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.

Virtual Public Hearings

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.

Public Participation and Comment

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.

Related Topics:  comment, hearing, permitting and regulation, public, public hearings, public notice