There seems to be a misconception about the request from Lewes and Sussex County to Rehoboth Beach to share the city’s ocean outfall. Contrary to what was reported in the Cape Gazette and the Lines in the Sand, there is no agreement. The request is under consideration by the city, depending on the outcome of negotiations.
On Dec. 20, 2024, Commissioner Patrick Gossett made a motion to authorize the city manager to continue negotiations with Lewes and Sussex County. The motion outlines the 23 issues still outstanding, including the details of financial obligations, environmental impacts and operational provisions. When the negotiations are completed, the agreement must be presented to the mayor and commissioners for review and possible approval. The entire motion will be incorporated into the minutes of the Dec. 20, 2024, regular meeting available on the city website.
The decision the mayor and commissioners make is not short term. It will impact generations to come. Among the important questions still needing answers:
1. If there is an accident, it will be the residents and businesses in Rehoboth Beach who suffer the impact. The outfall is off Deauville Beach. Who will be responsible for cleanup and addressing the impact to Rehoboth Beach residents and business owners?
2. Wastewater should be treated to the highest current standards. How is that monitored?
3. Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
Like everything else in life, the devil is in the details. Our mayor and commissioners have a tremendous responsibility to do this right. There is no second chance. It will take time to negotiate all the details, but it is worth the investment of time to ensure the safety of our beaches for generations to come. Every aspect must be considered, and even doing that, there will be unforeseen events, and those must be taken into consideration too. They must plan for a future that we can only imagine and try to cover in this contract.
Rehoboth Beach residents rightly question whether we should bear the impact of overdevelopment in Sussex County. I totally understand and agree, but it is doubtful that the state and federal government will allow two ocean outfalls near each other. This can work, but it requires patience, hard work, full cooperation of all parties involved and realistic consideration of the impacts that can occur over the life of the outfall. Take the time to do it right.
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