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 Pages Tagged With: "drainage"

Designer Training Modules

The following resources from the DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program are provided to assist Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan designers in use of the Delaware Urban Runoff Management Model (DURMM) and the design of post construction stormwater best management practices.

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Sediment and


Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to Erosion and Sediment Control Guidance Documents

Division of Watershed Stewardship

Published: March 1, 2022 Comments Due: April 19, 2023
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Watershed Stewardship will conduct a virtual public hearing (Docket #2023-R-WS-0004) to consider comments from the public on proposed


Pilottown Road Mitigation Study

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has undertaken an investigation of flood mitigation options for the section of Pilottown Road, in Lewes, that crosses Canary Creek near its confluence with the Broadkill River. The section of Pilottown Road leading to the Canary Creek bridge is


Flooding – What You Can Do

Flood Awareness Week is May 20-24, 2024. Are you prepared for flooding?


Drainage Concern Reporting Form

You can get advice or technical assistance with drainage issues on your property. The first step is reporting the issue, using the form below. What is your name? How can we contact you?  


Dam Safety

The Delaware Dam Safety Program works to reduce the risk of failure of dams and to prevent injuries, property damage, and loss of reservoir storage due to dam failure. It oversees the design and construction, operation and maintenance, and inspection of regulated dams in Delaware.
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Tax Ditch Program

DNREC provides administrative and technical assistance and support to tax ditch organizations and landowners across the State.

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Drainage Program 302-855-1930
Tax Ditch Law Questions and Answers


Tax Ditch Questions and Answers

The DNREC Tax Ditch Program has collected questions often asked by landowners about tax ditches. If you have additional questions, please contact the Tax Ditch Program at 302-855-1930 or by email.
Tax ditch channels range in size from six to 80


Drainage and Stormwater Assistance

Each year thousands of Delawareans express concerns about drainage and stormwater. In many cases, residents don’t know who to contact if they have a problem. Several state and local agencies, including DNREC, DelDOT, conservation districts and municipal public works programs can help resolve drainage and flooding related problems.



Drainage Programs

The Drainage Programs work with landowners, tax ditch organizations and federal, state and local agencies to improve drainage, stormwater management and water quality in Delaware.

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Drainage Program 302-855-1930 Report Drainage Concerns 302-855-1955


Wetland And Channel Restoration

The Drainage Program is responsible for over 45 wetland and stream restoration projects, resulting in approximately 180 acres of total restoration and habitat creation. Restoration activities are put into practice in a variety of locations, including local schools (creating an outdoor classroom), backyards of private landowners (Smith and Battista), marginal agricultural fields,


Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook Details

The Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook provides background information on erosion and sedimentation, information on Delaware’s regulatory program and standards and specifications for erosion and sediment control. Download the full Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook and any of the standard details to be used on Sediment and Stormwater Plans (below) that are needed.


Sediment and Stormwater Newsletter

The DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program offers an email-based newsletter that shares information on permitting, best practices, training opportunities, and more. Send a blank email to join-dnrec_sedstorm_news@lists.state.de.us to sign up for the newsletter. Past Issues 2024 Oct. 2024 Sept. 2024


Sediment and Stormwater Applications

The Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations require an approved Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan from the department or a delegated agency for regulated land-disturbing activities.

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Sediment and Stormwater Program 302-608-5458
Applicants will use


Plan Review, Engineering, Construction and Maintenance Resources

The following are resources from the DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program for sediment and stormwater plan reviews, engineering design, construction activities and maintenance of best management practices. Plan Review Engineering


Stormwater Watershed Reports

This page contains links to reports on the characteristics of specific Delaware watersheds for use in preparation of sediment and stormwater plans. Appoquinimink Scope of Work Hydrology Report – January 2009 Appendix A – TSDN Documents


Training and Certification

The DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program provides several different training opportunities to help those involved in land development and construction projects meet the requirements of the Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations.

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Sydney Hall Sediment and Stormwater Program 302-608-5458



Sediment and Stormwater

The DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Management Program operates within the Division of Watershed Stewardship’s Conservation Programs Section. The program employs a comprehensive approach to sediment control (both during and after construction) and stormwater management that includes monitoring of stormwater quantity and water quality control.
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Sediment and Stormwater Delegated Agencies

The following agencies have delegation of Sediment and Stormwater Program elements, consisting of plan review, construction inspection, and maintenance inspection for their geographic boundaries. State Agencies Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Watershed Stewardship Sediment and Stormwater Program 285 Beiser Boulevard, Suite 102 Dover DE 19904 302-608-5458 DNREC is responsible


Floodplain Mapping for Clear Brook

DNREC and the federal government are working on an update of floodplain maps for Clear Brook, near Seaford in Sussex County. The study involves new data and engineering models. DNREC is gathering input from local property owners and businesses as part of the update.
Update (4/1/2021): FEMA has issued the Letter of


Watershed Stewardship Contacts

Steve Williams, Director 285 Beiser Blvd., Suite 102 Dover, DE 19904 302-739-9921
Watershed Assessment and Management 302-739-9939 Shoreline and Waterway Management 302-608-5500 Conservation Programs 302-608-5458
Drainage Program 21309 Berlin


Topic: Drainage and Stormwater

Delaware is a coastal state. Most of the land in Delaware is flat and close to sea-level. Our underlying water table is generally high. As a result, drainage and the management of stormwater are important considerations in land use planning, construction, and agriculture.


Topic: Wetlands

A wetland is simply an area of land that is wet during the growing season. All true wetlands have three characteristics: typical wetland plants, wetland soils, and evidence that water is or can be at or near the surface. Our wetlands provide valuable service to Delaware. Wetlands purify our water. They provide habitat for rare and commercially important plants, fish and animals. And they protect us from flooding.





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