Environmental Appeals Board denies appeal to halt Rehoboth Beach outfall

The Environmental Appeals Board heard the sole remaining appeal challenging the permits that authorize the construction of the ocean outfall on January 9. The Board granted DNREC and the City of Rehoboth Beach’s motion to dismiss the appeal. The appeal was brought by Suzanne Thurman, executive director of the Marine Education Rescue and Rehabilitation Institute, who argued the construction of the outfall should be stayed to ensure the project complies with the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, to require the city's wastewater plant to treat wastewater to a higher level and ensure funding by the city for a stormwater management plan. Mayor Paul Kuhns said, “The city is very pleased with the Board's decision to grant DNREC and the city's motion to dismiss the appeal.  This closes yet another chapter in a lengthy project and moves us one step closer with the Consent Order's requirement that the city's wastewater effluent not be discharged into the canal. The project has been going well so far and is on schedule to be completed with construction by mid-March.” A written decision will be released within the next 90 days. Please visit the ocean outfall project update page on the city’s website for construction updates and project information.