Delaware Sierra News

A Sierra Club Newsletter about Environmental Matters Important to Delaware November 2005 -January 2006

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE Til Purnell receives national Sierra Club Award
at September Sierra Summit in San Francisco
by Jean Bauer

ANNUAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION !!

Time-sensitive Information!
Ballots and Candidate Biographies, pages 6-7!
Read the biographies on pages 6-7 and complete the ballot(s on
page 7; place ballot in a blank envelope (not supplied) inside the
pre-addressed envelope (enclosed in the centerfold of this newslet-
ter),* stamp it, and drop in the mail. Voila and congratulations!!
You’ve voted for the Executive Committee member(s) of your choice!

Member number. To help ensure that your vote is counted, record

your member number in the space provided on the lower left corner
of the envelope. Your number is the eight-digit set that appears at Photo: Second from left Til Purnell receiving her national Sierra Club
the top left of your newsletter label. When Al Denio, the election award from directors Bernie Zaleha (left) and Lisa Renstrom (right), and
monitor, receives your ballot, he will check your number against the far right Jim Steffens (former Delaware Chapter Chair now living in
list of member numbers in the chapter’s membership roster. This Wisconsin). More photos and story page 10.
ensures that, first, you are a member and that, second, there are
no more voters than the number of members. Table of Contents page
VOTE! Executive Committee Electionsand Procedures 1
Til Purnell Receives National Sierra Award 1
Multiple voters. If you have a family membership, both adult Sierra Executive Committee Members; Committee Chairs 2
members are entitled to vote. The ballot provides a second column Last Letter From the Chair 2
for the additional vote(s). Storm Damage and Conservation at Delaware Beaches 3
Southern DE Group Update 4
More Thoughts for the Future 5
Deadline. Executive Committee(s) Candidate Statements 6-7
Ballots must be postmarked by December 3, 2005 to be counted. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE(S) BALLOTS 7
Is Going Solar Right For You? 8
Thousands Protest Drilling in Artic 8
This election is important for your Sierra Club – Delaware Chapter. Sierra Club Goes to Court to Prevent Canal Dredging 9
Although our chapter is a small one at approximately 1,900 mem- Sierra Summit Story and Photos 10
Premcor/Valero:Do problems ever end with this refinery? 11
bers, we’re active and growing, and the enthusiasm, good judgment, Sierra Calendar/Volunteer Treasurer Needed 12
and hard work of our ExCom members provide our primary guid-
ance. Delawar e Chapter
NON-PROFIT
*If your newsletter does not have an enclosed envelope – 100 West 10th St., Suite 1107 U.S. POSTAGE
1. Enclose your ballot in a blank envelope. Wilmington, DE 19801 PAID
WILMINGTON, DE
2. Place the blank envelope into another PERMIT NO. 740

envelope. Put your member number in bottom Mr. Al Denio

left corner and address this outer envelope to 102 Red Pine Circle
Al Denio in box at right Newark, Delaware 19711

3. Seal it, stamp it, mail it, and when Al receives it, he’ll count it.
 Delaware Chapter and
Southern Delaware
From the Chair, August 27, 2005
Group Leaders By Matt Urban

Chapter Office: After 4 years as Chair of the Delaware Sierra Club chapter, it’s time to say goodbye, and this will be my final letter from
100 West 10th Street, Suite 1107 the Chair column. It’s been an incredibly challenging and rewarding four years, and yet it’s time to move on and pass the
Wilmington, DE 19801 position on to someone else. So in January after the chapter elections, the Executive Committee (Excom) will choose a
Phone 302-425-4911 new person to take the helm.
Chapter Executive Committee
I will not be going anywhere, and will still remain a member of the Excom for the remainder of my term (and possibly
Jean Bauer 698-1601
Dick Bewick 736-1670 more), and will be active in the chapter as best I can. I care too much about The Sierra Club, and my friends within the
Sallie Callanen 539-0635 Delaware Chapter to disappear, and I’m sure I will continue to see many of you at chapter events.
Kathleen Davis 286-0642
Marsha Holler 735-9687 I’m stepping down for a few key reasons, the two largest of which are the impending birth of my first child (due
David Keifer 678-2712 Christmas eve!), and my recent appointment in June as chair of a National Sierra Club Governance Committee. In the lat-
Tim O’Connor 697-7466 ter role, I’ll be working closely with the National Sierra Club Board of Directors on creating programs to improve the
Matt Urban 636-0628
operational effectiveness of the Sierra Club at all levels. It’s an incredible responsibility, a huge opportunity to help the
Chapter Appointed Officers
Chapter Chair: Matt Urban 636-0628
Sierra Club create the next wave of the environmental movement and fulfill on its mission, and I’m honored to be the one
Vice-Chair: Kathleen Davis 286-0642 chosen to participate in such an integral way. And, of course, that experience will likely pale in comparison to the afore-
Conservation: David Keifer 678-2712 mentioned challenge and joy of being a new father!
Litigation: Carl Solberg 492-1225
Land Use: Carl Solberg 492-1225 Looking back on my time as chair of the chapter, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most rewarding periods of
Anti-Pollution: Al Denio 455-0389 my life. I’ve learned a considerable amount along the way (including more than I probably ever cared to know about
Outings: Jennie Egan 453-0827 Parliamentary procedures and Roberts Rules of Order!). I’ve met a huge number of wonderful and committed individuals.
Events: Marsha Holler 735-9687
Membership: Ron Zink 735-8996
And I’ve had a number of significant accomplishments over the last four years, including writing two significant and suc-
Newsletter: Marlene Rayner 571-8097 cessful grant proposals, creating fundraising events and programs – like the fall Silent Auction and chapter photo contest
in previous years - that brought much needed funding to the chapter, working with other key chapter leaders to create the
Southern Delaware Group(SDG) recent “Energy Challenge”, and helping to and leading a number of fun outings over the years.
Rich Anthony 645-1732
Carrie Bennet 732-3358 There have also been considerable hurdles along the way, and I’ve learned quite a bit about the delicate art of reconciling
Terri Usuki 436-4042 conflicting viewpoints within a volunteer organization. However, regardless of any of those hurdles (or perhaps because
Til Purnell 945-1317
of them), I’m proud to report that the chapter has grown stronger over the last few years, and is evolving into an ever
Sallie Callanen 539-0635
more capable and influential organization in the state, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
SDG Appointed Officers
Chair: Rich Anthony 645-1732 As I wrap up this final column, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give thanks to two special people – Debbie Heaton and Jim
Conservation: Terri Usuki 436-4042 Steffens - the two previous Chairs of our chapter. Debbie and Jim were the reason I became involved in the chapter’s
Secretary: Carrie Bennet 732-3358 leadership, and I’m forever grateful for their mentoring, leadership, friendship, and the example they set for me. Debbie
and Jim - it was you two that opened the door for me and welcomed me into The Sierra Club, and my life is different
Web Editor: Mike Casale
because of this experience. Thank you for that.
Visit us on the web:
www.delaware.sierraclub.org And finally, thanks to everyone I’ve worked closely with over the years. There are far too many to name, but you know
who you all are, and what you should know is that you continue to inspire me and give me hope for the future of our
world. It has truly been a privilege to know you, and to work with you to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.
The Delaware Sierra News is published five times a
year by the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club.
This publication is written and produced entirely by All the best and I look forward to seeing you all in the future.
volunteers. If you would like to help with its publica-
tion, please contact the editor (302-571-8097). The
deadline for materials for the next issue
(February15, 2006) is January 19, 2006.
B E P A R T O F T H E A C T I O N ! ! !
Delaware Chapter Change of Address Form
We reserve the right to edit materials submitted Keep in touch with what is happening locally and nationally. Get
for publication. Send Materials and Letters to the
involved by participating in sharing the environmental viewpoint! A ttach mailing label here
Editor to: marlenerayner@yahoo.com or the Sierra
Club Office.
Ideas expressed in the Delaware Sierra News
1. Sign up for Delaware Chapter's e-mail alert list - The Delaware
are those of the columnists and do not necessarily Environmental Alert List! Send an email to Matt Urban,
reflect the position of the Sierra Club. While effort is <matt@mobiusnm.com> to be included. This list will key you into
made to check for accuracy, time constraints and state and national issues of interest to Delawearans. Name
limited all-volunteer staff do not allow for complete
2. Visit the Sierra Club's Web site at www.sierraclub.org/takeaction,
data corroboration. New A ddress
where you can sign up for the Take Action Network to send free mes-
Editor: Marlene Rayner
sages to your elected officials. City
Editorial Committee: JeanBauer, Sallie
3. For the inside story about Club conservation campaigns and how State Zip
Callanen, Mike Casale, Marsha Holler, Anne
you can help, ask for a free subscription to the bimonthly print
Kirby, Doug Reppa newsletter the Planet. Membership # (see label below)
This newsletter was printed on recy- Send an e-mail to activist.desk@sierraclub.org or write the office of
cled, post-consumer paper with soy-
Please send this coupon to Sierra Club,P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO
Volunteer and Activist Services, 85 Second Street, San Francisco, 80322-2968.
based ink by the Dover Post
Company, Dover, DE. CA 94105-3441.

Delaware Chapter Sierra Club September-October 2005 2

 STO R M D A M A GE A N D B E A C H C ONSERVATION
by Dave Keifer, edited by Mike Casale
All Photos courtesy of DNREC Dolles and Rehoboth Boardwalk after 1962 nor’easter

With the recent horrific hurricane damage on the Gulf coast, there has
been much media coverage of improving relief and recovery efforts, but
little if any on the matter of actions to reduce damage.
Delaware has been most fortunate. Except for a slight brush from
Agnes, there really has not been anything significant since the March
1962 Nor’easter. However, the globe is warming, glaciers are melting,
and the sea level is rising. All of which suggest that a strategy of doing
nothing because there has not been a bad experience in around forty
years is not a good idea.
There are aerial photographs of the Delaware coast after the ’62
storm. The damage to the area, including what is now Route 1 and the
Inlet Bridge, was significant. There was also substantial damage to the
communities along the Delaware Bay. In those days, the highway was
two lanes and there was virtually no development between Dewey and
Bethany. Today, the level of urbanization is mind-boggling, not only on
the barrier sand spit, but the inshore areas and Long Neck.
Logical control of development would suggest that measures be
Are the regulations governing private development along the Ocean
taken to reduce possible negative impacts to the greatest extent possible
and inland bays adequate to protect against loss? Are set backs from
streams adequate?
There are Federal flood plain maps, but are they adequate given
what happened along the Gulf coast?

Tower Road after 1962 nor’easter: These towers today are at the sea edge
Burton’s sland after 1962 nor’easter: Note lack of development then
starting NOW. No, we do not need the Governor to appoint yet another
The Sierra Club has an interest in this because many of the areas that
task force. We do need people who have the authority to regulate land
are subject to storm damage are environmentally sensitive. Is it too
use, and the people who control infrastructure and the environment to
much to suggest that the beach lands and wetlands be protected, and in
take the matter of storm damage into account when making their deci-
doing so reduce storm damage by preventing development and by
sions.
buffering other development?
Given what we have all seen of storm damage, is it rational to con-
Perhaps farmland near the bays and shoreline should be considered
clude that the proposed and financially stressed Indian River Inlet Bridge
for preservation to reduce future storm impacts rather than spending
could actually stand after something like Katrina or Rita? Surely there will
farmland preservation money on lands on the western side of the state
be consultants saying its foundations could not be eroded or it could not
that may never be threatened by development.
be demolished by wind. Many of these types of bridges exist, but are
As in other areas, the State government needs to get its act together.
any as exposed on a sand spit? Would it not be more cost effective to
Hopefully in a way that results in something other than a gubernatorial
build inexpensive bridges and replace them when they are washed out?
task force or a consultant contract.
Are the protections of the dunes adequate given today’s levels of
development?
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club November 2005 3
Southern Delaware Group (SDG) Update
By Rich Anthony, Chairman, Southern Delaware Group

Coalition Building and Public Outreach

The SDG is developing an informal coalition of environmental and civic

groups in Kent and Sussex Counties. One focus of the coalition will be to
promote public awareness of environmental and environmentally related
issues, such as air and water quality (e.g., pollution) and land use (e.g.,
comprehensive land-use plan revisions, certifications and supporting ordi-
nance revisions, etc.).

DE-Enviro – A New Resource

To facilitate the goal of informational public outreach, the SDG has joined
two other organizations in establishing a web site that will focus on Kent
and Sussex County issues. An upcoming press release will announce the
introduction of DE-Enviro. If you have a concern that you would like to
discuss or are a member of an organization that you believe would like to
become involved, please forward contact information to
<de-enviro@scdel.net>.

Baykeeper – Waterkeeper Position

Together with other organizations, the SDG is exploring the establishment

of a Baykeeper-Waterkeeper position for the Kent and Sussex area. The
position would function in conjunction with the existing Delaware
Riverkeeper’s presence. If you are interested in assisting in this effort,
please contact a member of the SDG ExComm.

Southern DE Group Conservation Committee

With Comprehensive Land Use Plan revisions having just begun in some
areas and being on the horizons in others, the SDG’s Conservation
Committee is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Group’s
Land Use Subcommittee. The committee will be addressing county and
municipal activities, and opportunities for involvement exist regardless of
past experience or expertise. If you are affected by ill-conceived and
poorly planned growth, or are simply concerned about promoting responsi-
ble and sustainable growth, contact one of the following SDG ExComm
members:
Rich Anthony, Chair(302) (302) 645 – 1732
Sallie Callanen, Vice Chair (302) 539 – 0635
Terri Usuki, Conservation Chair (302) 436 - 3653

Delaware Chapter Sierra Club November 2005 4

M o r e T h o u g h t s
by Al Denio
Good News First
It is time for an update on the progress
of the Wilmington waterfront. I was asked to
represent the Sierra Club on the Urban Wildlife
Refuge Committee of the Riverfront
Development Corporation. This goes back to
about 1999 (holy cow, that was during the last
century!)
The Refuge covers about 225 acres of
wetlands, mostly south of the Shipyard Shops
area. The wetlands were in terrible condition. I
recall one cleanup effort when we removed all
kinds of trash including old tires, appliances, a
mattress, etc. Some debris had washed down
the river but clearly much illegal dumping had
occurred. There were also chemical pollution
“hot spots” resulting from old industrial activi-
ties.
DNREC has been heavily involved in
the cleanup and restoration efforts. During the
past year, you may have seen the large excavat-
ing equipment at work in the marsh near I-95.
The goal has been to reopen the marsh to the
river so that the natural tidal flows can occur
and so that fish and other aquatic species can
thrive.
I attended an update presentation by the
Riverfront Development Corporation on
October 19. It was a very impressive event
which included a historical video of the
progress made. Former Governor Russ
Peterson was there with his wife June. The
Refuge and planned Education Center are
named in his honor. The Education Center
building will be under construction come
spring.
Also being planned is an elevated trail
through the marsh so that visitors can observe
birds, fish, and critters up close. I predict that
this will be a major attraction for families in the
Delaware area and hope that many of you will
become volunteer nature guides when the
Refuge opens.
When I recall the Wilmington waterfront
during 1962-64 when I was employed as a
chemist by duPont, it was a depressing scene.
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club
f o r t h e F u t u r e
It was an area of decay and pretty much off
limits as far as personal safety was concerned.
Today the area has changed dramatically for the
better. I predict the Russell Peterson Urban
Wildlife Refuge will soon become the crown
jewel of Wilmington’s waterfront.
DNREC New Source Review Working Group
I have been representing the Sierra Club
on this committee for the last couple of years.
Gene Pettingill of DNREC is serving as Chair,
representing the Air Quality Management
Section. Our mandate is to modify DNREC
Regulation 25 (to become 1125) to be the same
as EPA NSR Reforms, or to propose a different
approach that is at least as stringent as the EPA
proposal. Our deadline is 1/2/06.
We have been meeting every three
i n D e l a w a r e
weeks for 2 hours or more. The industrial folks
want maximum flexibility and room to expand
or increase output. The environmentalists want
to keep DNREC from being too generous. I
have learned a lot at these meetings and have
more respect for the DNREC representatives.
At our October 19 meeting, Kathleen
Anderson from EPA announced that a July court
decision may make our plan unacceptable! Yes,
we were indeed shocked. I can hardly wait for
the next meeting.
Patience is a Virtue
In our June-August issue, I wrote about
my frustration with DNREC regarding a huge
pollution release last year (9/25/04) at the
Delaware City Refinery, then owned by
Premcor. They released about 60,000 pounds
of methane, a greenhouse gas, plus 21,000
pounds of deadly hydrogen sulfide. I continue
to wait for word of the penalty to be paid.
Apparently, it is a slow process. The pollution
report works its way up through the DNREC
chain-of-command. Then it goes to the
Attorney General’s office in the Justice
Department. Of course, the lawyers have to be
involved and they bill by the hour. Over a year
has passed since the release and Premcor has
not had to pay a dime. I shall continue to make
probing phone calls. Perhaps the Department
of Justice lawyers are tied up with problems in
our prison system.
Other Problems
We still need to pay attention to the
duPont Edgemoor dioxin pile. A DNREC
Public Hearing is coming up in mid-November.
There is also the pending plan by duPont to
treat VX nerve gas waste at their Chambers
Works plant, the remnants to go into the
Delaware River. Finally, duPont faces a major
EPA threat over its C8 contamination of water
supplies and people. The highly fluorinated
compound used to process Teflon is called C8.
It is presently hauled by truck from the plant in
West Virginia to the Chambers Works for dis-
posal. Again, products end up in the Delaware
River. Yes, Delaware does have a few prob-
lems and the Sierra Club is trying to make a
difference.
November 2005 5
 V O T E F O R D E L AWA R E S I E R R A E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E C A N D I D A T E S
he candidates and statements for both the Statewide Delaware Chapter* and the regional Southern Delaware Group** are listed alphabetically
below. Both elections will take write-in votes also. Please take a few minutes to read about the candidates and complete your ballot(s).Southern
Delaware Group members must file 2 ballots. Remember write-in candidates are also accepted.
All ballots must be received before the December 3rd deadline! Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Rich Anthony* Lewes, DE
Current SC Involvement: Chapter - Conservation Committee, Legal Committee and
Legislative Committee; S. DE Group - S. DE Group Executive Committee [Chairman];
Previous SC Involvement: Chapter - Executive Committee [Vice Chair]; Chapter
Representative on the Gov.'s Advisory Council on Planning Coordination [Livable DE];
S. DE Group - Executive Committee
Some of the challenges facing our Chapter include, without limitation: [1] our
involvement in supporting the integrity of DE's Coastal Zone Act; and [2] the ongoing
issues impacting air and water pollution from myriad commercial, industrial and resi-
dential sources which have resulted in 90+% of Delaware's waters being impaired and
our air quality failing to meet the standards of the Clean Air Act for many years; and [3]
the ongoing solid waste saga; and [4] a renewed thrust by some to once again promote
incineration.
In addition to maintaining the defensive actions required in monitoring and
combating the foregoing issues there is a need to establish proactive programs promot-
ing environmentally conscious and supportive legislation designed not simply to prevent
"further" degradation of our finite resources but to "reclaim" our air and water quality, a
major difference. The promotion of meaningful alternative fuel sources legislation for
transportation and power generation and an examination of DE's overburdened infra-
structure, [e.g. wastewater treatment and stormwater runoff containment and "treatment"
systems] are also issues which need to be addressed. In essence, our Chapter needs to
develop a program promoting legislative reform which could provide the answers to
many of our environmental problems and, to that end, the Chapter would need to estab-
lish a substantial presence in Dover/Legislative Hall
For these reasons I am seeking your support for a seat on the Chapter's
Executive Committee.
Carrie Bennett** Frankford
I am running as an incumbent for a position on the Southern Delaware Executive
Committee where I have served for the last several years in the office of Secretary. As a
resident of southern Delaware for 27 years, I have worked as an educator and an
agribusiness owner on our family farm, Bennett Orchards.
Throughout the past four years, I have participated in several land use and Inland Bays
Pollution public hearings. The natural beauty of lower Delaware provides a beautiful
backdrop for our lives here. We recently participated in a Sierra Club kayak outing on
the Assawoman Canal. It made me proud to be associated with the Sierra Club.
Dick Bewick* Dover
I have served two terms (4 years) on our Chapter’s ExCom and I am seeking re-elec-
tion for one more term as there are still many unresolved environmental issues in
Delaware which I believe my work experience can help our ExCom to resolve. I
remain very concerned about the ongoing and even increasing industrial pollution, our
unresolved power plant pollution, our land development sprawl, the BP threat to create a
potentially very dangerous LNG terminal in our Coastal Zone, the duPont plan to treat
US Army’s deadly VX disposal into our DE River,the Corps of Engineer’s continuing
desire and intent to deepen the DE River by 5 feet creating a disposal of potentially
contaminated materials on various DE sites,the greatly unresolved solid waste disposal
issues created by the DE Solid Waste Authority and such governmental actions and
inactions may become the most serious environmental disaster facing our State, the lack
of adequate responsiveness to expressed public concerns by the Solid Waste Authority,
DNREC, DelDOT and all levels of government. I believe I can contribute to the by
helping our ExCom properly address these issues.
My government experience includes all levels of government. I retired from
the US Army Reserves, from the State as a high level transportation official who is
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club
appalled at their current total lack of fiscal restraint, have served in both the N.C. and
Kent County Planning Commissions, from the Kent County Sewer Advisory Board and
the Kent County Board of Assessment, and from 3 terms as an elected Dover City
Councilman. From all of these I gained knowldge of the various levels of government
as well as the various officials involved in the decison making process.
During my four years on the ExCom, I have been involved in many of the
Chapter operations, but concentrating on the issues before the Chapter’s Conservation
Committee. During that time I have served as Chair of that Conservation Committee,
the Anti-Pollution Committee, Chapter rep for the Ag Land & Forest Preservation, and
various other State related activities. I took the National SC training program for
Personnel Managenment and ever since have served on our Chapter’s Personnel
Committee. If re-elected I plan to continue practicing Chapter fiscal restraint along with
working closely with other ExCom and Committee members to increae Chapter mem-
bership and funding by providing worthwhile Chapter Programs and goals. Thank you
for your continued support.
Sallie Callanen ** Ocean View
As an active member in the So. Delaware Group since 1998; I've had the privilege to
serve as the Chair for 2 years and have served on the ExCom for 6 years. I've also
served on the Conservation & ExCom Committees for Delaware Chapter for the past 2
years. The Assawoman Canal Dredging Project & Beach erosion at the public's Cape
Henlopen State Park have been two major issues of my involvement. It is my hope to
continue participating in those issues pertaining to Conservation and environmental pro-
tection.
Jay Cooperson * Wilmington
Architect and planner in private practice in Wilmington. First joined the Sierra
Club in the 60's in Philadelphia and was a charter member of the Delaware Group (now
chapter) when the national authorized its formation in 1969. Have been a member of
the Executive and the Conservation committees. On behalf of the chapter, served on the
Delaware Tomorrow Commission and the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Delaware
Estuary Program. Familiar with land use and related issues through my professional
work. Testified and/or written position papers on behalf of the chapter on a number of
issues ranging from the Keystone Co-generation Plant to the New Castle County Unified
Development Code.
This chapter has benefited from a succession of hard working and effective
leaders for several years. I would like to see their efforts to increase member participa-
tion strengthened. Delaware is confronted by broad and amorphous concerns such as
suburban sprawl and environmental justice and by more focused issues such as the pro-
posed siting of a liquified natural gas terminal in New Jersey with a pier extending into
this state. The chapter's efforts to effect change in the policies underlying environmental
failures as well as the taking of action on specific threats needs more, and more active
work, by our own members, and cooperation with other organizations whose goals are
similar.
Lorri Fencer*. Pike Creek
My name is Lorri Fencer. I am a life long Delaware resident who works full time as a
CPA, am married, have one 12 year old daughter and am an avid runner who will be
participating in the Boston marathon in April 2006.
I became a member of the Sierra Club in early 2003 when Motiva and DNREC
agreed that refinery sulfur dioxide could be dumped in the Delaware river rather than
captured by expensive pollution equipment required by a federal consent decree.
Outraged citizens protested at public hearings, forcing Motiva and DNREC to abort this
plan. Attending these hearings and seeing a positive result from public involvement
November 2005 6
really made a big impact on me.
After reading Al Denio’s Sierra Club newsletter article recruiting members for
DE’s Sierra Club Anti-Pollution Committee, I got involved and became a member of a
Citizen Advisory (CAP) at the refinery. The CAP meets monthly with refinery manage-
ment. Sierra Club representation on the CAP is important not only because it is good for
adversarial figures to sit down face to face, but also because it provides information
about the refinery—its processes, products and equipment. This information has helped
me to more effectively challenge and question various air permits that DRNEC issues
for the refinery. By asking questions at a public hearing last year for a federal air per-
mit, I became part of a process that led to DNREC posting preliminary permits online
for easier viewing by the public.
I would like to continue my involvement and become a member of the
Executive Committee. I firmly believe education, information and an involved public
can influence outcomes on the environment. I have seen it happen.
Marsha Holler* Dover
2005 is the first year I have served on Excom. In that time, I have become familiar with
the workings of the Delaware Chapter and the dynamics of the people who are active in
this Chapter. From my perspective, there’s an excellent group of individuals who are
dedicated to conservation and behind-the-scenes monitoring of environmental issues.
These individuals are the backbone of the Sierra Club.
Where I see a need in this Chapter is more outreach to let our members and the public
know what we are about. This is the area where I can contribute. I still, along with my
husband Bill, manage two businesses and time constrains us all. But there’s an important
purpose to our Chapter that I can help to guide so I would be honored to continue to
serve on Excom.
Chad Tolman* Wilmington
I was trained as a physical chemist and spend most of my career (31 years) in
chemical research at the DuPont Experimental Station. Among other projects, I worked
on the oxidation of toxic organic compounds in industrial wastewater. I taught chem-
istry courses at Del Tech and the U of D, including one in environmental chemistry. I
then worked in Washington for five years, first at the National Science Foundation
(NSF) and then at the National Research Council (NRC). While at NSF I served as a
volunteer on a committee of the NRC, which oversees the destruction of the army’s
stockpile of chemical weapons, including VX. I was then hired to work at the NRC
Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology as a program officer on studies of air
pollution, including air emissions from power plants, vehicles, and concentrated animal
*Delaware Chapter Election Ballot for 2005
All Delaware Sierra Club members may vote in this election.
Please mark this ballot with your choice(s) for the Chapter Executive Committee.
There are 4 spots available on the committee and each Sierra Club member has 4
votes. Fill in the column under “ballot one” if you are a single member. Use both
ballot one and two if you have a joint membership. Send the completed ballot in a
plain envelope first and then
into the envelope enclosed BALLOT BALLOT
with this newsletter. Put your ONE TWO CANDIDATE
membernumber in the space n n Rich Anthony
providedon this envelope. n n Dick Bewick
Return by December 3rd to:
n n Jay Cooperson
Mr. Al Denio
n n Lorri Fencer
102 Red Pine Circle
Newark, Delaware 19711 n n Marsha Holler
n n Chad Tolman
(Please do not photocopy or n n Ron Zink
otherwise duplicate this ballot.)
n n _________________
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club
feeding operations. Since retiring I have become very active in addressing issues of
energy and climate change with the Green Committee of the Del Academy of Science,
the Advocacy Committee of the Del Nature Society, the U of D, and an interdenomina-
tional group, The Coalition for Climate Change Study and Action (C3SA), which
meets monthly at the First Unitarian Church in Wilmington.
Though I have been a member of the Sierra Club for more than 40 years and
have been on a number of outings, I hadn’t participated actively in chapter activities
until I went to the Sierra Summit 2005 in San Francisco as a delegate-at-large from the
Delaware chapter. I found the meeting very inspiring, especially the speeches by Al
Gore and Robert Kennedy, Jr. I was very pleased that the delegates chose energy and
climate change as the Number 1 priority for the club, since I think that these issues are
the most important challenges facing our society this century. If elected I would like to
work on energy policy and climate change at the local and national levels, recruiting
new members and getting them involved, informing the public, networking with other
organizations that share our concerns, and improving the effectiveness of the club in
advocacy and policy change.
Ron Zink* Dover
The driving force for the next stage of Sierra Club development will be the dynamics
flowing from the Summit. I was privileged to attend the Summit along with five other
Delaware Chapter members and believe that I have the vision to assist the chapter obtain
theirs.. During the past year I have personally been preparing myself to serve.
Recruiting, hosting, assisting with outings, working with other members to improve
internal communications.
On the horizon and one of the more exciting activities is the upcoming viewing
of Kilowatt Ours at the Delaware film festival. I met the national director of film festi-
vals at the Summit. She was most impressed with the film and has booked it with
Delaware’s fall Film Fest in Rehobeth.
Additionally, The Energy Program outlined for the city of Dover is moving
cautiously foreword. It could have far reaching implications. These are some of the
projects which I have worked on for the past several months.
Into the future I would hope that we could devise a fund raising program to
include special gifts, a mass appeal, special events, and inclusion in the united fund. I
would hope that we could become more of an organization which would ask those
whose interest are the same or perhaps counter to ours: “what can we do to help.”A seat
on Excom would help me expedite these ideas and programs. I would appreciate your
vote and support.
**Southern Delaware Group Election Ballot for 2005
Only Chapter members residing in Kent & Sussex Counties may vote in this election.
Please mark this ballot with your choice(s) for the Chapter Executive
Committee. There are two spots available on the committee and each Sierra
Club member has two votes. Fill in the column under “ballot one” if you are a
single member. Use both ballot one and two if you have a joint membership.
Send the completed ballot in a plain envelope first and then into the envelope
enclosed with this newsletter. Put your membernumber in the space provide-
don this envelope. Return by December 3rd to:
Mr. Al Denio
102 Red Pine Circle
BALLOT BALLOT
Newark, Delaware 19711
ONE TWO CANDIDATE
n n Carrie Bennett
(Please do not photocopy or
otherwise duplicate this ballot.) n n Sallie Callanen
n n _____________
November 2005 7
More about Energy Saving.....
Is Going Solar Right for You?
by James Reill
To see if solar energy (photovoltaic variety) makes sense for you, you
can visit the website www.nrel.gov and search for the program
PVWATTS. This program will enable you to determine approximately
how much electricity you can expect to obtain from a photovoltaic sys-
tem, by the month and for the year. It also computes the dollar value of
this energy, using a cost per kilowatt hour provided by you, or a default
value.
PVWATTS version 1 is very easy to use, especially when you
employ the default values for the various system parameters. Of course,
the more precisely you can specify these parameters, the more accurate
the results. For example, for our area the default value given for the cost
of electricity was 7.7 cents per kilowatt hour. Our last bill, however,
gave an effective cost of 9.7 cents per kWh.
When we ran this program for our home in North Wilmington, Thousands converge in Washington, DC
using only the default values, we found that we could expect to obtain, against drilling at Arctic Wildlife Refuge
from a typical 4 kW system in our location, a grand total of 4911 kWh Story and Photo by Doug Reppa
per year, or about 41% of our annual electrical usage. The value of this
much energy was given as $378.15. Members of the Sierra Club of Delaware were among the thousands of
In a second run, using more precise figures for array tilt (for us, Americans that converged on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol for
the pitch of the roof), array azimuth (for us, the direction the roof faces), Arctic Refuge Action Day on September 20. The rally was the culmina-
and the present cost of electricity, we obtained the result of a yearly total tion of a summer-long, nationwide campaign by a coalition of groups
dedicated to preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in
of 4494 kWh, with a value of $435.92. The differences are due to the
Northeastern Alaska. Speakers at the rally included religious, Native
less-than-optimal conditions at the site, and the use of our actual cost- American, and political leaders, such as Senator John Kerry, D-MA, pic-
figure, rather than the state average. All things considered, the differ- tured.
ences are not huge.
At $6-$8 per Watt, installed, such a system would cost $24,000- Following the rally, participants swarmed Capitol Hill to encourage
$48,000 ($12,000-$24,000 if it qualified for the full 50% rebate still their representatives to oppose drilling in ANWR. For Delaware’s part,
available. (The cost-range is from the consumer’s guide listed in the ref- Sen. Biden and Representative Castle, (through legislative assistants)
erences; the upper figure of $8 was mentioned by a local installer in a reiterated their opposition to Arctic drilling—at least on principle.
phone consultation.) The payback time even for the lowest figure is However, neither committed to opposing a budget bill that would
include drilling in this pristine wilderness.
about 27.5 years, more than the lifetime of the system. Of course, it is
For more information, visit www.arcticrefugeaction.org.
unlikely in the extreme that electric utility rates will remain constant for
very long! For the moment, we can say that going solar is righteous but
very costly up front- a great project for an idealistic person with a spare
$10 K or so. 2006 Sierra Club Calendars released
Just in time for the holidays, purchase a beautiful 12
P.S. As a check, we contacted some local photovoltaic installation con-
tractors and gave them the pertinent information about our home and our
month wall calendar for $11.95 + $2 shipping or a weekly
electrical usage. We are still awaiting their replies. engagement calendar for only $12.95 + $2 shipping.

Checks can be made out to the Sierra Club and sent to the
REFERENCES
•Website: http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/codes_algs/PVWATTS/
chapter office at 100 West 10th Street Suite 1107,
(Or just go to www.nrel.gov and search.) Wilmington, DE 19801.
•List of contractors: http://www.delaware-energy.com/rinc-photo.htm For any questions, please contact Andy Faver at the
•Publications: ”A Consumer’s Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun”, National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Energy Sierra Club office 302-425-4911.
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
DC 20585 (DOE/GO-102003-1844) [Available online: !!!!Great Gifts!!!!

Delaware Chapter Sierra Club November 2005 8

 Delaware Legislature's Clearing of the Assawoman Dredge Said to Be Unlawful

by Michael D. Fiorentino, Mid-Atlantic Environmental Law Center

Photos: Marc Schweitzer,
Photographer for the
Assawaoman Canal kayak
trip

Photo Left:
Sierra members gather for
Sunday, September 25th
Assawoman Canoe Tour/Trip

Photo Below:
Members enjoying the day

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Law Center filed suit in the Delaware

Chancery Court on October 20th on behalf of the Sierra Club Delaware
Chapter seeking temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief
to block the potentially imminent dredging of the Assawoman Canal in
Sussex County by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control (DNREC). The stated intention of DNREC to
commence dredging the 4-mile canal comes despite a May 2005
Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) decision in Sierra Club's favor
which required a specifically designed cost-benefit analysis as a pre-con-
dition to permit approval.

DNREC's decision to dredge relies upon Section 81 of the June 2005

Bond Bill, in which the Delaware General Assembly attempted to over-
ride the administrative appeals process and its outcome by declaring that
the "benefits exceed the costs" of the Assawoman project and directing
DNREC to begin dredging.

"This lawsuit seeks to protect the integrity of every citizen's right to

appeal the decisions of state government," said Ken Kristl, an attorney for
the Center and counsel to Sierra Club. "DNREC's actions violate state
law, and the unconstitutional intervention of Section 81 does not excuse
DNREC from complying with the law and its own regulations."

The Assawoman Canal links Little Assawoman Bay to Indian River Bay
and is currently of a shallow depth that permits only canoeing and kayak-
ing, which has been enjoyed for years by Sierra Club members and
others. Since acquiring the canal from the federal government, DNREC
has been interested in dredging the Canal in order to make it navigable
for power boats.
"We have been fighting to preserve the quiet beauty of this Canal for
more than five years," said David Keifer, conservation chair of the Sierra
Club Delaware Chapter. "If DNREC follows the law and conducts a true
cost-benefit analysis, there's no way this dredging is justified. It's
outrageous that the legislature would interfere to erase our Appeals Board
win." "The legislature made the rules, now they must play by them,"
Keifer added.
The suit alleges that DNREC must be restrained from dredging because:
1) it is prohibited by the Delaware Subaqueous Lands Act from dredging
without a validly issued permit; 2) dredging without a validly issued per
mit violates Sierra Club's due process rights by nullifying its successful
appeal to the EAB; and dredging in reliance on the unconstitutional
Section 81 of the Bond Bill also deprives the Club of due process. The
legislature's maneuver is unlawful because it: violates constitutional sepa-
ration of powers doctrine by intervening in and overturning an essentially
lawful judicial function of the EAB; the Bond Bill violates a Delaware
constitution prohibition on multiple subjects within a single bill; and the
Bill fails to alter the Subaqueous Lands Act in order to remove the EAB's
authority to require an appropriate cost-benefit analysis.
Along with a Complaint seeking declaratory relief, the Center has also
filed a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order, to halt the dredging
during the pendency of the case, arguing that Sierra Club would be
irreparably harmed if the dredging were allowed to proceed before the
case could be heard on the merits.
Sierra Club is also represented in the matter by Wilmington attorney
Albert M. Greto.

Delaware Chapter Sierra Club November 2005 9

Sierra Members Benefit from Sierra Summit and Direction Setting for the Future
by Marlene Rayner
story partially condensed from
<http://sierraclub.org/planet/200506/democracy.asp>

Photos courtesy of Matt Urban

Left: Sierra delegates listening to presentation by

Former Vice President Al Gore who kicked off
Sierra Summit 2005 with a powerful speech
wrapped around the Biblical theme, “When there
is no vision, the people perish,” and urged Sierra
Club members to make fighting global warming
“a moral cause.”

Below left to right: Til Purnell, Sierra Award

recipient; Jim Steffens, former Delaware
Chair, now living in Wisconsin; and Debbie
Heaton, former every job in Delaware Sierra,
now active with national Sierra.

Sierra Club members from every state attended the

Sierra Summit in San Francisco in early September.
Many Sierra Club's members also attended from
Delaware. Those attending from the state were Matt
Urban, Chapter Chair; Kathleen Davis, Chapter Vice-
Chair; Ron Zink (member); Tim O’Connor (ExCom mem-
ber); Jenny Egan (Outings Chair); and Chad Tolman
(Chapter-at-large delegate).
Sierra Summit 2005 brought several thousand
Club leaders and members together in San Francisco for
three days of speakers, workshops, an exposition floor,
and a direction-setting process to give grassroots leaders
a collective voice in charting the Club’s future. There was
more going on than any one person could experience --
plenary speeches by Gore, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and
Arianna Huffington; master speakers like chef Alice
Waters and green architect Bill McDonough; comedy
from Bill Maher, panels on creative organizing and camping with
kids, a climbing wall, a cooking stage, the Green Dollhouse proj- Lands/Public Waters,” and “Protecting People and the Planet from
ect; test drives of hybrid and fuel cell cars; 100 Sierra Showcase Pollution.”
displays; a film festival; author book signing; outings. More than Echoing Gore’s opening refrain about the people perishing
5,000 people participated. Even John Muir appeared — live! without vision, Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope asked the
After six months of chapter and group meetings leading up delegates on the last day to take the message and vision from the
to the Summit, 700 delegates deliberated for four hours on Summit home.
Thursday and four more on Saturday. Recording their votes on There are more than 750,000 of your friends and neighbors
wireless keypads that looked like oversized garage door openers, who are also members in Sierra Club. Inspired by nature, we work
they chose “Building a New Energy Future” as their grassroots rec- together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is
ommendation for the Club’s top priority over the next five years. America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environ-
The other top priorities identified by delegates were mental organization, donors, and benefactors.
“Building Vibrant, Healthy Communities,” “Defending Federal
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club November 2005 10
Premcor/Valero: Do Problems With This Refinery Ever End?
by Lorri Fencer
Ownership of the Delaware City Refinery
has once again changed —for the third time
since 1998. In early September Valero Energy
Corporation and Premcor completed an $8 bil-
lion merger.
So far Valero is working to meet require-
ments imposed by a legally binding consent
decree imposed on the refinery by the federal
and state governments in 2001 for air pollution
offenses. The decree requires the refinery to
install and operate major pollution control
equipment (PCUP) that will substantially
decrease refinery air pollutants, namely sulfur
dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOX). The
primary components of the PCUP (which has
two phases) are regenerative wet gas scrubbers
(WGS) to capture and recycle SO2 on two refin-
ing units; selective non-catalytic reduction
(SNCR) to reduce NOX emissions; and coke
storage.
Progress continues, however, issues remain.
Here is where we stand on both phases.
Phase I:
WGS construction must be complete by
6/30/06 and has started for the coker, a refining
unit. SNCR installation is on target for
11/30/05 as required. However, issues remain
on the air permits issued by the state
Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control (DNREC) on 11/30/04.
Some of these issues are capacity limits and
boiler control. DNREC and Valero continue
negotiations to avoid litigation. The units affect-
ed units by these permits are: the package boil-
ers and the sulfur recovery area. The boilers
will provide the steam essential for WGS opera-
tions. However, refinery officials are still eval-
uating whether these boilers are necessary or if
existing refinery power sources will suffice.
The sulfur recovery area will capture the SO2,
which will be recycled and sold.
Phase II:
Key components are the WGS on another
refining unit, the cat cracker, and storage of
coke, a coker byproduct. Valero has objected to
DNREC’s inclusion of a coke burn rate of
56,000 LB/HR for cat cracker in the WGS air
permit. The refinery does not want any limits
on the rate or at least a limit of 71,000 LB/HR.
DNREC feels 56,000 LB/HR burn rate is neces-
sary to limit the release of other pollutants. This
WGS must be operational by 12/31/06.
All issues are resolved on new coke storage
procedures. Daily coke production will increase
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club
from 1,880 to 2,500 tons per day once the PCUP
becomes effective. Current procedures for coke
storage and handling are truly incredible. No
big surprise that particulate emissions here
exceed state air quality standards.
Pneumatic chutes move the coke out of the
coker to a storage silo. Then a covered conveyor
belt system transports the coke internally to be
used as a refinery power source or externally for
industrial sale. The refinery at one point was
wetting the coke with oil to contain dust on the
belts.
At the end of the conveyor system, the coke
to be sold externally falls down chute to an out-
door area. Unbelievably enough, bulldozers
move the coke into an large outdoor pile sur-
rounded on three sides by an 25 foot high earth-
en berm. A 50,000 square foot warehouse with
potential to contain 22,000 tons of the coke will
be constructed in this outdoor area. The trucks
will be loaded with the coke inside the ware-
house. Moisture control procedures will be
implemented in the warehouse along with enclo-
sures (baghouses) at various points in the con-
veyor system.
Future
The Sierra Club will continue to monitor the
deadline and permits under the Consent Decree.
As a final note, the DNREC online
Environmental Release Notification System list-
ed two major hazardous refinery releases requir-
ing public notification: 10/25/05-hydrogen sul-
fide; hydrogen cyanide (anhydrous, stabilized)
and ammonia (anhydrous). On 10/20/05 there
was a major release of sulfur dioxide. This sys-
tem did not list amounts released but provided
information concerning the hazards associated
with these chemicals. For example, exposure to
very high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide
can cause immediate death and small quantities
after very short exposure may result in perma-
nent injuries or death. Hydrogen sulfide acts
directly on the nervous system resulting in
paralysis of respiratory centers. Ammonia
vapors cause irritation of eyes and respiratory
tract and can be fatal if inhaled. Contact may
cause burns to skin and eyes.
Hydrogen cyanide is toxic and extremely
hazardous. It may be fatal if inhaled or
absorbed through the skin. Initial odor may be
irritating and deaden you sense of smell
November 2005 11
 , 10 4 8

193 ,
8

193

RSVP: Call Marcia and Marc at 412-5678 or e-mail marcia7032@yahoo.com.

NOVEMBER,
Call the office at 425-4911 to confirm the date and place, and
S o c i a l E v e n t s to obtain directions.

DECEMBER November 12, 12:30 p.m., Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, S. Delaware Group Executive Committee
2005,
January 9, 7 p.m. ExCom reorganizational meeting, Lewes
“Kilowatt Ours.” Festival schedule: www.rehobothfilm.com
Public Library

JANUARY December 1, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Social, the Lobby House,

Dover. For information call Ron at 735-8996.
March 20, 7 p.m. Conservation Committee. Contact Terri
Usuki at 436-3653 for location and directions
2006 December 10, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Holiday Fest at the April 24, 7 p.m. General Membership Meeting. Location to be
Schweitzer home in Fox Hall, Dover. Bring a dish to share. announced.
C Please contact Marcia and Marc so they have a general idea
of how many will be at the party - marcia7032@yahoo.com or
412-5678.
A
January 5, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Social, the Lobby House,

L Dover. For information, call Ron at 735-8996.

Help Wanted
M e e t i n g s
E
The Chapter needs a volunteer
Executive Committee
N ExCom meetings are scheduled at St. Paul’s Episcopal
to serve as treasurer.
Church, Old North Road, Camden, at 7 p.m. on the third
D Wednesdays of alternate months, as follows:
Duties include paying the Chapter's bills, recording
transactions, and reporting to the Chapter and
November 9, 2005

A January 18, 2006

Contact Matt Urban, matt@mobiusnm.com or 636-0628, for
National Organizations. Experience with Quickbooks
is helpful but not necessary. The Current treasurer will
further information. work closely with the new person to transition into the
R role. Interested? Contact Terri Tipping at
Conservation Committee T t i p p i n g @ g u n n i p . c o m .
Conservation Committee meetings are usually held the
third Wednesday on alternate months, 7 - 9:30 p.m., Dave

Delaware
Delaware Chapter
Chapter Sierra ClubClub
Sierra September/October
November/December 2005, January2005
2006 8