Delaware DNREC News

Delaware Stormwater Fee-in-Lieu Amount Updated to $27/CF

DNREC announced updated Stormwater Management Fee-in-lieu rates under 7 DE Admin. Code 1501, subsection 13.2, adjusting the offset for full or partial compliance to $27 per cubic foot of runoff volume, effective January 1, 2026. Three Regulatory Guidance Memoranda (RGM-1v.2, RGM-4, and RGM-5) also became effective on the same date, along with revised Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook Section 3.6.1. Additionally, safety-feature revisions to Post-Construction Stormwater BMP Standards (Sections 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0) were published in the January 2026 Register of Regulations.

Delaware CGP Reauthorization and NPDES Permit Update, February 2026

DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship announced the reauthorization of the Delaware NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP), publicly noticed on December 1, 2025, with all comments addressed in the Delaware NPDES CGP Fact Sheet. The reauthorized permit will be effective on March 11, 2026. Project owners with existing Notices of Intent (NOIs) must undertake steps to reauthorize under the new permit. Additionally, Sections 10.0, 12.0, and 13.0 of the Post-Construction Stormwater BMP Standards and Specifications were revised to clarify barrier requirements for stormwater management systems with permanent pools that are reasonably accessible to the public.

Delaware CGP Reauthorization Deadline June 15 2026

Delaware DNREC has reauthorized the Delaware NPDES Construction General Permit, effective March 11, 2026. All permittees and co-permittees with previously approved Notices of Intent must complete the reauthorization process under the 2026 CGP by June 15, 2026. Instructions were distributed via mail and email to affected parties, with additional guidance available on the Sediment and Stormwater Program website.