DNREC public hearings allow the public to hear the details of specific regulatory and permitting matters and to submit comments. All DNREC public hearings are virtual hearings, unless otherwise noted.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has the authority to adopt, amend, modify or repeal regulations to achieve greater protection of the environment and human health. DNREC also manages a wide variety of permitting programs, covering issues related to air quality, waste and hazardous substances, water quality, water supply, wetlands and subaqueous lands, shoreline protection, sediment and stormwater and industry in the coastal zone.
For regulatory matters, public hearings are required. For some permitting processes, public hearings may be required. Learn more in A Brief Guide to Delaware’s Environmental Permitting Process.
DNREC virtual hearings are designed to be transparent and accessible to the public. The public should be able to hear all details about subjects of DNREC hearings.
Separate web pages explain the subject of each hearing and give connection information for attendees. Hearing pages contain all exhibits entered into the record, verbatim hearing transcripts and copies of all written comments.
This page lists and links to all DNREC public hearing pages. Hearings are also posted on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar.
The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in the regulatory and permitting processes and to submit comments for inclusion into the hearing record. The DNREC Secretary will consider the full record and all relevant information before making any decision.
Registered speakers may make verbal comments during virtual public hearings.
The public may offer written comments during the public comment period for each hearing. Public comment periods usually run from the date of public notice of the hearing through at least 15 days following the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted through a comment form, by email, or via the US postal service at the address on the hearing page and/or the public notice.
Written comments to DNREC may not be submitted using social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) or text messaging.
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - Public Hearing: Proposed Plan of Remedial Action for the Barbara Hicks Site
Thursday, March 23, 2023 - Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Horseshoe Crab Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2023-R-F-0001) regarding proposed revisions to the Horseshoe Crab Regulations. Public comment period closed.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to Erosion and Sediment Control Guidance Documents
The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2023-R-WS-0004) on proposed revisions to selected sections of the Delaware Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook. The public comment period closed.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - Public Hearing: Proposed 2023 Weatherization Assistance Program Grant Application
The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2023-WAP-CCE-0003) on the Proposed 2023 Weatherization Assistance Program Grant Application. This hearing was canceled due to technical difficulties. It will be rescheduled.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - Public Hearing: DNREC Grid Resilience Formula Grant Program Applications
The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will conduct a public hearing on grid resilience formula grant funding from Section 40101(d) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Docket #2023-MISC-CCE-0002). The public comment period is closed.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - Public Hearing: NPDES MS4 Phase II Tier II General Permit
The DNREC Division of Water will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2022-P-W-0017) on a Tier II General Permit being issued for new Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) entities under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The public comment period closed.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - Public Hearing: FujiFilm Imaging Colorants Coastal Zone Act Permit Modification (Postponed)
The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2022-P-CCE-0018) on a request from FujiFilm Imaging Colorants, Inc., for a major modification to a standard Coastal Zone Act permit. Postponed
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - Public Hearing: Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a hearing (Docket #2022-R-F-0016) on proposed changes to the state’s freshwater trout fishery. The public comment period closed.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - Public Hearing: Bioenergy Innovation Center Project
The DNREC Divisions of Water, Air Quality and Waste and Hazardous Substances will hold a joint public hearing (Docket #2022-P-MULTI-0012) regarding applications for permits needed to expand the Bioenergy Innovation Center, in Seaford. Public comment period closed.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - Public Hearing: Highline Warren LLC Air Quality Permit Application
The DNREC Division of Air Quality will hold a public hearing (Docket #2022-P-A-0013) regarding an application by Highline Warren LLC for permits relating to a process filling line at their facility in Wilmington. Public comment period closed.
Related Topics: comment, hearing, permitting and regulation, public, public hearings, public notice