The Division of Community Affairs (formerly the Office of Community Services) oversees enforcement of Delaware environmental laws and regulations, provides assistance to businesses throughout the state, helps facilitate communications between the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the communities it serves, and acts as a liaison between the department and the General Assembly.

Environmental Enforcement

The Division of Community Affairs supervises and coordinates compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to environmental and natural resources enforcement. The Environmental Crimes Unit works in collaboration with DNREC’s Divisions of Air Quality, Waste and Hazardous Substances, Water, Watershed Stewardship, Fish and Wildlife, and Parks and Recreation.

Assistance to Business

The Division of Community Affairs provides free assistance to all new and existing small businesses in Delaware through the Small Business Ombudsman and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program. It helps businesses understand the requirements of Delaware’s environmental programs and help find ways to comply with them in the easiest and most effective ways through the Regulatory Advisory Service.

Assistance to Communities

The Division of Community Affairs works through the Community Ombudsman to help communities identify and understand environmental problems. And it helps the department understand the needs of communities. The Community Ombudsman works closely with the Delaware Community Involvement Advisory Council (CIAC) and oversees the Community Environmental Project Fund.

Legislative Liaison

The Division of Community Affairs serves as legislative liaison for the department. It coordinates with the Office of the Governor, legislators, special interest groups, and the public in developing, evaluating and modifying potential new legislation and existing statutes. The office also serves as the central point of contact for legislators, and their staff, to help constituents find information and assistance from the department.

Related Topics:  assistance, community affairs, community services