Unfinished Business: Restoring Water Quality in Delaware

Abstract:     
This article tells the story of an historic lawsuit to protect clean water, habitat and rare plant and animal species in Delaware. Although the state’s coastal tourism thrives, many of the waters in Delaware do not meet water quality standards. To combat this issue, the Widener University Law Clinic brought suit in 1996 against the EPA on behalf of several organizations to restore the waters and water quality standards, and protect affected species. This resulted in a 1997 court order to survey waters, develop plans for ones that are not safe, and protect the state’s rarest species in the process by 2007.

Keywords: environmental law, delaware, water pollution, endangered species, water quality

JEL Classification: K32

Accepted Paper Series