE COMMISSION Water Conservation Makes Dollars & Sense
New York
Gov. George E. Pataki
By Carol R. Collier
Chair
W
N. G. Kaul hen the Delaware River Basin found itself in the grips of a drought during 1999, the
Alternate
word “water” was in the headlines and on the minds of people who were really
John L. Middelkoop
Second Alternate starting to miss it.
Warren T. Lavery The realization that you can’t make any more sure hit home last summer. We waited for
Third Alternate the rain to arrive with the hope that enough would fall to recharge the ground-water sup-
Joel A. Miele, Sr. plies, save what was left of the crops, replenish the reservoirs,
Advisor
bolster flows in streams and rivers, and green up those brown
Delaware lawns. As we now know, relief arrived on September 16 in the
Gov. Thomas R. Carper form of Hurricane Floyd, when as much as 6 to 10 inches of
Vice Chair
rain fell over an 18-hour period. Unfortunately, much of this
Nicholas A. DiPasquale
Alternate rainfall was quickly diverted to the nearest creek or river via
Kevin C. Donnelly storm-water drains and pipes, but the drought was broken.
Second Alternate While we waited for drought relief, we tried to tell anyone
Dr. Harry W. Otto who would listen about the importance of water conservation.
Third Alternate
Although water is not now at the forefront of public conscious-
United States ness as it was a mere six months ago, water conservation is still
Carol R. Collier an important activity that needs to be practiced every day.
Maj. Gen. Jerry L. Sinn
Second Vice Chair Recognizing that awareness is the first step in any conservation effort, here are some
Col. George C. Clarke facts that should still make you think twice before you turn on the spigot, drought or no
Alternate
drought, 365 days a year:
Lt. Col. Debra M. Lewis
Advisor I Approximately two-thirds of residential interior water use is for toilet flushing and
Pennsylvania bathing. The use of water-saving toilets, shower heads, and faucet aerators can cut this
Gov. Tom Ridge usage in half. (Installation of low-consumption toilets alone recently resulted in a 45
Member percent savings in water use in a Dover, Del., office building.)
Irene B. Brooks
Alternate I A top-loading clothes washer uses between 40 and 55 gallons of water per load. Front-
William A. Gast loading models use roughly half that amount. Make sure they’re full before turning
Second Alternate them on.
Kumar Kishinchand
Advisor I Hot water leaks not only are a waste of Water conservation is an
water, but are a waste of the energy (and
New Jersey money) used to heat that water. important activity that needs
Gov. Christine Todd Whitman
Member I A dishwasher uses between 8 and 12 gal- to be practiced every day.
Robert C. Shinn, Jr. lons of water per load. Again, only run full
Alternate
loads.
Robert Tudor
Second Alternate I Up to 90 percent of water used to sprinkle lawns can be lost to the atmosphere
through evaporation. Use soaker hoses when gardens and shrubs need to be watered.
DRBCurrents is published by the Delaware River
Basin Commission, an interstate/federal agency I A garden hose discharges up to six-and-a-half gallons of water per minute under stan-
that manages the water resources within the dard household water pressure.
13,539-square-mile basin.
DRBC Executive Director: Carol R. Collier I Check your water bill. How much do you use in one day? Each of us should be able to
DRBCurrents Editors: live well using only 50 gallons of water a day.
Christopher M. Roberts
(croberts@drbc.state.nj.us), ext. 205 At the DRBC, water conservation became an integral component of the agency’s strat-
Clarke D. Rupert (crupert@drbc.state.nj.us), egy to manage water supplies in the four-state region long before the idea was fashion-
ext. 260 able. The logic was simple: reducing all types of water use provides significant economic,
Web site: www.state.nj.us/drbc social, and environmental benefits.
Phone: 609-883-9500
Fax: 609-883-9522 Water conservation makes dollars and sense. It can delay or eliminate the need for devel-
Printed on recycled paper with soy inks. oping expensive new water sources. It also can lead to a direct reduction in per capita gen-
eration of wastewater, therefore enabling sewage treatment plants to process waste from
more homes and businesses and eliminating the need for constructing costly new treatment
plants or expanding existing plants. And think what a waste of money it is to extensively
continued on page 8
2 DRBCurrents Spring 2000
Basin Flood Preparedness
T
he DRBC hosted and participated in a and the potential for damage require an committee members also will be tasked to
meeting on December 2, 1999, at its effective flood forecasting, warning, and recommend additional strategies and pro-
West Trenton offices to seek input response system. grams to improve flood-loss reduction in
from experts on the existing level of flood DRBC staff in January released a report the basin, including planning activities,
preparedness in the Delaware River Basin summarizing the December 2 meeting and such as flood-plain management.
and explore areas for improvement. The the flood preparedness activities described The goals of the basin-wide, river
meeting was attended by representatives by each of the organizations in attendance. flood-warning improvements program will
from 11 different organizations with flood This report also included two staff
preparedness responsibilities. recommendations: (1) formation of a
DRBC staff, wary that flooding some- DRBC Flood Advisory Committee and
The DRBC recently unveiled a new,
times ends a drought, began planning for (2) implementation of a basin-wide, expanded flood information section
this meeting during the summer months. river flood-warning improvements
The originally scheduled September 16, program. The commissioners received
on its web site.
1999, meeting date had to be cancelled a briefing on the status of this new,
due to Hurricane Floyd, which arrived as if basin-wide flood coordination initiative at be to improve the precipitation and
on cue and caused severe tributary flood- their January 2000 meeting. This presenta- stream-gauging network, complete flood-
ing in the southern portion of the basin. tion is available for viewing on the DRBC stage forecast mapping, and increase pub-
Just like 1955, a year of record flooding, web site at www.state.nj.us/drbc. lic understanding of flood preparedness.
the summer drought of 1999 and Hurri- The commissioners moved quickly on Program goals will be coordinated by the
cane Floyd provided vivid examples of the staff recommendations by adopting a Flood Advisory Committee.
how quickly hydrologic conditions can resolution at their March 2000 meeting to The DRBC also recently unveiled a new,
change in the Delaware River Basin and create the Flood Advisory Committee. This expanded flood information section on its
why communities must always be pre- committee will have an interstate, basin- web site. Topics include Why Do Floods
pared for flooding. wide perspective for the coordination of Occur?, What You Can Do To Protect Your-
The overall goal of flood preparedness flood-loss-reduction activity in the basin. self and Your Family, Flood Loss Reduction,
is to reduce the loss of life and property Its initial activity will be identifying flood Flood Information for Kids, and Summary of
damage caused by flooding. There are forecasting and warning improvements for Hurricane Floyd in the Delaware River
many activities, in addition to flood warn- the main stem Delaware River and its Basin, as well as useful links to other web
ing and response, that support this goal. major tributaries. The still-to-be-named sites.
These activities—such as
flood-plain regulations,
property buyouts, storm-
water management, flood-
proofing, structural flood
control, and flood insur-
ance administration—are
particularly important to
prevent new flood damage
COURTESY OF THE MINISINK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: PHOTO BY R.G. TARBELL
in developing areas and
encourage wise flood-plain
use. Even with the success
of such programs, existing
flood-plain development
Rapidly rising waters of the
Delaware heaved huge slabs
of ice into Port Jervis, N.Y.,
during flooding in 1981. The
ice punched through cinder
block and brick walls,
destroying or seriously
damaging many structures.
DRBCurrents Spring 2000 3
DRBC Takes Action To Control Delaware River Toxics
T
he DRBC took action at its January allocations of waste assimilative capacity dence of the stream-quality objectives. The
2000 meeting to ensure that stream- are necessary for acute and chronic toxicity allocations will be referred to the environ-
quality objectives for certain toxic pol- in certain individual discharges in a 85- mental regulatory agencies in the three
lutants in the tidal Delaware River are met mile stretch of the river from Trenton states for use in developing effluent limita-
as part of a continuing program to protect downstream to the head of the Delaware tions, schedules of compliance, and other
human health and aquatic life. Bay, near Liston Point, Del. permit requirements.
Two of the pollutants, 1,2 dichloroethane Assimilative capacity is the ability of a Under the resolution adopted by the
(DCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE), have water body to dilute, or break down, a pol- commission, Executive Director Collier will
been identified by the U.S. Environmental lutant to a point where it does not exceed require dischargers of DCE and PCE to
Protection Agency as “probable human a stream-quality objective. Acute and collect one year of effluent (discharge)
carcinogens.” Both are solvents used in the chronic toxicity indicate the combined data to measure the magnitude and vari-
manufacture of chemicals and in the dry effect of multiple pollutants on aquatic life. ability of these pollutants. This will be
cleaning business. Commission staff will provide a numeri- accomplished before wasteload alloca-
“The action taken by the commissioners cal value for the assimilative capacity for tions are established for individual dis-
on January 26 is aimed at protecting the DCE and PCE which can be used by New charges.
health of some two million people living in Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania in The actions taken by the commission
southern New Jersey, Delaware, and establishing total maximum daily loads are intended to ensure compliance with
southeastern Pennsylvania who rely on the (TMDLs) as appropriate under the federal stream-quality objectives, or water-quality
Delaware River for drinking water,” DRBC Clean Water Act. A TMDL is the total criteria, adopted by the commission in
Executive Director Carol R. Collier said. She amount of a pollutant or pollutants that 1996.
added that it also is intended to safeguard can be discharged on a daily basis into a Technical issues relating to these
aquatic life, noting that thousands of peo- river or stream without exceeding that actions were debated by members of the
ple eat fish caught in the river. water body’s assimilative capacity. commission’s Toxics Advisory Committee,
The commission ruled that allocations Staff also was directed to establish which includes representatives from the
of waste assimilative capacity are necessary wasteload allocations (limits on pollutants environmental regulatory agencies in the
to maintain the stream quality objectives contained in a discharger’s effluent) or four basin states, the regulated community
for the two substances in a 38-mile reach other effluent requirements for DCE and (municipal and industrial dischargers), the
of the Delaware from Trenton, N.J., down- PCE. Acute and chronic toxicity load allo- environmental community, academia, agri-
stream to just above Philadelphia Interna- cations will be set for individual discharges culture, fish and wildlife management, and
tional Airport. It also determined that that have been shown to cause an excee- public health. Commission staff will con-
tinue to work with the advisory committee
in studying the potential for cumulative
impacts of toxicity.
Pumpout Sites for Boaters Fish tissue contamination by other toxic
pollutants, such as polychlorinated
Available from the DRBC biphenyls (PCBs), in the Delaware River has
been highlighted in recent years by the
W
ith warmer weather just around the and can be ordered by contacting the issuance of fish consumption advisories.
corner, the commission would like commission. Anglers have been warned either not to eat
to remind boaters that it has cre- Raw sewage discharged from marine or to reduce consumption of such species
ated maps depicting the locations of toilets, or heads, can spread disease, con- as recreational-sized striped bass, catfish,
sewage pumpout stations along the tidal taminate shellfish beds, and deplete dis- white perch, and American eel.
reach of the Delaware River and solved oxygen levels, causing stress to These other pollutants currently are
Delaware Bay. fish and other aquatic life. Bacteria from being studied by commission staff for
In addition to pinpointing the fifteen raw sewage ingested by shellfish can future actions that may be necessary to
stations (eight in New Jersey, four in convey waterborne pathogens, such as ensure that stream-quality objectives also
Delaware, and three in Pennsylvania), the hepatitis and typhoid. are achieved.
free maps provide telephone numbers for Boaters seeking to locate pumpout
the marinas or boat yards where the facil- facilities on waterways outside Additional information, including the
ities are located. Boaters are urged to call the Delaware River Basin may adopted resolution and executive summary
ahead for hours of operation. call 1-800-ASK-FISH, a toll-free of the public hearing response document, is
The maps are featured on the DRBC web number established by the available on the DRBC web site at
site at www.state.nj.us/drbc/pumpout.htm Sportfishing Promotion Council. www.state.nj.us/drbc or by calling the com-
mission.
4 DRBCurrents Spring 2000
FLOWING TOWARD THE FUTURE, continued from page 1
initiated by agencies, organizations, and/or Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director
citizens of the basin. Marie Rust.
The information and insights generated Each of the basin states presented a
from the workshops were used to develop “Flowing Toward the Future” award to rec-
the September 1999 report, 21st Century ognize a person or persons who have
Visions and Directions for the Delaware made significant efforts to benefit the nat-
River and Its Watersheds. This publication ural resources of the Delaware River Basin.
is available on the DRBC web site or by The award winners included: Peg and Hal
calling the commission. Haskin (New Jersey); John C. Bryson
(Delaware); Ruth M. Jones (Pennsylvania);
Governors’ Summit and Raymond M. Christensen (New York).
Governors Whitman and Carper during the
resolution signing ceremony. The Governors’ Summit, held Septem-
ber 29, 1999, at the New Jersey State Watershed-wide Conference
Pennsylvania held their own workshops in Aquarium in Camden, was the second step The final “Flowing Toward the Future”
May using an abbreviated format. in the process. Its goal was to highlight event was the watershed-wide conference
The purpose of the workshops was to basin-wide planning efforts and reaffirm held November 15-17, 1999, at the Adam’s
gather information and ideas for develop- the commitment of the four states and key Mark Hotel in Philadelphia. This confer-
ing a shared vision for the future of the agencies to continue efforts to protect the ence was designed to build upon the first
Delaware River Basin, which drains por- waters of the basin. two events, helping to establish directions
tions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New The highlight of the summit was the and models for cooperative action that will
York, and Delaware, as well as 21st-century signing of a “Resolution on the Protection sustain the river, its tributaries, and its
directions for attaining this vision. of the Delaware River Basin” by Governors watersheds into the 21st century and
Each workshop used a focus group Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey beyond.
process where participants were divided and Thomas R. Carper of
into one of four interest groups—preserva- Delaware. Governor Tom Ridge of
tion/advocacy, commerce/utilities, recre- Pennsylvania and New York Gover-
The summit reaffirmed the
ation, and government. Several mixed nor George E. Pataki also signed commitment of the four states and key
groups also were conducted. Trained facili- the document, but were unable to
tators led these breakout groups through a attend the summit. They were rep-
agencies to protect the basin’s waters.
three-hour process, where participants pri- resented by the top officials in their
oritized and described vision elements, state environmental agencies, James M. Conference sponsors included the
challenges, and directions. The 26 breakout Seif and John P. Cahill, respectively. Delaware Estuary Program, Heritage Con-
sessions held at the 10 workshops yielded In the resolution, the governors called servancy, NPS, William Penn Foundation,
lists for 71 priority vision elements, 826 for the DRBC to develop a new compre- U.S. EPA, PECO Energy, Pennsylvania
challenges to be overcome, and 880 direc- hensive water resource plan for the basin. Department of Conservation and Natural
tions needed to overcome the challenges. They challenged the basin community to Resources, Delaware Department of Nat-
After the workshops were completed, play an active role in drawing up the ural Resources and Environmental Control,
the information was analyzed for themes. visionary blueprint for the watershed’s and the Port of Philadelphia and Camden.
The 71 priority elements were consolidated future and called for the creation of a The organizers of the “Flowing Toward
into five vision statements that collectively broad-based watershed advisory council the Future” process included the DRBC, the
describe a 21st-century vision—Ecological; to assist the DRBC. The commission basin’s four state environmental agencies,
Water Supply; Livable, Pleasing Places; adopted a resolution at its October 1999 Alliance for a Sustainable Future, Delaware
Vibrant Economy; and Stewardship. The meeting creating this advisory council, and Estuary Program, Heritage Conservancy,
over 1,700 challenges and directions, in members should be announced late NPS, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary,
turn, yielded suggested directions grouped spring/early summer 2000. Upper Delaware Council, U.S. EPA, and
under the following headings—Good Sci- The resolution also was signed by Water Resources Association of the
ence; Watershed Education; Watershed Brigadier General M. Stephen Rhoades, Delaware River Basin. New Jersey Future
Image and Marketing; Land Resources; Commander, North Atlantic Division, U.S. and the Stroud Water Research Center also
Water Management; and Working Better Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environ- helped to organize the Governors’ Summit
Together. These are not stand-alone direc- mental Protection Agency (EPA) Region II and November conference.
tions, but are packages that collectively will Administrator Jeanne Fox; then-EPA
attain the five vision statements making up Region III Administrator Michael McCabe Additional information about “Flowing
the 21st-century Delaware River Basin (who now serves in Washington as EPA’s Toward the Future” can be obtained at
vision. Each represents a collection of Deputy Administrator, the federal agency’s DRBC’s web site at www.state.nj.us/drbc or
related activities that should, or could, be number two official); and National Park by contacting the commission.
DRBCurrents Spring 2000 5
DRBC Co-Sponsors May 2000 Student Summit
M
iddle and high school students and we hope students and teachers from all May 8, the cost is $20 per person (lunch
teachers studying aspects of the four Delaware River Basin states will par- included).
Delaware River Watershed are invited ticipate,” DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Sponsors and supporters include the
to share research and stewardship initia- Collier said. “I look forward to being one Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
tives on local watersheds at the Delaware of the speakers and meeting the students and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of
River Watershed Education Student and teachers.” State Parks, Wildlands Conservancy, “host
Leadership Summit May 7, 8 and 9, 2000, Schools are invited to send teams of school” Easton (Pa.) Area High School
at the Tuscarora Inn in Mt. Bethel, Pa. two to six students to represent their (teacher Robin Reese and student director
The conference, “Flowing Toward the watersheds at the summit. These “river Jamie Parris), and the DRBC.
Millennium,” will include keynote speakers, ambassadors” are encouraged to prepare Financial assistance is being provided
student presentations, watershed discus- a 20-minute oral presentation and display by DCNR, the Pennsylvania Department of
sions, creative activities, and special semi- about their local stream for the event. One Environmental Protection Environmental
nars relating to leadership, mapping, or more designated adults from the Education Fund, and Lucent Technologies.
chemistry, and biology. Students also will school district must be in attendance and
enjoy a “Bike and Boat” experience on the responsible for students during the con- For more information, contact Estelle Rup-
Lehigh River organized by the Wildlands ference. pert, DCNR Bureau of State Parks, at (610)
Conservancy. Special teacher workshops The cost is $100 per person, which 796-3688. Additional details also will be
are planned during the conference. includes meals, lodging, field experiences, available on the DRBC web site at
“The commission is very pleased to and workshops. For those who only want www.state.nj.us/drbc.
cosponsor the 2000 Student Summit, and to attend the student presentations on
Web Site Additions
www.drbc.net Now Points to DRBC Internet Site
T
he DRBC’s web site at www.state.nj.us/drbc Efforts continue to improve and expand that water use is declining in Pennsylvania
has grown dramatically since its incep- the content of the DRBC web site. It is truly and Delaware, and increasing in New
tion. Some users, however, have told a work in progress with new information Jersey and New York State. Overall, the
us that it’s sometimes a challenge to locate appearing almost daily. We encourage you basin’s population is increasing while
the site using Internet search engines. In to visit it often and invite your feedback. water use is decreasing, which may reflect
response to this feedback, a new address— Following are two recent additions. positive results from water conservation
www.drbc.net—was recently established and efforts.
will be added to all major search engines. Basin Water Use
This new page “points” the user to the The DRBC is compiling a water use List of Watershed Associations
DRBC’s web site, which continues to be database for the period 1990–96. A pre- and Other Organizations
hosted by the State of New Jersey. The liminary analysis for the potable water in the Delaware River Basin
commission would like to thank the New supply data can be viewed on-line or The DRBC has a link on its home page
Jersey Office of Information Technology downloaded. The data, currently undergo- to this useful listing, which was compiled
for its excellent service. ing quality-control review, will allow DRBC by the Delaware Estuary Program. You will
staff to compile a profile of water find maps that allow you to zoom in to a
use in the basin, develop consump- sub-basin to help you find local watershed
tive use estimates, complete water associations and related organizations,
demand forecasting, and evaluate along with information to assist you in
the effectiveness of water conserva- contacting them. You can also use the
tion programs. The database message board to post e-mail messages to
includes monthly ground-water and watershed associations. If you know of a
surface-water withdrawals, location group that is not listed, please notify
of each withdrawal, and use cate- Delaware Estuary Program Coordinator
gories (such as public water supply, Forsyth Kineon (609-883-9500, ext. 217;
industry, power, golf courses, and fkineon@drbc.state.nj.us).
mining). Preliminary findings indicate
6 DRBCurrents Spring 2000
River Basin Washington Project MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Congressional Task Forces Formed
Water Snapshot 2000, April 14-30, 2000
This popular, basin-wide, water-quality sampling
T
he Northeast-Midwest Institute, a will decide to create a Senate Mid-Atlantic event that takes a “snapshot” of the waters of the
Washington, D.C.-based, nonprofit and River Basin Task Force. Delaware River Basin will be celebrating its fifth year
this spring. It serves as an important educational, out-
nonpartisan research organization, has The RBWP is organizing briefings on reach activity around Earth Day, April 22, bringing
created the River Basin Washington Project Capitol Hill and congressional staff trips to attention to the need for water-quality monitoring and
(RBWP) to help advance interstate water- the river basins, as well as compiling a providing much-deserved recognition to those volun-
shed management within the Delaware, database of basin-related projects and pri- teers who participate in water-quality monitoring pro-
Susquehanna, and Potomac river basins. In orities. It will organize efforts to promote grams throughout the year.
DRBC staff members are already making plans to
particular, the project seeks to educate and acquire funding for these projects in return to two events they participated in last year to
members of Congress about river basin Congress. educate the public about Water Snapshot 2000.
issues and increase their legislative profile. The Northeast-Midwest Institute, “These two events over three days last April provided
The RBWP works closely with the DRBC, formed in the mid-1970s, is dedicated to us with an excellent outreach opportunity,” DRBC
the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, economic vitality, environmental quality, Executive Director Carol R. Collier said. “Children and
adults alike seemed to enjoy the chance to learn from
and the Interstate Commission on the and regional equity for Northeast and DRBC staff and take some hands-on, water-quality
Potomac River Basin. Midwest states. It fulfills its mission by measurements.”
In cooperation with the project’s conducting research and analysis, develop- The events are the Stroud Water Research Center’s
efforts, several members of Congress have ing and advancing innovative policy, pro- “UpStream Festival” in Avondale, Chester County, Pa.,
created three bipartisan task forces in the viding evaluation of key federal programs, on April 15 and the Shad Festival in Lambertville, N.J.,
on April 29-30. Information on these two events is avail-
U.S. House of Representatives. The House disseminating information, and highlight- able by visiting their web sites at www.stroudcenter.org
Delaware River Basin Task Force is co- ing sound economic and environmental and www.lambertville.org.
chaired by U.S. Reps. Sherwood Boehlert technologies and practices.
Water 2000 Festival, June 1, 2000
(R-N.Y.), Robert Borski (D-Pa.), Michael The festival is being hosted by the Delaware
Castle (R-Del.), and Rush Holt (D-N.J.). To learn more about the project, including Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Twenty members of Congress already the first edition of its quarterly newsletter, Control and Wesley College. It will be held in Dover,
have joined this task force. The House visit the Institute’s web site at www.nemw. Del., at the college for some 500 seventh grade stu-
dents from throughout Delaware. The DRBC is a festi-
Susquehanna River Basin Task Force is co- org/waterquality.htm.
val sponsor. The theme of the event is “Protecting Our
chaired by U.S. Reps. Boehlert, George Watersheds.” For more information, contact Nancy
Gekas (R-Pa.), Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), Rolli (302-739-4506; nrolli@dnrec.state.de.us) or Carol
Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), and Paul Kan- Murphy (302-739-4860; cmurphy@dnrec.state.de.us).
jorski (D-Pa.). U.S. Reps. Thomas Davis (R- Delaware River Sojourn, June 16–24, 2000
Va.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Constance The Delaware River Sojourn combines canoeing,
Morella (R-Md.), and Eleanor Holmes Nor- camping, educational programs, historical interpreta-
ton (D-D.C.) have agreed to serve as co- tion, and more. The event was born out of a desire to
introduce people to the Delaware River, to celebrate
chairs of the House Potomac River Basin and increase awareness of the river’s unique natural,
Task Force. The RBWP and House task cultural, ecological, historical, and recreational char-
force members are hopeful that senators acteristics, as well as to educate individuals and
organizations on the importance of conserving our
natural resources.
This year, the sojourn will be extended into the
FLOW MGMT., continued from page 1 estuary in conjunction with “Op Sail 2000,” the event
where tall ships will be sailing up the river.
River Basin. This study will identify and examine flow augmentation issues for the main Plans are still being finalized, so visit the sojourn’s
stem Delaware River and its major tributaries affected by DRBC operating plans. It will pull web site at www.nps.gov/upde/sojourn for updated
together existing information on flow relationships and will identify additional information, information, or contact the DRBC.
indicators, and modeling tools that can be used to resolve the issues. The study will then Schuylkill River Sojourn, June 2–9, 2000
provide specific examples for several tributary reaches, showing how the recommended To put your name on a list to receive a brochure,
contact Eva Bocian at the Schuylkill River Heritage
tools can be applied to priority flow augmentation issues. Its purpose is not to recommend
Corridor (610-372-3916; evab@schuylkillriver.org).
policy, but to provide up-to-date decision-making capability for policymakers.
Following the recommendation of a committee that evaluated proposals from three con- Lehigh River Sojourn, June 10–16, 2000
For more information, contact Shirley Kline at the
sultants, the commission at its January 2000 meeting authorized staff to contract with Wildlands Conservancy (610-965-4397, ext. 14).
Water Resources Management, Inc., of Columbia, Md., to complete the study. Work is
The DRBC web site’s home page will feature con-
expected to begin this spring.
venient links to each of the three sojourns as soon as
The committee was made up of representatives from the four basin states, the U.S. Army additional information is available, so visit it often.
Corps of Engineers, New York City, and two members of the DRBC staff. See you on a river in June!
DRBCurrents Spring 2000 7
And the Winner of “Name That Beast” Is … EXEC. DIR. CORNER, continued from page 2
“Della-Wary!” (and expensively) treat water to meet rigor-
ous national and state drinking-water stan-
I
n the last edition of DRBCurrents, readers be receiving a “Della-Wary” T-shirt. The dards and then lose it through leaks.
were invited to name the Delaware River names “Delahoaxie” and “Basin Bessie” tied One challenge facing us at the dawn of
creature photographed by DRBC for second place, and “Deli” and “Della” tied the 21st century is to develop systems
Environmental Scientist Robert C. Kausch in for third. All suggested names were where rainwater runoff isn’t channeled to a
October 1998. It was taken in late afternoon reviewed and voted upon by a committee river or stream through a network of cul-
from the New Jersey shore of the Delaware, of commission staff. verts and pipes and lost to the ocean, but
just downstream from the Bulls Island The DRBC thanks the contestants from is returned to the ground where it can
Bridge. The photo has not been retouched. the four basin states and Connecticut who replenish our wells and help irrigate our
The winning name was submitted by took the time to submit names for the crops. We need to treat storm water as a
former DRBC staffer Bob Everest, who will beast. resource, not as waste.
The Delaware River Basin serves the
most densely populated and industrialized
area in the United States. Huge demands
are made on its water resources, which are
at the mercy of weather’s whims. This
summer, our water supplies will only be
recharged by rainfall. We need to make
good use of this precious resource. So
please, plan accordingly and save some for
tomorrow.
To receive a copy of the DRBC’s new water
conservation flyer, contact the commission
or download it from the DRBC web site at
www.state.nj.us/drbc.
P.O. Box 7360
25 State Police Dr.
West Trenton, NJ 08628
“A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure.”
— U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
1931 Delaware River Diversion Case
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