Marine Debris Program Publishes Delaware Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide
JUNE 22, 2020 — On June 17, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program released the “Delaware Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide: Comprehensive Guidance Document” (Guide).
The Guide is a product of a collaborative process with state, local, and federal agencies. The Guide aims to improve preparedness for response and recovery operations following any natural disaster or event that generates large amounts of marine debris in Delaware.
During natural disasters, large amounts of debris enter nearshore coastal waterways all at once. Disaster-related debris can include abandoned and derelict vessels, construction and demolition debris, and household hazardous waste, among other types of debris. It can be a hazard to navigation, damage habitat, and pose pollution threats.
The Delaware Emergency Response Guide outlines existing response structures at all levels of government to facilitate a coordinated and timely response to marine debris in Delaware. It identifies individual organizations’ roles and responsibilities and includes an overview of permitting and compliance requirements that must be met before marine debris removal work begins.
The Guide serves as a complete reference for marine debris response in Delaware. The accompanying Field Reference Guide includes the most pertinent information for quick reference in the field and during emergency response operations.
For more information about this project, contact Christy.Kehoe@noaa.gov.