$25 million Proposed for Delaware River Cleanup

More than four years after the oil tanker Athos 1 hit an anchor just off Paulsboro and spilled nearly 265,000 gallons of oil into the Delaware River, federal and state officials have released a draft document outlining nearly $25 million in restoration projects. 

With the massive cleanup completed, the proposed restoration plan is the government's latest attempt to address the injuries to the river and devise ways to compensate for them. The majoruty of the money would be spent to restore or create 240 acres of grasslands and wetlands at the Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area in Salem County. Other projects include removing three dams on Darby Creek to benefit shad and other migratory fish; creating 78 acres of oyster reef in the Delaware River; enhancing trails on Little Tinicum Island near Philadelphia International Airport; restoring the shoreline of Lardner's Point, a former ferry terminal near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge; enhancing ponds and pastures at the Blackbird Reserve Wildlife Area in Delaware; improving the Stow Creek boat ramp in New Jersey; and installing a rock jetty at the Augustine boat ramp in Delaware to counter silt buildup nearby. A public comment period on the restoration proposals will be held until February 20. Comments may be e-mailed to NOS.AthosComments@noaa .gov or faxed to 301-713-1229.

Philadelphia Inquirer, January 8, 2009: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20090108__25_million_is_awarded_for_Delaware_River_cleanup.html