After a powerful March storm highlighted vulnerabilities in current stormwater protections, Sussex County officials are preparing to tighten regulations to better manage erosion and sediment runoff from large construction sites in the area.
The storm dropped an estimated 4 inches of rain, overwhelming existing sediment controls and prompting immediate concerns about water quality.
Why Construction Sites Are the Focus
The Sussex Conservation District and County Council agree that active construction sites pose the biggest risk for sediment runoff.
These sites often lack completed stormwater ponds or rely on temporary erosion controls that are ineffective during extreme weather.
Key issues:
- Most sediment controls are only designed for 1-inch rainfalls
- March’s storm brought 4 inches in just two hours
- Sediment runoff pollutes waterways and harms vegetation
“Keep your dirt out of the water,” said Council Vice President John Rieley. “I don’t want to see turbidity. I don’t want to see cloudy water.”
Proposed Solutions
During the April 8th council meeting, several strategies were discussed:
- Educating developers and contractors on stormwater best practices
- Strengthening county-specific rules without conflicting with state regulations
- Requiring customized stormwater plans based on individual site conditions
- Limiting bare soil exposure during vulnerable construction phases
Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum raised concerns about early tree clearing on job sites, asking if better practices are available and if they could be used as an alternative.
Meanwhile, Councilman Steve McCarron urged that new rules account for geographical differences across the county, especially to avoid burdening local farmers.
The Bigger Picture
Officials stressed that the long-term impacts of sediment pollution—like damaging the Inland Bays—can be environmentally and economically devastating.
County Engineer Hans Medlarz suggested rule changes to reduce land disturbance and increase containment standards.
The Conservation District will begin incorporating council’s concerns into future project reviews and potential regulation drafts.
Want to know how these changes could affect development in coastal Delaware? Keep following our blog for updates we publish in future blogs on stormwater policy, land use, and environmental news across the Coastal Delaware area!
Source: Cape Gazette