"Each year, thousands boaters take to the Delaware in search of recreation.  Similarly, each day captains navigate the Delaware to unload their cargoes at area ports.  This can prove to be a dangerous activity given the hidden hazards that lurk beneath the surface of the water," said Rep. Andrews.  As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important to hear from area boaters regarding the dangers posed by this debris. I have asked the Army Corps of Engineers to spearhead and effort to maintain safe passage of the Delaware."

On Wednesday, Rep Andrews met with officials of the Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia Branch (ACOE) to lay the groundwork for the ACOE to begin to work on this mission. This new mission will not require new legislation and the ACOE has the authority to begin this work based on a provision in the Water Resources Development Act.  Currently, the Army Corps is responsible for two successful debris missions along waterways in New York City and Baltimore.  Rep. Andrews is working with local officials at the ACOE to determine what resources they will need to begin this important project.

Presently, recreational boaters and shipping traffic have few options when they encounter dangerous debris in the water.  In some instances they tow the debris to shore themselves so it is no longer in navigable waters.  However, after a heavy rain, the swollen river will carry that debris from the shore back out into the open river posing a potential problem to another unsuspecting boater.  In some of the most severe cases, boaters will contact the U.S. Coast Guard to remove submerged debris.  This is not the best use of the Coast Guard's limited resources, which are primarily devoted to rescuing those in peril and policing the open water.  

Rep. Andrews has pledged to continue to work 
"Our Delaware River resource relies upon every individuals effort to improve the quality flowing toward the future,” said Jerry Donofrio, Chairman of the Boater Voter Coalition.  “This Boater Voter Coalition project, 'DE Clean Sweep', is the single most significant project to improve the river's recreational future for our region."
 

As part of an Earth Day agenda devoted to protecting the quality of South Jersey's water supply, Rep. Andrews addressed the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce at the Tavistock Country Club on the future of South Jersey's water supply.  Andrews outlined his ideas for ensuring the quality and quantity of South Jersey's drinking water. "We need a strategy of improved access to public water, regreening of developed areas, preservation of open space, and careful protection of our aquifer," Andrews said. 

Rep. Andrews concluded his day at West Deptford Middle School where he joined with students, parents and administrators at a school assembly to plant a tree to commemorate Earth Day 2001.   "The best way to promote clean water is to enhance our natural resources.  Planting the tree is not just a symbol--it is a tangible step toward that goal," Andrews said.  He thanked Gaudio Brothers of Cherry Hill, N.J. for providing the tree.

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