NOAA monitoring shows successful Delaware salt marsh restoration

The restored shoreline near the Indian River Power Plant (Credit: Cardno ENTRIX)

After five years of monitoring, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers have determined that a Delaware salt marsh has been successfully restored, according to a NOAA blog post.

Simeon Hahn, regional research coordinator for NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, said about 500,000 gallons of oil leaked from a Delmarva Power and Light plant into marshes in the Indian River Bay.

About 1,000 tons of oily sediment were removed and replaced by the power company. NOAA also took on restoration of nearby Slough’s Gut Wetland, which was suffering from saltwater intrusion and improper drainage due to human modification.

A team from NOAA, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Cardno ENTRIX restored channels to improve water cycling in the wetland. Monitoring by Cardno ENTRIX showed the channel’s improved drainage.

Image: The restored shoreline near the Indian River Power Plant (Credit: Cardno ENTRIX)