September 2021 — Oil Spills
Fossil fuels make up the lion’s share of Delaware’s energy resource, and is a major contributor to Delaware’s economy due to the transport of crude oil up the Delaware Bay and River, and refining along the river’s shores. Fortunately, most of this oil transport occurs without any issues.
However, the threat of an oil spill is a reality in the Delaware Estuary. For oil spills that make it onto Delaware’s beaches and marshes, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, respond to quickly clean up oiled sands and debris. Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc. responds to any oiled animals that are discovered.
Delaware Sea Grant contributes to oil spill response along four independent but interrelated tracks:
Communication: In the immediate aftermath of a spill, DESG amplifies communications from DNREC and others about ways the public can help and information local residents need to know.
Research: DESG also has the unique ability to quickly fund small-scale research projects to examine important questions during an oil spill to help determine its source, its trajectory, and its ultimate impacts.
Education: Both during oil spills and on an ongoing basis, DESG educators provide context on the region’s oil industry and its environmental impacts through classroom outreach, teacher workshops and resources for interested members of the public.
Connection: DESG can help connect agencies and others with experts at the University of Delaware, whether for media comment or research collaboration, covering a wide range of topics, from fisheries impacts to the use of chemical dispersants and more.
For more information, check out the latest episode of SeaTalk, or visit our oil spill portal.
Notable Dates in September
Sept. 8 — In our new Engage and Exchange — Networks for Resilience workshop, DESG coastal hazards specialist Danielle Swallow and Josh Kelly from Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will discuss the value and role of different types of networks in responding to and recovering from disasters. Click here to learn more and to register.
Sept. 11 — The 34th Delaware Coastal Cleanup offers two options for volunteers: a one-day event on Sept. 11 and a month-long campaign to clean up areas close to home. Visit the official page at DNREC to learn more.
Sept. 17 — Delaware Sea Grant Engage and Exchange Workshops: Using Fish-Finders for Science and Stewardship is a two-part workshop with a virtual and hands-on component. Click here to learn more and to register.
Sept. 22 — The first day of fall, the September Equinox, is when day and night are approximately equivalent because it is one of two days of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward or away from the Sun. To learn more facts, figures, and folklore about the September Equinox, check out the Old Farmer’s Almanac.