Recreational potential of the Christina River

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Recreational
Potential
of the
C@' Christina River

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New Castle CountY
Delaware

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191 .42 ielaware Office of Management Budget, and Planning
D4
R435
1981

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

David S. Hugg, III, provided necessary guidance from the inception of this
project, we thank you for your dedicated interest and professional comments.

Special acknowledgment is made to Senator Roger A. Martin who initiated the
undertaking of this project.

The authors especially wish to thank Bernard L. Dworsky, Darryl Goehring,
and Vern Svatos of the Water Resources Agency for New Castle County, for their
invaluable assistance in the preparation of the land based recreational analysis
and the utilization of the Automated Environmental Resource Information (AERI)
system in this study.

This study could only have been undertaken with the support of many persons
and agencies who provided information, data, and ideas. We wish to thank all
of the following for their able assistance:

Delaware Office of Managment, Budget, and Planning
Stephen Corazza
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Technical Services: Harry Otto
Parks and Recreation: Patrick Redden
Delaware Department of Transportation
Right-of-Way: Edward Slaughter
Wayne Epp
New Castle County Department of Parks and Recreation
Charles D. McCombs, II
New Castle County Department of Planning
Edward J. O'Donnell
John Davis
Gretchen R. Fitting
Newark Department of Parks and Recreation
James F. Hall
Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department
Kenneth Dodunski
Wilmington Planning Department
Carol Scott
Cityside, Inc.
Awes and Priscilla Thompson
Don Coats
Sally O'Byrne
Delaware Nature Education Society
Norman Wilder
Lorraine Fleming
Elena Babig
Trout Unlimited
Bill Baron
Water Resources Center, University of Delaware
Toby Tourbier

Finally, we appreciate the able assistance of our Secretary, Laura K.
Newmarker, who prepared all drafts and the final manuscript.

'William J. Cohen, AICP
Frank 1@. Selby, Coordinator of Research
Andrew D. zimerman, senior Associate

RECREATIONAL 'POTE NTIAL

OF THE CHRISTINA RIVER

New Castle County, Delaware

1981

Prepared By: William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.

Prepared For: Delaware Office of Management, Budget, and Planning

11 F. COMMERCE NOAA
CENTER
AVENUE
C A
L S I. C) N
29405-2413

This document was prepared for the.Delaware Office of Management,
Budget, and Planning and was financed in part-through a.Coastal
Zone Management Program Development Grant from the Office of
r Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and AtTwspheric
Administration, under provisions of Section 306. of.the Coastal
Zone Management Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-583), as amended.

",Z, co

Property of CSC
"Cary

WILLIAM J. COHEN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

CONSULTANTS FOR PLANNING, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, RESEARCH, DESIGN

177 E. DELAWARE AVENUE, NEWARK, DELAWARE 19711
(302) 453-8881

June 1, 1981

Mr. David S. Hugg, III
Acting Director
Office of Management, Budget, and Planning
Townsend Building
Dover! DE 19901

Dear Mr. Hugg:

I am transmitting to you the final feasibility report relative
to the Recreational Potential of the Christina River as commissioned
by the Office of Management, Budget, and Planning. We have attempted
to take a practical perspective, evaluating the potential for
recreational activities on this urban river in New Castle County.
We trust that State, County,and Municipal agencies will find this
study useful and we further hope that through these efforts the
people will find greater recreational opportunities on the Christina.

Sincerely yours,

William Cohen, AICP

WJC: lkn
Allialm @henAICP

Table of Contents

Page

LIST OF TABLES iii

LIST OF FIGURES iv

OVERVIEW I
Visual Highlights 2

SEITLEMENT PATTERNS 4
Historic Sites 4
Existing Settlement Patterns 7

PUBLIC LAND OWNERSHIP: CHRISTINA RIVER SHORELINE 8
Existing Public Park and Recreation Areas 18

PLANS AND POLICIES AFFECTING RECREATIONAL USES OF THE CHRISTINA RIVER 20
Regional 20
State 20
County 24
Municipal 26

LEGAL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC RIVER USE 32
Who Owns the Christina 32
State Legislation Directly Affecting Use of Waterways and
Shorelines 33

WATER QUALITY 36

PUBLIC ACCESS 43

POTENTIAL RECREATION AREAS 44
Determining Recreation Uses 44
Determining Methods of Analysis 44
Land Based Recreational Use Suitability 46
1. Hiking Suitability 48
2. Nature Observation Suitability 49
3. Picnicking Suitability 50
4. Bicycling Suitability 50
5. Athletics Suitability 52
6. Camping Suitability 52
River Based Recreational Use Suitability 53
1. Swimming 53
2. Fishing 54
3. Canoeing Suitability 58
4. Sailing Suitability 59
5. Small Craft Boating 61

POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL SITES AND USES 62
Composite Recreational Potential 62

Table of Contents continued

Page

Potential Recreational Sites 64
1. Newport Site 64
2. Churchn*an(s) Road Site 65
3. Christiana By-Pass Sites 65
4. Park Drive Site 66

RECOMMENDATIONS 67

APPENDICES 69
Appendix 1: Shoreline Ownership Inventory 70
Appendix 2: Water Quality Technical Analysis 77
Water Quality Standards 77
Water Quality Assessment 79

SELECTED REFERENCES 85

List of Tables

Number Page

1 Historic Sites 5
2 Ownership of Assessed Parcels 8
3 Federally-Owned Land 9
4 State-Owned Land 9
5 County--Oiwned Land 10
6 Municipally-Owned Land 10
7 Total Publicly-Owned Land 11
8 Dedicated Open Space From Record Subdivision Plans 14
9 Public Utility Company Land Ownership 16
10 Existing Park and Recreation Areas 19
11 Rank of Physical Resource Deficits 22
12 Seasonal Water Quality Assessments at Eleven Sampling Stations 38
13 Identified Point Sources of Pollution 40
14 Hiking Suitability Variables 48
15 Nature Observation Suitability Variables 49
16 Picnicking Suitability Variables 50
17 Bicycling Suitability Variables 51
18 Athletics Suitability Variables 52
19 Camping Suitability Variables 53
20 Fish Samples in Christina River 56
21 Navigational Obstructions 60
22 Recreational Use Potential By Activity AreaC 63
A-1 Delaware Water Quality Standards 77
A-2 Water Quality Sampling-winter 81
A-3 Water Quality Sampling-Spring 82
A-4 Water Quality Sampling-Summer 83
A-5 Water Quality Sampling-Autumn 84

List of Figures

Follows
Number Title Page

1 Historic Sites 6
2 Existing Settlement Patterns 7
3 Public Lands 12
4 Existing Public Access 43
5 Hiking Suitability 48
6 Nature Observation Suitability 49
7 Picnicking Suitability 50
8 Bicycling Suitability 51
9 Athletics Suitability 52
10 Camping Suitability 53
11 Swijming-Fishing Suitability 55
12 Canoeing-Sailing-Boating Suitability 61
13 Composite Recreational Potential 64

OVERVIEV

The main stern of the Christina River has its headwaters in Pennsylvania,

flows into Cecil County, Maryland, and enters Delaware at the State line just

north of Newark. The river meanders south through the City of Newark; across

1-95 to Cooch's Bridge at Old Baltimore Pike; i.43 met by two tributaries, Muddy

Run and Belltown Run near Salem Church Road; moves northerly and forms Smalley's

Pond; runs through the Village of Christiana at Rt. 7; joins with the White Clay

Creek at Bread and Cheese Island; flows north-west through the Town of Newport;

meets the Brandywine Creek at Wilmington then the Port of Wilmington, and

finally terminates at the Delaware River. This waterway covers a total of 30.3

miles in the State of Delaware.

In the early spring of 1981, responding to interest expressed in evaluating

the recreational potential of this river, the Delaware Office of Management,

Budget, and Planning ccnrnissioned a study to be undertaken that would do the

following:

1. identify publicly-owned property and access points

2. analyze existing data regarding river characteristics

3. review land use and recreational plans as they relate to

recreational development

4. identify potential recreation uses and sites

5. make reccmmendations for potential recreation area designations

Furthermore, it was determined at theoutset that the study would focus on

potential recreational use capability on existing publicly-owned lands, utilizing

existing public access points, thus reducing the need for new land acquisitions.

It was also desirable that the study would serve a wider purpose of educating

the general public about the recreational potential of the river so that additional

opportunities, within easy reach of the States' most populus urban concentrations

could be made available.

.Over three decades ago, the esteemed Delaware Valley historian, C. A.

Weslager wrote:

Its quiet, brackish waters are wide and deep enough to permit entrance
of ocean-going steamers, but it is truly unpretentious in appearance.
There is no city, town, forest, or park at its mouth, and no scenic
beauty to arrest the sight-seer and lure him upstream to seek its
source. No songs or Epic poems have been written about it, and few
outside of its marshy valley recognize it by name. Even those living
near its banks today are scarcely aware of the part it played in the I
lives of their forebears and the impression it has made on their folkways.

On a hopeful note,the information presented in this study will encourage

others to seek "its source" and to enjoy the many advantages that this urban

river has. In effect then, the forgotten Christina River should be re-discovered.

Visual Highlights

The River's visual characteristics are varied, depending on where one views

its shor es. The following page highlights the changing environment that can be

observed along the Christina.

Delaware's Forgotten River: The Story of the Christina (Wilmington:
eton, Inc.,
Hambl. 1947), p.

-2-

V 1. The mouth of the Christina
at the Delaware River

Visual Highlights
The Christina River

4. From Interstate 495
near Newport

2. East 7th Street Park
6. Cooch's Bridge
Wilmington near Newark

3. 3rd Street Bridge
Wilmington

ew as e oun

Aww
Delaware
1981

5. Smalley's Pond

SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

Historic Sites

The Christina River shoreline includes a number of historically significant

buildings and locations. Fort Christina in Wilmington--the landing place of the

Swedes in 1638-and the Cooch's Bridge Historic District near Newark, prominent

during the Revoluntionary War, are heavily visited by tourists each year. The

Christiana Historic District represents on6 of the oldest settlements in the

State, dating from 1685. Table 1 provides an inventory of historic sites on

the Christina, and they are shown on Figure 1.

The locations on the River of Cooch's Bridge, the Village of Christiana

and Fort Christina can provide a network for both tourist interest as well as

recreational activity in visiting historic sites.

-4-

Table I

HISTORIC SITES

Christina River Shoreline

National State
Number Name Register ownership Inventory Remarks
Number

MID-LATE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

1 Andrew Fisher House Yes Private N-263
2 Cooch's Bridge Historic District Yes Private N-190 includes the following:
N-1469 Cooch House
N-1467 Patterson Hill
N-11087 Bayard House/Armstrong House
N-1468 Dayett Mill
3 Christiana Pumping Station No Private N-3999 N-1470 Dayett House
4 J., A. Kendall House No Private N-4000
5 Wm. Fox Smalley House No Private N-3998
6 Alexander Foster's Grist Mill NO Private N-193 Demolished-Site only
7 60 Smalley Dam Road No Private N-4032
8 Christiana Historic District Yes Private N-1475 In particular, t1hese two properties
are adjacent to the Christina:
N-197 John Lewden House
N-1475.30 23 Water Street

NINETEENTH CENTURY

9 Pennsylvania Railroad Station and Office Yes Private N-3568
Building

Table 1, continued

National State
Number Name Register ownership Inventory Remarks
.Number

TWh'NTILTH CENTURY

10 Third Street Bridge No State N-1071

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY

11-12 F@ort Christina National State N-338
Historic
Landmark
Thos. Bird House/John Stalcop Cabin Yes State N-359

Source: Delaware Preservation Checklist (1974)
Records, New Castle County Department of Planning

FIGURE I
HISTORIC SITES
THE CHRISTINA RIVER 9 WILMINGTON
10
NEW CASTLE COUNTY 141 CHERRY
DELAWARE 495 ISLAND
2
isal

4 N@ .

BREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

295
2

SCALE IN FEET
41 0 2000 4000 6000 0000 10000
273

r-jF-W RK 273
LEGEND

4 LOCATIONS OF HISTORIC SITES

896 HISTORIC DISTRICT

7 7
95
%

40
SO RCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DUEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COHEN A ASSOCIATES, INC.

Existing Settlement Patterns

The pattern of settleinent contiguous to the Christina River, as in most of

New Castle County, has been toward increasing decentralization or "suburbanization"

in recent decades. For example, the population of the City of Wilmington, which

represented nearly one-third of the County population in 1960 had declined to

less than one-fifth of the County population in 1980. The other two incorporated

municipalities along the Christina, Newport and Newark, display different trends.

The population of Newport has changed little during this period, while the popu-

lation of Newark has increased 2h-fold. Much of the growth of the Newark area

has been represented by expanding suburban-type housing developments, covering

an ever-widening area. This trend is illustrated in Figure 2, Existing Settle-

ment Patterns. As shown in Figure 2, the settlement pattern is exceptionally

dense north of the Christina, except between Newport and Rt. 273. South of the

Christina the densest settlement patterns occur in Newark, along Rt.7, and.in

the New Castle area.

The concentration of residential subdivisions along the Christina shoreline

and vicinity has increased. These subdivisions are situated between Newport and

Rt. 896. Approximately 14 residential subdivisions currently exist in this area,

nearly all of which represent recent construction.

-7-

FIGURE 2
EXISTING SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
THE CHRISTINA RIVER WIL'IN GT--0N'---

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

141 CHERRY
DELAWARE 495 ISLAND
19B1 '2@ i15

BREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

295
2-

SCALE IN FEET
41
273, /0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

NEW ARK 273
LEGEND
2

EXISTING SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
0

896

7
95

40 SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED By WILLIAM J. COHEN a ASSOCIATES, INC.

PUBLIC LAND OWNERSHIP: CHRISTINA RIVER SHORELINE

The entire length of the Christina River from the Maryland stateline to

the-Delaware River-a total of 30.3 miles--includes a great number of property

owners, both private and public. Public ownership is defined for this study as

any land area that is contiguous to the Christina River which is owned by any

unit of government. The Federal government, State government, New Castle County

government, and the municipalities of Newark, Newport, and Wilmington, all own

parcels of land abutting the Christina River, under the auspices of various

agencies and departments.

The tax assessment records for New Castle County provide the names of

property owners for all assessed parcels of land. Other land ownership along

the Christina River shoreline occurs in the form of State Highway Rights-of-way

land. Appendix 1 provides a complete listing of all assessed parcels of land

on the Christina River and the owner of each parcel. Table 2 summarizes this

information. Figure 3 Public Lands provides a graphic reference and distribution

to various ownership levels along the River.

Table 2

OWNERSHIP OF ASSESSED PARCELS

Christina River Shoreline

Total Publicly-Owned Total Publicly-Owned
Hundred/City Parcels Parcels Acreage Acreage
No. M No. M

Wilmington 83 20 (24.1) 724.73 414.28 (57.2)
Newport 14 3 (21.4) 58.58 24.12 (41.2)
Newark 44 11 (25.0) 262.55 131.25 (50.0)
New Castle Hund. 81 12 (14.8) 1175@75 294.88 (25.1)
White Clay Cr. Hund. 56 4 (7.1) 2214.29 .43.70 (2.0)
Christiana Hund. @9 .3 (33.3) 623.33 165.46 .(26A)
Pencader Hund. 17 1 (5.9) 971.64 2.00 (0.21/
TOTAL 304 T4 (17.8) 6030.87' 1075.69 (17.8)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition:
1980) Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.
-8-

Tables 3 through 6 document the publicly@owned land according to the individual

ownership categories. It should be noted that the only Federally-<xmed land

along the Christina River is found in Wilmington; and the only County-owned land

is found in New Castle and Christiana Hundreds.

Table 3

FEDERALLY-OWNED LAND

Christina River Shoreli ne

Total Federally-owned Total Federally-Owned
Hundred/City Parcels Parcels Acreage Acreage
No.- .(%) . No. M

Wi lmington 83 3 (3.6) 724.73 164.78 (22.7)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County,-. Delaware. (Seventh Edition: 1980)
R-Ta-mi, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Assoc. Inc.

Table 4

STATE-OWNED LAND

Christina River Shoreline

Total State-Owned Total State-0wned
Hundred/City Parcels - Parcels Acreage Acreage
No. M No. M

Wilmington 83 8 9.6) 724.73 12.93 (1.8)
Newport 14 2 (14.3) 58.58 0.50 (0.9)
Newark 44 1 (2.3) 262.55 34.29 (13.1)
New Castle Hund. 81 7 (8.6) 1175.75 130.11 (11.1)
White Clay Cr. Hund. 56 4 (7.1) 2214.29 43.70 (2.0)
Pencader Hund. 17 1 (5.9) 971.64 2.00 (0.2)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition: (1980)
Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Assoc. Inc.

-9-

Table 5

COUNTY-OWNED LAND

Christina River Shoreline

Total County-Owned Total County-Owned
Hundred/City Parcels Parcels Acreage Acreage
No. M No. M

New Castle Hundred 81 5 (6.2) 1175.75 164.77 (14.0)
Christiana Hundred 9 3 (33.3) 623.33 165.46 (26.5)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition:
(1980) Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen
and Associates, Inc.

Table 6

MUNICIPALLY-OWVED LAND

Christina River Shoreline

Total Municipally-owned Total Municipally-Owned
City/Town Parcels Parcels Acreage Parcels
No. M No. M

Wilmington 83 9 (10.8) 724.73 236.57 (32.6)
Newark 44 10 (22.7) 262.55 96.96 (36.9)
Newport 14 1 (7.1) 58.58 23.62 (40.3)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition:
1980) Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen
and Associates, Inc.

Table 7 accounts for all publicly owned land on the Christina River Shore-

line, indicating the relationships anong the various forms of public ownership.

_10-

Table 7

TOTAL PUBLICLY-OWNED LAND

Christina River Shoreline

State-Owned County-Owned Municipally-Owned Federally-Owned
Hundred/City Publicly-Owned Parcels Parcels Parcels Parcels
Parcels No. M No. M NO. M No. M

Wilmington 20 8 (40.0) 0 9 (45.0) 3 (15.10)
Newport 3 2 (66.7) 0 1 (33.3) 0 -
Newark 11 1 (9.1) 0 10 (90.9) 0 -
New Castle Hundred 12 7 (58.3) 5 (41.7) NA 0 -
White Clay Creek Hund. 4 4 (100.0) 0 NA 0 -
Pencader Hundred 1 1 (100.0) 0 NA 0 -
Christiana Hundred 3 0 3 (100.0) NA 0 -

Total 54 23 (42.6) 8 (14.8) 20 (37.0) 3 (5.6)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware.. (Seventh Edition: 1980) Miami, Florida: Real
Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.

Table 7

Continued

Hundred/City Publicly-Owned State-Owned County-Owned Municipally-Owned Federally-Owned
Acreage Acreage Acreage Acreage Acreage
No. M No. A%) No. M No. M

Wilmington 414.28 12.93 (3.1) 0 236.57 (57.1) 164.78 (39.8)
Newport 24.12 0.50 (2.1) 0 23.62 (97.9) 0 -
Newark 131.25 34.29 (26.1) 0 96.96 (73.9) 0 -
New Castle Hundred 294.88 130.11 (44.1) 164.77 (55.9) NA 0 -
White Clay Creek Hund. 43.70 43.70 (100.0) 0 NA 0 -
Pencader Hundred 2.00 2.00 (100.0) 0 NA 0 -
Christiana Hundred 165.46 0 - 165.46 (100.0) NA 0 -

Total 1075.69 223.53 (20.8) 320.23 (30.7) 357.15 (33.2) 164.78 (15.3)

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition: 1980) Miami, Florida: Real
i@state Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.

FIGURE 3
PUBLIC LANDS
THE CHRIBTINA RIVER WILMINGTON

p
NEW CASTLE COUNTY

141 CHERRY
DELAWARE 495 ISLAND
2
95
19B1

4 N@.

BREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

295
2

SCALE IN FEET
7
273 41 0 20M 4000 6000 8000 ICOQO
p

Fe
Nr=WARK 273
2 LEGEND
p

FEDERAL LANDS

STATE LANDS

896
COUNTY LANDS

MUNICIPAL LANDS
95 PARK LAND

40
SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED By WILLIAM J. COHEN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

In. addition to these identified Darcels, scu@e land abutting. the Christina

River is part of the State Highway Right-of-m-Way. Nearly all of this land is found

at two locations: at the Delaware Turnpike Interchange at Route 896, and along

the south bank of the River north of 1-495 between the WilmingtonCity line and

the Town.of Newport. Also included are smaller parcels of land which have been

acquired by the State for proposed Newark Beltway and Christiana Bypass Rights-

of-Way. State Highway Department Rights-of-Way records provide an indication of

the extent of these land holdings. The amount of shoreline acreage may not be

precise due to the difficulty of aggregating a number of mall, inmany cases not

contiguous parcels. Records indicate that these State Right-of-m-Way lands ccinpr ise

approximately 600 acres.

Another aspect of Christina River shoreline land ownership is landwhich is

part of approved subdivisions that has been dedicated as public open space acc-

ording to the Record Subdivision Plans. There are five such subdivisions along

the Christina R iver. In addition, one proposed subdivision is in the planning

stage and an exploratory sketch plan has been filed with the County Department

of Planning, which if approved, would provide another parcel of open space/park-

land. Table 8 provides a listing of all dedicated open space in existing and

proposed subdivisions in New Castle County as of May 1981.

-13-

Table 8

DEDICATED OPEN SPACE FROM RECORD SUBDIVISION PLANS

May 1981

Christina River Shoreline

Subdivision Location Dedicated Remarks
Name. Open.Space

The Woods White Clay Creek Hund. 46.25 ac. 1.56 a c. private above
100 year flood line;
6.18 ac. public above
100 year flood line;
38.51 ac. public below
flood line

River's End New Castle Hundred 74.23 ac. 17.06 ac. private
57.17.ac.,public

Taylortowne New Castle Hundred 70.23 ac. 4.65 ac. private
.6'5.58.ac..public

Wellington Woods New Castle Hundred 46..78-ac.

Heather Woods Pencader Hundred- 7.53 ac.
along Belltown Road

Barrett Run* White Clay Creek Hund. 39.8 ac. 31.8 ac. open space
8.0 ac. active park-
land

Total 284.82 ac.

*Proposed

Source: New Castle County Department of Planning

One additional unique category of land ownership along the Christina shore-

line that should be included in this discussion is owned by public utility companies

operating within the County and including Delmarva, Artesian Water Company and

Wilmington Suburban Water Com pany. Although these land holdings fall within-the

-14-

domain of privately@owned-land, some of.this land,offers the potential for public

recreation, especially if it is contiguous to Public land. Often a utility

company will be required to purchase an entire parcel of moderate or substantial

size to locate a small substation or other facility. Therefore, the-remainder

of the parcel is retained as open space and is not util: ized. Table 9 identifies

the parcels and acreage owned by utility companies along the Christina shoreline.

Table 9

PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY LAND ONNERSHIP

Christina River Shoreline

Parcels Owned By Acreage Owned By Number of Parcels
Hundred/City Utility Companies Utility Companies Containing more Than
No. M No. (%) 5.0 Acres

Wilmington 5 (6.0) 84.20 (11.6) 4
Newport 1 (7.1) 0.20 (0.3) 0
Newark 0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0
New Castle Hundred 5 (6.2) 67.14 (5.7) 3
White Clay Creek Hund. 3 (5.4) 615.67 (27.8) 3
Christiana Hundred 1 (11.1) 14.32 -(2.3) 1
Pencader Hundred -2 (11.8) 111.19 (11.4) 2

Total 17 (5.6) 892.72 (14.8) 13

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition: 1980)
Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc., and William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.

As shown on Table 9, 13 of the 17 parcels owned by public utility companies

include more than 5 acres. The largest such parcel, owned by the Artesian Water

Company, contains 515.77 acres. These parcels merit consideration, on a case-by-

case basis, relative to public recreational potential.

-17-

Existin2 Public Park and Recreation Areas

There are currently 5 public park and recreation areas along the Christina

River. Two of these areas are found in Wilmington, two in Newark, and one at

Christiana. The latter, Coventry Ridge/Lewden Green Park is maintained by New

Castle County and is by far the largest of the five areas. It is also the most

extensively equipped and developed. The two areas in Newark are primarily in

their natural condition, with few man-made facilities. The two Wilmington

facilities comprise small parcels of land and are also essentially undeveloped.

The East 7th Street Park, in fact, consists only of a parking area usedby persons

whose boats are launched into the Brandywine Creek or Christina River at that

site.

The inventory of existing public park and recreation facilities is Provided

in Table 10 and these areas are shown on Figure 3.

Table 10

EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION AREAS
New Castle County, Wilmington, and Newark

Park Ownership Acreage Current Facilities and Activities

East 7th Street City of Wilmington 6.80 undeveloped--contains a parking area only;
Park boat launching into Brandywine Creek

Christina Park City of Wilmington 11.19 softball field
comfort station (closed)
drinking fountain (inoperative)
pavillion
other- improvements planned (including parking)

Coventry Ridge/ New Castle County 164.77 1 softball field
Lewden Green Pk. 1 Little League field
2 tennis courts

2 basketball courts
playground equipment area
swimming pool

bath house
parking for 30 cars

Rittenhouse Pk. City of Newark 52.55 hiking and nature trails
picnic tables

shelter
parking

Stream Valley City of Newark 31.89 Undevelopeed--left in a natural state
Open Space

Sources: New Castle County Department of Parks and Recreation
Newark Department of Parks and Recreation
Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation

_19-

PLANS AND POLICIES AFFECTING RECREATIONAL *USES OF. THE CHRISTINA RIVER

A series of planning documents and recreation studies have been reviewed to

determine an overall perspective@ for the potential for future recreational use

of the Christina River. In addition, the crucial elements of state legislation

which would directly affect use of the Christina.River have been reviewed. The

pertinent policies and findings are summarized below:

Regional

1. National Urban Recreation Study: Philade@Ehia-Wilmington-Trentor@ Area.

(1977) Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Department of the Interior.

This study analyzes the adequacy which present recreation facilities have

toward meting recreation needs. The research determined that, "Increases in

programs and facilities have rarely kept up with increasing leisure time and
interest and concomitant demand for recreation opportunities." 2 Planning

officials and recreation directors were interviewed to identify recreation

prograns that were desired by their constituents but were not available because

of a lack of physical or financial resources. For New Castle County, the

greatest activity need which was identified was for motorboating. The study

also noted that the amount of open space available for recreation activity was

incapable of meeting demand and should therefore be maximized.

State

1. Delaware Tomorrow Commision Report. (1976)

Two of the policies developed by the Delaware Tomorrcw Commission in recom-

mending a statewide plan for growth would have a bearing onfuture land use

policies for the Christina River:

2
National Urban Recreation Study-Philadelphia/Wilmington/Trenton i Washington
DC: Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Department of the Interior. 1977; p. 107.

-20-

First,'Delaware should continue.protection.of coastaland estuarine areas
throughout the State.
Second, Delawari should strengthen programs to protect natural and man-
made resources.

2. Delaware Coastal-Manageitent Program (CMP). (1,979) Delaware Office of Manage-

ment, Budget, and Planning.

The CMP offers many general policy guidelines for land use and-resource

conservation in coastal and shoreline areas. The CMP Policies for Recreation

and Tourism include these two specific guidelines:

1. Government prcmotion of recreation and tourism., particularly in
coastal areas, should be based on a study of their costs and benefits
to Delaware residents. Recreation and tourist development that
results in unnecessary or excessive expenditure of tax dollars for
the benefit of a few individualsor groups should be discouraged.
2. Year-round recreational and tourism programs and facilities are 4
encouraged in order to reduce the reliance on summer-time recreation.

3. Delaware Statewide g:SuErehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.(1979) Department

of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identifies the

largest physical resource deficits and opportunities for recreation in the City

of Wilmington and the remainder of New Castle County. Nearly all of the ident-

ified physical resource deficits involve uses which could be a part of land and

water recreation development, especially athletics, bicycling, and swimming.

Tablell indicates the ten largest physical resource deficits, as identified by SCORP.

3Report of the Delaware Tcmorrow Comission
4-
Delaware Coastal Management Program and Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Dover, DE: Delaware Office of Management, Budget, and Planning. 1979; p. 5-D-5.

-21-

Table 1L

RANK OF PHYSICAL RESOURCE DEFICITS

Wilmington and New Castle County

Rank Wilmington New Castle County

High 1 scenic driving miles biking trails

2 biking trails scenic driving miles

3 playgrounds playgrounds

4 natural swimming areas swimming pools

5 tennis courts natural swimming areas

6 picnic tables tennis courts

7 football/soccer fields football/soccer fields

8 baseball/softball fields picnic tables

9 swimming pools hunting and gunning areas

LOW 10 hiking and nature trails baseball/softball fields

Source: Delaware Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. (1979)

As shown by Table 11, athletics represents a significant portion of the

recreational resource deficits. For both Wilmington and New Castle County, four

of the ten deficits (tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball/softball fields, and

football/soccer fields) are for athletic facilities.

4. Report of the Governor's Task Force on Marine Recreation in Delaware. (1980)

A portion of this report is devoted to identifying sites of potential value

for marine recreation. The one Christina River site identified in the analysis

is the North (right) Bank of the Christina River between the mouth of the Brandy@

wine Creek and the Fort Christina Marina. This stie includes a 6-8 acre parcel

owned by the City of Wilmington that has potential for expanded marine facilities

or boat launching. According to the Task Force report, public access for

-22-

fishing and crabbing would be.possible.if the shore-were bulkheaded., The fol-

lowing recommendation is formulated:,

The site appears wellzuited to public recreation, as it is-in the
City and provides access to the Delaware-River. However, city
officials are not anxious to develop another park since the city
budget is already strained. Officials would prefer to generate
sane inccme from the property by leasing portions to concessionaires
while still providing public access to the water. An-ideal solution
might be to5lease the land for expansion of existing private marina
facilities.

5. Critical Areas. (1980) Draft reccmmendatior-8 submittedto the Delaware

Office of Management Budget, and Planning.

As part of its study of Critical Area in Delaware, the Office of Management,

Budget, and Planning (CMBP) has received recommendationsfrom units of local

goverment for inclusion as criticalareas. New Castle County has reccnunended

major rivers (including the Christina), shorelines, and waterfronts as scarce/

unique. Also naninated were areas:of major tourism value and existing and pot-

ential bicycle paths, due to econcmic benefits. The City of Newark has nominated

the Christina River Open Floodway (Zoning) District as environmentally sensitive

land. This includes the entire length of the waterway within the city limits.

The Town of Newport nominated the entire length of the Christina River within

its limits. The City of Wilmington nominated the Port of Wilmington, including

the Christina River from the Delaware River to the City Line, citing this area

as the state's major ccmmercial shipping facility and an area of major public

investment. Finally, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environ-

mental Control has ncminated the Chr istina.River as a critical area.since-it is

used as a drinking water supply source and has social and economic signfican ce.

In summation, virtually the entire length of the Christina River has been no-min-

ated as.a critical area.

5
Report of the Governor's Task Force on Marine Recreation in Delaware.
1980; p. 29.

-23-

County

1. The Market for Water-Based Outdoor Recreation Service in New.Castle County,

Delaware. (1966) Paul H. Seidenstat University of Delaware Water Resources

Center.

This study also analyzes the demand for recreation activities and theneed

for additional facility development. Projections were developed for participation

(annual activity days) in five popular outdooract-ivities through 1980, based

upon continuation of the same resource capacity and pricing mechanisms. The

projections indicate steadily increasing participation in all activities.

Additional projections were developed based upon actual preference patterns,

which accounted for participation rates assuming a lower cost to the user, better

availability/convenience, etc. These projections were based upon assumed

additional demand for outdoor recreation being manifest in out-of-state recre-

ation trips. These projections also indicate steadily increasing annual activity

days, especially for fishing and swimming. The study formulated this conclusion

with respect to recreation supply:

with these impressive demand projections even on the basis of present
facilities and prices, supply may now be and certainly will in the
ne,%t decade be inadequate to meet this demand for pgactically all
kinds of outdoor water based recreation activities.

2. New Castle County 1985 Planning District Plans. (1973-1974) New Castle

County Department of Planning.

The only New Castle County District Planwhich includes a reccnunendation

for recreation use of the Christina River shoreline is the Greater-Newark Planning

District Plan (1,974). In this Plan, a District Park (defined as 30-75 acres) is

proposed for the site southeast of the Amtrack rail line, along Persimmon Run

6
Seidenstat,-Paul H. The Market For Water Based Outdoor Recreation Service
in New Castle County, Delaware. Newark, DE: University of Delaware Water
Resources Center. 1966; p. 45.

-24-

in Pencader Hundred and the.City,of Newark. This,proposal was previously

proposed in the City's Comprehensive DevelopmentIPlan.

3. Coventry Ridge/Lewden Green Park Master Plan. (1974) New Castle County

Department of Planning.

This plan encompasses a regional park totalling 154 acres. The Coventry

Ridge Section (75 acres) was dedicated as public open space for parkland in

the subdivision record plans of four adjacent subdivisions. The Lewden@-Green

portion (78.6 acres) was purchased by New Castle County in 1969.

Development plans called for full-scaledevelopment in 5 stages, resulting

in full public use by 1980. The plans included facilities such as basketball

courts, baseball and softball fields, picnicareas, bicycle and pedestrian

pathways, play apparatus, a boathouse, senior citizens'areas, landscaping,

maintenance and drainage facilities, etc. The first sector, including the

former Coventry Swim Club, has been completed. However, according to the

New Castle County Department of Parks and Recreation, implementation of the

final 4 stages of development has been delayed, pending adequate funding.

4. New Castle County NaturalAreas Study. (1975) Delaware Nature Education

Society.

One parcel of land encompassing the Christina River was nominated as a

natural area in this study. This area, referred to as "Christina Creek Banks

and marshes," includes approximately 225 acres, located on both banks of the

Christina Creek between Churchman's Road and Route 7. The area is described as,

the last remnant of the once extensive Christina marsh system, which, prior to

1915, was one of the most attractive areas for waterfowl in Delaware.. The

balance of the area has been lost through filling and constructionf hence that
which remains merits a very high priority fIor preservation. Fr7 The area is the

7
Delaware Nature Education Society New Castle County Natural Areas Study,
1975; p. 125.

-25-

habitat for many species of plant andanimal life;with.air quality described as

very good, and water quality described as fairly good but visually unattractive

due to turbidity caused by siltationrunoff. The study suggests that that portion

of the creek would serve as an ideal canoe'trail. Although launching is dif-

ficult, access could be provided at Punchbowl Woods (now the Coventry-Ridge-

Lewden-Green Park) or below Churchman's Road Bridge. The study further cautions
that future construction in-adjacent areas must be sensitive to marsh destruction. 8

5. New Castle County Bikeway Plan. (1979) New Castle County Department of

Planning.

One proposed bikeway is included in the New Castle County Bikewwy Plan for

the Christina River shoreline area. The route, known as Christina River Trail,

was proposed some years pr ior to the Bikeway Plan to follow a sewer right-of-

way already established. How6ver, the route was never implemented. It is now

included as a Phase 2 planned project and is scheduled for implementation

between 1982 and 1986. The route will cover 4.0 miles between Christiana and

Airport Road. Part of the route will be a bike path totally separated from

motor vehicle traffic. The remainder will be a shared roadway. In addition,

other routes included in the Bikeway Plan would intersect the Christina, thereby

creating a potential access point for bicyclists. These routes are:

1. Route 7--Christiana Mall to Christiana
2. South College Avenue--Route 4. to 1-95
3. Elkton Road--Maryland State line to Newark.city line
4. Route 273--Christiana bypass
5. Churchman's Road--Route 4 to Route 273

Municipal

1. Cherry Island Urban Design Study. (1969) University of Pennsylvania

This study,although done several years ago,presented a series of conceptual

plans for:mixed.use development on Cherry Island and the adjacent peninsula of

8Ibid; p. 127.

-26-

east Wilmington. Develognent,of much.of this area for recreational. activities
was a prime consideration. One-set of re ccmmendations: urged the use of land

unsuitable for:development as open areas for parklahd, picnic areas, athletic

fields, and related activities. Another set of recomendations called for

major marina development, including expanding existing facilities for boating

and swimming, and developing,on Cherry Island, a complex to include a motel,

restaurants, cultural attractions, amusements, and various open space attractions.

The design plan stresses the importance of using recreational facilities to

serve as an attraction to the area, to encourage new residential development

and with the development of proper transportation linkages, to fulfill the

needs of area residents, especially inner city residents, for a major recreation

area.

2. City of Newark Comprehensive Developme t Plan (1969) Volume II. Kendree:.

and Shepherd Planning Consultants.

This plan recommends the development of parkland in the southeast portions

of the City, in the vicinity of Arbour Park. The City of Newark has already,

since the adoption of its Canprehensive Development Plan, assumed control and

operation of the Rittenhouse Park area. It was also reccumended that, "vacant

floodplain lands on the northwestern edge of the Arbour Park neighborhood be

also designated as part of the community park area. The Christina Creek flood-

plain can link the two large park areas, forming a substantial city recreation
area as well as a land use buffer separating industrial from residential lands."9

3. Urban Route Bicycle System,.Ci@y of Newark. (1973) Newark Planning Depart-

ment.

None.of.the.proposed.bik6way routes in the City of Newark will'run along

9
.Kendree and.Shepherd Planning Consultants, City of Newark Comprehensive
Development Plan. Part,II. 1969; P. D-5.

-27-

the Christina shoreline. However, one.route.will cross the Christina, providing

an access point. That route is.along Barksdale*Road.,

4. Riverfront Study for Wilmington, Delaware. (1.977) A. C. Demetriou and

Linton.and Co.

This study recom mends that a considerab le portion of Wilmington's

Christina shoreline be planned for marine recreation uses, greenways, and park-

land. The proposed land use plan includes a greenway strip along the north

bank of the Christina River to extend frcn the Delaware River westward to the

South Market Street Bridge. A greenway strip is also proposed for the south

bank of the River from the Amtrack Railroad Bridge at 495. to the Third Street

Bridge, to serve as a buffer frcm industrial facilities and to improve the

visual attractiveness frcin the north side of the River. Parkland was reconute-nded

for the tip of land at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek,

on the east side of Brandywine Creek, since that portion of land is not suitable

for develor-ment. For thepeninsula immediately north and west of the confluence,

the plan proposes a mixed use development containing marinas, open space.,

recreational and incidental retail uses. This development would be designed

so as not to infringe upon existing industrial development on the peninsula.

5. Christiana Preservation Plan. (1977) New Castle County Department of Planning.

This plan for the Christiana Historic area reccrrmends a set of actions

required to retain the historic character of Christiana and prevent further

deterioration. Many of theserecommendations; are built around a current plan

to divert substantial amounts of traffic from the existing Route 7 through the

center of Christiana, onto the proposed Christiana Bypass. Additionally, it is

reccmmended that historic'zoning apply to all properties in the area. A state-

owned property near the center of the area is targeted as a plaza-po cket park.

Finally, a system of walkways and bike paths is advocated, the-bike paths to

-28-

connect to the proposed Christina River. Trail as proposed in theNew Castle

County Bikeway Plan.

6. Redevelopment Potential'6f th6'Delawate'Urban Waterfront. (1979) William J.

Cohen and Associates, Inc.

This study developed a framework for accomplishing redevelopment.of the

waterfront area of four Delaware Communities--Delaware City, New Castle, Newport,

and Wilmington. Three of the sites recommended for priority consideration are

situated along the Christina River. All three are in Wilmington. The former

Wilson Shipbuilding site, on the north bank of the Christina River west of the

confluence with the Brandywine Creek is recommended for purchase by the City of

Wilmington for redevelopment to include: reuse of the main structure as a

cultural facility, gift shop, and restaurant; reconstruction of the existing

dock area to accomodate a historic vessel; and a waterfront park connected to

Fort Christina Park. Another site at the confluence of the Christina and

Brandywine, listed by this study as a priority site, is the 6.8 acre parcel

10
owned by the City. This site was judged to offer great recreation potential

if developed in conjunction with the two existing marinas, to include a public

launching area and a waterfront park and recreation area. The third site is

also located on the north bank of the Christina River east of the Wilson site.

This site, which includes 4.9 acres of vacant land is also recommended for

acquisition by the City for the possible development of a historic village, a

series of small shops, or a restaurant, in conjunction with the overall redeve-

lopment effort for the entire peninsula.

7. A Pilot Plan For Wilmington's'In-Tbwn Riverfront. (1979) Wilmington

Department of Planning.

This plan-indicates that, there-is no practical justification for

loThis is the. same site referred to by the Report of the Governor's Task
Force on Marine Recreation in Delaware; see page 22.

-29-

reserving the riverfront principally for industrial.. use or.for continuing the

t4
present City policy of excluding residen Lal and ccmmercial uses from theriver-

front. Provision should be made for accomodating new uses, including recreational

11
ones, along the waterfront. The plan-also recommends retaining in their

current state areas which are industrial in character. Accordingly, most of the

Christina shoreline is planned for future industrial development. However, one

area designated for commerc ial/recreational use is along the Christina on the

peninsula from the confluence with the Brandywine west to Fort Christina Park.

Marinas, marine and other recreation-oriented businesses are the uses suggested

for this area.

8. Wilmington RUDAT. (1980) American Institute of Architects.

The City of Wilmington was the subject of a Regional/Urban Design Assistance

Teams (RUDAT) effort, sponsored by the American Insitute of Architects, in 1980.

Several of the recommendations concerned the Wilmington riverfront, specifically

the Christina. The following recommendations directly affect the Christina

Shoreline:

1. Christina River frontage for approximately one block east and
west of Market Street should be developed as a waterfront park
with promenade and other active and passive uses. A concrete
plant immediately across the river could be acquired as part
of the same open-space mode, giving lower Market Street a
needed gateway image. A warehouse building just west of the
proposed park could be developed for restaurant, shopping, or
other uses.

2. The area at the southern gateway at Market Street should be
left open space. This conceptwill tie in.with.the open
vista pedestrian concept of the.River to.River plan.

3. The easterly end of the peninsula formed by-the confluence
of the two rivers should be re-zoned open space instead of
commercial-industrial. -This space, just north of the -
existing marina, would become a park for recreation purposes.

11
'City of Wilmington Planning Department. A Pilot Plan for Wilmington's
In-Town Riverfront. 1979; p. 5.

-30-

4. A 50-200..foot,wide.green belt easement should be designed and
landscaped around as much of the entire peninsula onboth the
river banks,as possible, extending@upstream al-2 ng both banks
of the Brandywine Creek and Christina River.

9. Project R.01W. (Reclaim'Out Waterfront). (1981) Cityside, Inc.

This stady was undertaken by a non7-profit ccrrmunity organization (Cityside,

Inc.). The primary effort of the study was an analysis and inventory of all

parcels of land in the shoreline areas of Wilmington's waterways to determine

historical, environmental, and significant land use aspects of all these parcels.

In view of these findings, recommendations are made on how to preserve or develop

each land area in conjunction with oiverall waterfront improvement guidelines

developed as part of the study. Among the waterfront guidelines are the following:

1. The City should make an effort to clean up trash and offer private
property owners the incentive to do the same.

2. Developers should adaptively re-use historic structures and avoid
irreversible changes to irreplaceable structures.

3. A system of histqric markers which serve as a self-guided tour should
be established.

4. DeveloFment proposals should encourage compatible mixed land uses that
will encompass as many people-oriented activities as possible.

5. Establish boundaries for the city-owned waterfront street ends, then
improve them for public use and access.

6. Use financial incentives and zoning restrictions to encourage labor-
intensive service industries such as those related to tourism,
recreation, retail shops, entertainment and leisure."
7. The City should make its wa@Srfront properties and parks clean,
attractive, and accessible.

12,,
The Rudat Times. " Supplement to News Journal papers. May 1980; p. 6-8.
13
O'Byrne and Thompson. "Project R.O.W.". Wilmington. DE: Cityside, Inc.
1981; Introductory Comments.

-31-

LEGAL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC.RIVER USE

ince the focus of this project is to determine recreational potential, the

question of using the River for publicuse must be addressed. The following

discussion is therefore presented as an overview of certain1egal and statutory

matters that ultimately will have relevan ce to recreation activities on the

Christina.

Who Owns the Christina?

To answer this basic question, Delaware Law provides two perspectives.

First, there is the perspective involving ownership of subaqueous

lands@.

Second, there is the perspective involving control of the water.

In reviewing applicable laws, a recent study found that the ownership of
14
subaqueous lands is clearly established under jurisdiction of the S,tate.

In Delaware Code Chapter 64 the following is found:

Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, the [Delaware
Water and Air Resources] Commission and the Governor shall have
exclusive junisdiction, pursuant to this subchapter to convey
a fee simple or less interest, to leaseor.grant permits or ease-
ments in or over any parts of the public lands of the State
lying beneath the waters of the State (including the beach or
shore to the mean high water level), and no use of such land
shall be undertaken except pursuant to a permit or grant.

In addition to the above,the City of Wilmington has previously been granted

by the State all rights to subaqueous lands within the municipal boundaries.

In 36 Delaware Laws, Chapter 147 the following grant of power appears:

An act of the General Assembly (36 Delaware Laws Chapter 147) makes
the following provision:

section 1. That the Governor of the State of Delaware be and
hereby is aut-horized and directed to grant and convey to the

14
A Review'of'Institutional and Legal Aspects of Water Supply Policies in
Delaware, Part Two (Dover, Delaware, Department of Natural Resources-and Environ-
menta Control, 1979) pp. 18-28.

-32-

Mayor and Council.of the City of.Wilminqton,@ under.the Great
Seal Of, . Delaware, all the right and title of the State of
Delaware, in and to all.the land under water within the limits
of the said City of Wilmington where said land under water is
located in or under any part of navigable streams.

The second perspective relative to control of the River (Water) is some-

what more vaguely addressed in Delaware Law. The historical legal distinctions

that emphasized rights based on ownership of adjacent land (known as riparian

rights), or vested rights to divert water from those lands (by prior appropriation)
carry little, if any, weight. 15 The waters of the State are protected, regulated

and allocated under the jurisdiction of the State of Delaware through the

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, as stipulated by

7 Delaware Code Chapters 60-61. The State has control of water allocation either

through ownership of the water or as trustee of the resource. The rig hts; of
those using the water are use rights rather than property rights. 16

In addition to these State law citations, it should be pointed out that the

River and Harbors Acts of 1899 places navigable waterways under the regulatory

auspices of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. This regulatory po we r would

encompass all matters regarding boating, piers, buikheading, and placement of

navigational obstructions. However, Federal actions are now subject to a federal-

state consistency review procedure as part of the Coastal Management Program.

The Christina River has been classified by the Corps of Engineers to be navigable

from its mouth in Wilmington to the Route 7 Bridge at Christiana-a total of 16
miles. 17

State Legislation Directly Affecting Use of Waterways and Shorelines

While there are many State statutes and regulations that will affect the

15 Ibid.1 p. 27.
16
ibid., 28.
17 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "List of Navigable and Non-navigable Water-
ways in the Philadelphia District." (1972), p. 2.
-33-

use of any waterways,the following excei-pts,.pr'ovide,.the.most:relevant to the

Christina:

a. 7 Delaware Code Chapter 59--Public Recreation on Private Lands.

This Chapter relieves private property owners of the duty to

guarantee the safety of, and assume responsibility orliability

for, any injury to any person using private lands@fpr recreational

purposes. The intent of the law was to encourage such use of

private lands.

b. 29 Delaware Code Chapter 92-State Land Use Planning Act.

This law provides for intergovernmental review of land use and

planning decisions made by any unit of government in the state

when the consequences of such decisions would have "spillover"

implications. That is, if a city or town excludes a land use

which could have regional benefits, this decisio n would be reviewed

at the State level. The State couldthen recommend that the decision

be reversed (although a reversal cannot be mandated). Likewise,

decisions made by the State are subject to review and comment by

units of local government. Economic, social, and environmental

impacts are the basis for this intergovernmental -review.

C. [Proposed] 7 1Delaware Code Chapter 74--Delaware River Heritage

System Act.

This proposed legislation would establish a Rivers Heritage System

to protect wild, pastoral, recreational, and cultural.rivers and

segments. The Act stipulates procedures for surveying, criteria for

designation and government 2owers for implementation and conservation

measures.

d. Wetlands Act. (1972)

This Act gives DNREC direct State control over lands between mean

-34-

low water elevation and 2 feet above local mean high water

elevation upon which typical marsh plants grow. The following

activities would require a permit from DNREC: dredging, draining,

filling, excavation, and construction. A range of impacts must

be considered in order for a permit to be conferred.

-35-

WATER QUALITY

Water quality is one of the most important determinants of use potential

for a waterway. Several recreational activities depend directly on acceptable

water quality, although certain activities require better water quality than

others. In general, low water quality will be suitable for boating only, although

visual unattractiveness and odors may discourage boaters. With some improvement

in water quality, the boating experience will be enhanced and limited fish species

will thrive. Higher levels of water quality will permit primary contact recre-

ation such as swimming and trout fishing.

"The value of water for any single recreational use will depend on a number

of quality characteristics . . . . an in crease in the magnitude of one quality

characteristic may affect one use favorably while simultaneously affecting an

alternative use negatively. Data limitation constraints and complexity suggest

the need for using generality in applying water quality standards. Also, it is

unclear which water quality variables are appr6pr iate for recreation demand
analysis." 18

The State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental

Control (DNREC) has compiled water quality standards for streams and conducts a

continuing testing program to monitor water quality throughout the State. The

important findings with respect to the Christina River are summarized in this

section. The conplete data presentation and analysis is provided in Appendix

2, "Water Quality Technical Analysis." Recognizing the limitation on water

quality data, as no -ted previously, the findings are expressed in qualitative

rather than empirical terms.

18 R. K. Turner, "The Recreational Response to.Changes in Water,Quality: A
Survey and Critique." International Journal of Environmental Studies. Vol. 11,
1977; pp. 91-98. -36-

For purposes of studying water quality, the Christina River is divided into

two segments in the Delaware 1980 Water Qualitv Inventory. The Upper Christina

segment, above Smalley's Pond ram is the non-tidal portion of the river. The

Lower Christina, from Smalley's Pond Dam to the Delaware River is subject to

tidal influence. Th e inventory report makes this summary assessment of the

Lower Christina:

This lower portion of the Christina River can only be considered as
fair. The,water quality has improved since 1972, but the levels of
fecallgoliform are still not meeting the State's water quality stand-
ards.

Concerning the Upper Christina, the summary assessment is as follows:

The water quality in the Upper Christina River may be considered
fair to good. There is usually at least one parameter, usually the
bacteria levels, which is in violation of State recommended levels.
Based upon the two critical factors of dissolved oxygen and fecal
coliform bacteria, the 1126er Christina cannot be completely considered
swimmable and fishable.

Water quality sampling is conducted at 11 stations along the main stem of

the Christina River. These stations are shown on Figure 11. Eight of the water

components for which stream quality standards have been established are included

in the monthly water quality sample data provided by the DNREC Technical Services

Division. This data has been developed as follows:

First, monthly samples have been grouped into 4 seasonal averages.

Second, each station has been assigned a water quality assessment
level of "acceptable","conditionally acceptable", or "unacceptable"
for each season. A station which is not in violation of any of the
8standards is classified as "acceptable." Those in violation of
1 3 standards are classified as "conditionally acceptable." Those
in violation of more than 3 standards are classified as "unacceptable."

The results of this analysis are shown in Table 12.

19 Delaware 1980 Water Quality Inventory, (Dover, DE: DNPEC) 1980; p. 69.
20 Ibid.; p. 71.

-37-

Table 12

SEASONAL WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENTS AT ELEVEN SAMPLING STATIONS

Christina River

Winter Spring Summer Autumn
Station (Jan.-March) (April-June) (July@Sept.) (Oct.-Dec.)

Market Street COND 00ND COND COND

Route 4 ACC COND COND COND

Smalley's Dam ACC ACC COND COND

Walther Road ACC ACC COND ACC

Salem Church Rd. COND COND COND COND

Route 72 COND COND COND ACC

Old. Balt. Pike AOC COND COND ACC

Chestnut Hill Rd. ACC ACC. ACC COND

Persimmon Run COND COND COND COND

Elkton Road ACC COND COND ACC

Nottingham Road ACC COND COND

Legend: ACC = Acceptable; COND Conditionally Acceptable; UNACC Unacceptable

Source: DNREC Technical Services Division, 1980..

The relationship between water quality assessment levels and individual
recreation uses will be discussed in subsequent sectionsof this study. In 21
general, DNREC recommends the following activity uses for the Christina River:

1. secondary contact recreation (e.g., boating)

2. primary contact in lakes and ponds only

3. fish, aquatic life, wildlife

4. navigation, in tidal portions only

5. anadranous fish

21 Water Quality Standards for Streams. (Dover, DE: DNREC) 1970, p. 6.

-38-

Non-point source pollution is judged to be a significant problem for the

entire. river, since the shoreline includes many sources of urban stormwater rur*r--

off which are especially high in metal content. Point source pollution is
-generated by eight identified points of discharge, entering the river at seven

locations. These locationsare shown on Figure 11. Table 13 documents the nature

and sources of point source pollution on the Christina.

-39-

Table 13

IDENTIFIED POINT SOURCES OF POLLUTION

Christina River

Source Entry to Christina Nature of Pollution

Halby Chemical Co. directly into river at mile 0.6 withdrawal of 0.21

mgd from river for

cooling and boiler

make-up water;

effluent is dis-

charged into New

Castle County Sewer

System

Exxon Co. directly into river at mile 3.5 contaminated storm-

water runoff from oil

storage containment

dikes is discharged;

no ccmpliance schedule

in effect

B 0 Rail-road through Little Mill Cteek stormwater runoff

tributary fran fuel storage

yard; no compliance

schedule in effect

-40-

Table 13 continued

Source Entry to Christina Nature of Pollution

DuPont Co.- through Little Mill Creek non-contact cobling

Chestnut Run tribuizary water, boiler blow-

down steam condensate;

no con-pliance schedule

in effect

DuPont Co.-- directly into river at mile 7.5 .15 mgd non-contact

Willow Bank cooling water; no

compliance schedule

in effect

DuPont Co directly into river at mile 7.8 .36 mgd non-contact

Pigments Division cooling water and

boiler blowdown;

no canpliance schedule

in effect

Wilmington Suburban through Smalley's Dam 6 mgd filtration plant;

Water Co. discharge occurs once

every 3 months;

abatement schedule

has been inplemented

-41-

Table 13 continued

Source Entry to Christina Nature of Pollution

DuPont Co.-- through West Branch tributary treated laboratory

Stine Lab and sanitary waste-

water; non-contact

cooling water, boiler

blowdown and stormwater;

no ccmpliance schedule

in effect

Sources: Bruce Kraeuter,.Review of Non-Domestic Point Source Discharges. New

Castle County Areawide Waste Treatment Management Program, (1976).

Michael Stanton, New Castle County Stream Use Surva. Water Resources

Agency for New Castle County, (1979).

-42-

PUBLIC ACCESS

There are currently 24 vehicular roadway crossings of the Christina River

between the Maryland state line and the Delaware River, and 2 more are planned

for future construction. However, direct public access has-not been availableat

these crossings. The roadway crossings from Newport eastward are all well above

grade and access from these roadways is not possible. Although the crossings

west of Newport are all nearly at grade, currently there are no ramps or paths

to provide direct access to the river shoreline and no safe place for motorists

to pull off the road to gain access to the river. Pedestrian access for

activities such as fishing is available at many locations, particularly where

there is a network of urban streets contiguous to the river. The most prominent

of these areas are in Wilmington (East 7th Street, Front Street); Newport (Water

Street); Christiana (Water Street); and Newark (Old Cooch's Bridge Road). Public

access is also available through existing public park and recreationalareas (see

Figure 3). In addition, several residential subdivisi ons contiguous to the

Christina have dedicated open space areas for potential future use. (See Table

Boating access is also very limited. The only currently used public boat

launching site on the Christina is the East 7th Street Park in Wilmington, at

the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.

In conclusion, direct public access to the Christina is currently.very

limited, except through public parks and pedestrian access. Figure 4 displays

existing and potential access points of access to the Christina River.

-43-

FIGURE 4 0\\.\
EXISTING PUBLIC ACCESS

Z
THE CHRISTINA RIVER WILMINGTON

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
CHERRY
141
DELAWARE 495 ISLAND
2
1981 915

No
4

BRII BREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

295
2

DELREM DR
C. I. SCALE IN FEET
CH TI NA 41 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
273 H CR S
TH

oss
TS

vy
NEWARK 273 GE LEGEND
2

OL Co TQ
CASHO
MILL RD EXISTING PUBLIC ROADWAY
ms 4 CHRI TIANA ACCESS
M.GUI SUBDIVISION ACCESS
ST TER
896 ST CHRISTIANA BY-PASS
RK (PROPOSED)
DR
ARBO 7
PARK
95
VOR

r BARQUIT
plift FACI a U N
(PROPOSED)

TAYLORTOWN
e

.-JWELLI GTON 40
E w SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
ILDEN DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
WDS LEN PREPARED BY WILLIAM 4. COHEN 6 ASSOCIATES, INC.

POTENTIAL RECREATION AFEAS

Determining Recreation Uses

This section of the study will provide the analytical framework by which

to identify recreational potential of the Christina. The approach has been to

combine several methods of analysis-that are practical and will lead to meaningful

results.

To begin, potential recreational uses are divided into two classes: Land

Based and River Based. This has been done in order to distinguish between

various activities that require different criteria in order to be pursued. The

division of recreational activities into these two classes includes the following:

Land Based Recreation

hiking

nature observation

picnicking

bicycling

athletics

camping

River Based Recreation

canoeing

sailing

swimming

fishing

small craft boating

Determining Methods of Analysis

In order to establish the relationship between land and river based recre-

ational activity on the one hand, and certain physical characteristics and other

variables on the other, a review has been conducted to establish a methodology

-44-

that could be easily used by theresearcher and understood by thereader. To

achieve this objective, four general meth odological approaches have been

evaluated -and used in various ways as the subsequent presentation will indicate.

1. The Recreational Suryey Model, prepared for the Delaware Nature

Education Society.

2. The Automated Environmental Resource Information System (AERI)

for New Castle County.

3. Research involving existing reports, studies, plans, sampling

data, and related data.

4. An empirical review of existing physical and man-made features

through field observations and cartographic analysis.

The first two of these methods deserve a more in depth exploration as

provided below.

The Recreational Survey Model (draft) prepared for the Delaware Nature

sur
Education Society basically is intended to be capable for mea 22 ing the
recreational potential of all rivers within the State of Delaware." @breover,

the model determines the nature of the relationships between physical features,

variables, and po@ential recreation uses.

The model is a sophisticated arrangement that includes 27 recreation uses

that are evaluated against a combination of 100 variables. Since-the Christina

River is not expected to provide certain types of recreational activities as

identified by the model (e.g., rafting or ice fishing) for purposes of this

study, both land based and river based recreational activities have been gener-

alized and could subsume several of -the recreational activity categories listed

in the model. In effect, then, the Recreational Survey Model has been utilized

22Elena Babig, Recreational Survey Model (draft), prepared for the Delaware
Nature Education Society (Delaware Technical and Community College) 1980.

-45-

as a guide, and adjustments have been made that will render realistic results

for the Christina River analysis.

The Automated Environmental Resource Information System (AERI) was created

under the New Castle County AreawideWaste Treatment Management (208) Program

and provides an array of data in a format that is taken by the user for analysis.

The nature of a relationship(for example between a defined land use and a

recreational activity) is first outlined in order to obtain the special distr-

ibution of physical-geographical data.

Land Based Recreational Use Suitabili@y

In order to have an understanding of certain land use characteristics that

will impact the recreational potential of land based activities, the Automated

Environmental Resource Information System (AERI) has been utilized. This

system, managed by the Water Resources Agency of New Castle County is a

"coordinated, integrated environmental data system prepared in geo-based format
which offers computer storage of data. . ."23 The value of the AERI system is

that it is a tool to provide a mapping of information that can serve as a basis

for suitability analysis. Therefore, the prime focus of incorporating the AERI

system will be to identify the suitability for recreation activities based on

physical-environmental factors defined for the Christina River Corridor. The

AERI sysyem contains variables of data (such as soils, and land use information)

that are stored on a data based known as a "cell." Each cell equals a 500 x

500 foot section of New Castle County or approximately 5 acres of land area.

Therefore, any number of cells can be combined or aggregated to determine the

physical-environmental-resource constraints for any site or area within the county.

23 New Castle County Areawide Waste Treatment Management (208) Program,
Capability @Laainq as a means of Improving Environmental Quality: Prerequisites
and Methods (1977) , p. 1.

-46-

As a general remark it should be noted that the subsequent presentation

relative to land suitability is mapped, showing a relationship to a particular

recreational use. That 4S to say, certain, "common sense" considerations had to

be made as to which ccmbinations of data frcm the AERI system would be most

applicable todetermine recreational use suitability. For example, each land

based recreational use (e.g., hiking, athletics, etc.) was related to selected

data variables, and based upon that relationship the land area within the defined

river corridor was judged (by the computer) to be either "suitable"or "conditionally

suitable" for a particular recreational use. This judgment was made after.a

review of relevant variables that could be combined to provide a practical

assessment. A summary description of the variables included the following:

*land cover--which represents "land use' including the type such as

forests, agricultural land, developed land (e.g.,

residential, commercial land use), existing recreation

land, etc.

*soils limitations-based on physical and engineering characteristics

including drainage, texture of surface, degree of

erosion, flood hazzard, etc.

The first step in retrieving information from the AERI system involved the

definition of a River corridor. Second, the physical-environmental factors that

make up each of the land based recreational activities were identified. Third,
a computer program was developed to obtain data from AERI 24 and from the data a

printout was made in the form of a map. Thus the maps, shown as Figures 5

through 10 geographically portray the suitability of land for each recreational

24 Technically this is referred to as "The Christina River Corridor Data
List" (1981).

-47-

use along the river.

1. Hiking Suitability
The suitability for hiking is based on a combinationof land cover and

soil data. The essential question explored then is,"what existing land uses and

soil properties are either suitable or conditionally suitable to encourage

hiking." Table 14 shows a generalized breakdown of the two data variables

(land cover and soils) that were ultimately resolved from the AERI data. Figure

5 shows hiking suitability graphically portrayed.

Table 14

HIKING SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Corridor

Land Cover Variables Soils variables

forests slight limitations (according to Soil

all developed parkland Conservation Service analysis for

"Lawns and Golf Fairways")
Suitable A severe or moderate slope is considered

suitable for hiking for each soil

classification.

agricultural land moderate limitations for "Lawns and

brush land Golf Fairways"

Conditionally wetland
uitable
vacant land

Sources: Areawide Waste Treatment Management (208) Program, 1980.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey
New Castle County (1970), Table 7.

-4a-

FIGURE 5
HIKING SUITABILITY

............. ..........
THE CHRISTINA RIVER ............ ....... .. .. .
... ...........
............. . .......... ...... ..........
......... ......... ......... . .
.........................
......................
.. ......... ...... ......
............... .. .......
............
............ ..
NEW CASTLE COUNTY ...................... .. ... ..
14
............ ...... ..........
DELAWARE ..... .......... ......
2 ........... .........................
..................
. .. :::::: ,:::: .....................
.............. ................... N: ............ . ..... .. .......................
.............
. ................... ......... . :::: ::::!:" ::
19B1 ..................... ........ ..................
.............
. ..................... . . ................
..............
...............

.... ... ..... .......
..........
goo .. ................. . ...... ........... ..........
. ..................... ... ....
...............
4 ................
............ pr
............ ..... .... ...
................ ......
I I............
...... .. .. ......
.::::::: ...............
........... ........ ........ I................
............ r.............. .......
.................
......................................
.... . .... ..............
.........................
........ .....
..............
............
.......... ...
......................
if
....................
CHEESE
..........
..........................

..............
....... ....... ........... .......
I5@p ... ... ....... .......
............. ......
2
hpix ....... I.......: ... ............. .......................... ... ............... ............................
............... ....... ; : ; : : : :mmmmmmmmm ... .
... ..................... ............... .......................
...............
................
.........................
r, NOR ...
::A ....
........ ...
J

... ..... .......... ..........
.................. 5CALE::1N:'F1EET
_j
....... ..... ...........
"Ow ewo
0
20M Som 10000
go
...........................
.......... ........
...... ............

. . ..........
............ ........ ........

...........
.......... ....... ..
......... : : .. I......................
.............
... ... Ipp
..............

NEWARK .................
.... ......... :MIOM
273 Will
RR
LEGEND

....................
Sul VAC.It-

..........
4. ...... .........
... .......... : :@p
.... ........

.......................... .... ...........
.......... 1`10110
If If:;,; @ * * - *:III ; :::::::
....................
lp ::::
.............

...... . . . . . . . . .
... .......
......... ::: ::: :AI gooM ... U"SU X TABL-E
AII:
............
...... ............
...............
...... .... ......... NOR

...........
:::;;:;:;;v;
y: V:
@vlllijg@ I A
gill[ :::go.

Bab
........... h:i!
I
13
i41111@

;j @40 109 11
.... ........... SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNNQG

... ...........
....... ......... ......... ......2 ill 1 11 11111i I I@
... HEIN
......... .....
PIREPARED fy WILLIAM J. COOFM 6 ASSOCIATES. IMC.

2. Nature Observation Suitability

Thi s use is based on an evaluation of soil conditions as they relate to

the productivity of plants to support wildlife. For example, a very productive

soil with a forest land cover will provide.an ideal habitat for woodland animals

(e.g., deer). Figure 6 shows the areas determined most suitable and suitable

for nature observation based upon the suitability variables in Table 15.

Table 15

NATURE OBSERVATION SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Corridor

Soils and Land Cover Variables

Most Suitable most productive combination of soils and land cover to support

all of the following: open land

wildlife

woodland wildlife

wetland wildlife

unique natural-areas

Suitable most productive combination of soils to produce land cover to

support any one of the following: open land wildlife

woodland wildlife

wetland wildlife

unique natural areas

Sources: Areawide Waste Treatment Managenent (208) Program, 1980

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,,Soil Survey
New Castle County (1970), Table 7.

Delaware Nature Education Society, New Castle County Natural Areas
Study (1975).

-49-

FIGURE
NATURE OBBERVATION SUITABILITY

............. ......... ..........
................. ......... ............ ..
THE CHRISTINA RIVER
.......... ............ .. ..... ........ .
.......... I.... I I I I I I I I I I * I I .::: .... ..
..............
............
....................... ......... ........ ...... ......... ......
........ ..
NEW CASTLE COUNTY .........
.......... ... ........
............I
... ...........
,MY
DELA ........ .
.. ................ :::::. .....
...... .1 .............. .......
WARE
.......... *''*** ......... :.... ...
................. .... ...
.... .......... ............ .... .....
2
....................
19B1 ....... I............
.............
............... .... .....
.............. .. :::ii
it::-: ... .....................
........... .
. ................ . .... ............ .......
.... ..........
. .................
........ .... ............ ......
. . . . . . ......

....................
.......... .... .. ........
..........
..... .......... :....... . . ...........
4 . .
...........

..........................
. . ........ .. ...
....... .............
.......... .............
............. ..........

........... .... .........................
............... @@i @@i F @::: .........
.......... .........

go
.................... .............

...... ...... ............
go
....... ... ...........
......... it it
......... ......
...................
........................... ...........

.............
2 .........

"I: it
:311
..........
.................

......... it it
it ................ ........ ........................
................ ......
.... .... ...... ...... I SCALEAN: FEET
.... ... it ....
.. .............. . .........
........ 0 2000 4000 6000 8000
VOOOO

.......... .......... ........ ......
................ ...... ........
........ ......
it
................ . .....
.......... . .... ....
...........
...... ........ ... ...
............
.............

..........
-4r ... ... ............... ....... j
..... ...... UPI 11
NEW RK :All it
1.::: 273
LEGEND

.......... ......
......... go
........... ......
::: IN
4 ..............
Hoi:ii ........
............. .. ...... ....... ...........
I IfibHo ig
..............
::M .....Ii, i i, ..... ....

...... ....................
................. ......
lom
.. .......... ......
U 6 U I E:

...........
... ...............
....... ....................... .................
it
i i i i iC@ i i::::: ...

..........
r!7
99999g ......

...........
.............. ......
11ppo ..... ......
. ...... ..... .......... , ":: .
f
go H
goo go: i i ...... ....... ......
iji ...... "All
:::A&:: 13
AN ....
i
Ai
t
it

.............

...............
............. ...

SOU CIE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DERPARTMENT OF PLANNING

..............
PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COHEN A ASSOCIATES. INC.
-- - ---------------- ....

3. Picnicking Suitability

This use incorporates the same variables used to evaluate hiking, that is,

land cover and soils(as discussed above) with the slope of land being considered

as a positive or negative factor. Table 16,Figure 7 provides the appropriate

information.

Table 16

PICNICKING SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Corridor

Land Cover Variables Soils Variables

forests slight limitations (according to Soil

all developed parkland Conservation Service analysis for "Lawns

Suitable and Golf Fairways"). A slight slope

5-10% is considered suitable for picnicking

for each classification.

agricultural land moderate limitations for "Lawns and Golf
Conditionally brush land Fairways." A moderate slope 8-15% is
Suitable wetland considered conditionally suitable.

vacant land

Sources: Areawide Waste Treatment Management (208) Program, 1980.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey
New Castle County (1970). Table 7.

4. Bicycling Suitability

Suitability for bicycling has been developed with a minor adjustment of the

soil variable used to determine hiking (i.e., suitability for lawns and golf

fairways). In addition, a variety of urban land uses are considered desirable

for bicycling-such as residential and intensive recreation areas which would

-50-

FIGURE 7
PICNICKING SUITABILITY

...............
THE CHRISTINA RIVER
....................... .... ......... ....... ....... .......
......... ........
............ ......... .......... .
... .................. . .........
. . ...........
........... .............
............. ............
..........
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
..................
....................
..................... ........... ....... ................ ......
i0i ........... :::
DELAWARE @N:i ...... .................
............... ....... @::::: @ !::::: 1: 1: @:::: ... ::;::::!!1@k4ND
............ !:::::::: ... .....
...........
.................
.............
.............
......................... .................... ..................
................
...... .. ... @
ISBI @@Tlsl
................ ........................
...................

. .... ......... .......
.................. ....... ........... .....

.. .........
.... ......
.............. -... ............... ........
..........
....................... ..............
....................... .......
.......... ...... ..........

qw: p ons ............

..............
.......................
I a
......................
j ............ ...... :::: :: .............. w
..............
..........
.............
.................. ........

............
14 ......
. . ....... ... .............. ......................... .
... . ..... ...............
..........
vv;;:w;m .... ............
.. ................ ................
J.
......................
2 :. . ...

....... .......
............

... ............ ......... ......
.................. ................ ...........................
......................... r r ......
. .............

....... ........ ........ ......
J ;tit .,. : - ::@@: - ::: . . .
. .............. .............
SCA4, ikiEET
........... . .... ..... ...............
u ........... ... .....
................. 20DO 4000 GOOD 8000 10000
. . . . . . . . . . . . ...............
@iJ @ @ @ --.1 @. @p, i @ ! @ : @ @ @ @................. I ... ::: .... **,*,:::::::
..... ::::::::: ... v Q I @ @ qq ..................
..........
...........................
.................

na
...........
.... ..... ................... ........ ..........
........... ... .......
........... ......
:AW q
273
EWARK
...................... LEGEND

.7
.......... .... ....... ?
............. .... ..
pig- ......
m ......
oo mm p .
a ...... a
Millh, r, I- I., y @ul 'TAY, Ill
F,11 -77@ ,pz,
44 11111
............ .............. ......
..................... ......
Al
... lip ago ,d :::::: ...
...........................
.... .....................................
...... HF: ...
:::::::::qw;w:A?...
supc- @:: 1, 1 @4
........... .......

-gm-@qg ............
Oll 111111 ;Nt HE
7
In; RuEi
IF: 4@ : : : : : : :@@: : :,,
Al
q q
........... P. q
13
iiij

R-` SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COLINTY
........ ...... DEPARTMENT Of PLANNING
. ... .......
Ill OV

IRV,'
.....................
... ..... .............. ........ lllH@ ip 4 -n,,.
PREPARED By WILLIAM J. COHEN A ASSOCIATES. INC.

provide existing paved areas and low traffic volumes that are suitable for

bicycling. Another category consisting of non-urban land cover such as forests

have also been incorporated in the analysis because with som improvement they

add tothe recreational experience. Table 17 provides a summary listing of the

key suitability variables while Figure 8 graphically illustrates the suitable and

conditionally suitable areas along the river corridor for bicycling.

Table 17

BICYCLING SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Corridor

Land Cover Variables Soils and Land Cover
Variables

single family residential slight limitations for "L"awns

Suitable-Urban institutional and Golf Fairways." Since
Suitable Non-Urban rights-of-ways (communications) slope is a limitation for

intensive, general, open, and bicycling, a modification

other recreation to the soil data has retained

forests slope as a constraint

corrmerc ial moderate limitations for

services "Lawns and Golf Fairways."

Conditionally wholesale Same slope constraint as
Suitable-Urban
Conditionally industrial for picnicking.
Suitable Non-Urban
agriculture

brush land

wetland

vacant land

Sources: Areawide Waste Treatment @lanagement (208) Program, 1980.

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey
New Castle County (1970), Table 7.

-51-

FIGURE 8
BICYCLING SUITABILITY

.......... ............ ..............
THE CHRISTINA RIVER ................
................... ......
........... .........
. ......... ......................... ................ .. ................ ............
.................... ... ... ....... ...
.......... .......
................. .......
..........
..........
............. ....
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
......................
.......... ......................
. ............
141
..........
....................
DELAWARE
.................. ....

2
.............................. .............. ...............
............
1981 ..................... .
.........................
..........
.. ...............
............... .....
............................. ...... .. ............ .
.... ... ............
..... ........... ......................
. .............. ..........
. ...... .............. ....... ........
... ..................... .....
... ................ ...
.........

............
......................... i:@::.
..........
.....................
...........
........... .....
...... .......

. .. ....... ...... ........
............... ........ ... ..............
............
................ ........
.............

.......... . ....... .........

... ........
..............

.....................

CHEESE
..........

........... .. ...............

..............
........... .............

.............. .......
2

...................
................. ......... ..........
IL:
...... ..... .........................
............ ill .. ........................... .......
wm@ oil .... . .........
. ......... ... ... . ........ .........
. .......... ................. .......
...... .... ............................
..................
... ut ..................... 0 2000 4000 6000 5000 10000
............ .........
...........

...... .........
P:Afi ......

.............

..........

213
NEWARK
LEGEND
go..

..........

...........
...... ..
su I T AIRL-C

a....
go ... I
:::::::A porlg ............ gk
I T.T0I-J^&_L_Y SUXTAPI-IE URPAN
gig g
go
go.
QQ
. . . . . . . . .

...... .........

gig MoNg
-gig

... 13

... ... .. ...

SOURCt: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPAPTMENT OF PLANNING
"@N
... ...... .....
PREPARED OV WILLIAM J. COHEN A AINIOCIATES. INC.

5. Athletics Suitability

The activity of athletics includes all traditionally active recreational

sports,especially those that require a playing field or court that must be

constructed and maintained to facilitate use. Athletic suitability is defined

as having suitable soils near urban areas. Figure 9 shows suitable and

conditionally suitable soils near the urban area for athletics. Table 18

provides the.soil suitability factors.

Table 18

ATHLETICS SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Corridor

Soils Variables

Suitable slight limitations for athletic fields and other

intensive play areas

moderate limitations for athletic fields and other

Conditionally Suitable intensiveplay areas relative to slow permeability, high

water table, and 5-10% slope

Sources: Areawide Waste TreatmentManagement (208) Program, 1960.

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey
New Castle County (1970), Table 7.

6. Camping Suitability

For this recreational activity, the interpretation has been made for canping

with trailers, rather than backpacking or camping with tents. To determine

suitability of land for canping the analysis is based on soil and land cover.

Table 19 and Figure 10 provide the appropriate variables and graphic findings.

-52-

FIGURE 9
ATHLETICS SUITABILITY

..... . ...
THE CHRISTINA RIVER

ON-
......... .....
NEW CASTLE COUNTY

......................... ...
wp@
.......... ::::: ......
...........
.......................
DELAWARE
2
w",
..........
..........
19BI
'w
................

zlll@ "Mill, . ...
.......... ........
.... ......... .......
..........
MIr

. ...........
HIM

. .............
-...............

........... ". ...............
............ ....... ........
M,

...........
...........
2

............. SCALE:!It: FEET
...............
. .........
0 2000 4000 Swo saw 10000
IBM
M",

,ij
4
P.H
RQR R"1111"
111M,

NEWARK 273
Poll
LEGEND

gong
. P@::
d
Pp, UuuuQwKww ,, ;.
P"On 1@,
4-
............

. .........
AR

RE 6
@j,
INN

WDU CE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPPIARTMENT OF PLAPINING
Hum,
googol'
PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COKEm & ASSOCIATES. INC.

Table 19

CAMPING SUITABILITY VARIABLES

Christina River Cor ridor

Land Cover soils

Suitable forests slight limitations for campsites
all developed parkland (intensive use)

agricultural land moderate limitations for can7psites

Conditionally brush land (intensive use)
Suitable
wetland

vacant land

Sources: Areawide Waste Treatment Management (208) Program, 1980.

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Gonservation Service, Soil Survey,
New Castle County (1970), Table 7.

River Based Recreational Use Suitability

An analysis of the river based recreational potential of the Christina

River requires a somewhat different eiTphasis than was employed in reviewing land

based activities. The river based suitability is dependent on various relation-

ships among several variables that specifically relate to water quality and

physical characteristics (such as tidal influence and navigational obstructions).

This section of the study will review the appropriate variables for each

identified recreational use.

1. Swimming

Swimning requires the highest level of water quality of any river based

recreation activity. Table 12 shows that during the summer months, all but one

-53-

FIGURE 10
CAMPING SUITABILITY

........................ .......................... ......
.................
THE CHRISTINA RIVER ................... .
.........................
............
........................
.................
....................... ............................. . ............ . .... ...
................
... ........

............
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
.................... . .

..........
DELAWARE ......... .... ........
...........I ..... 1-1.: ........ ...... ..........
............. ......... ....... .........
.... . ...... .....
2

........... .......................
1981 .. .......... ...... ......
..... .................. ... .......... ..... . ..............
. ..................... .
....... ... .. .
..... ..... .....
......... . ......
............ ....... ..........
........... ....... .......
..........-........
............. ........ .......
::: . . ...... ....... ...
............. ........ . ..... ....... .... ..........
..................... ....... ............. .::::,
...... ...... .......1..... ......
........................ ....
... ilk . ........... ......
...........

...... ..........
...........
............
...................

.............. ...
CHEESE
....................
...................... ....
..............
@ '.! ....
..................
2 ... .........................
.............

........... ..............
.......... ..................
...................
M!j
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.......................
N ..... .. ....... ............. . .........
it .........
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..............
.................... ........ .........
:..t ....... ................. SCALEAN: FEET
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.................... .............................. ....... ........
:-: i: I' 'I
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NEWARK

2..
......... .... ..... ......
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................. ....... ....... LEGEND

....... ...................

.............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... .......
4 ....... ...
W ..... .................
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t:Nim 11 1. ..... ................
........................

.... ...............
.................
.......... ......
:A99
............................

.................
........... SOURCE: NEW CASTLE COLINTV
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COHEN A ASSOCIATES. INC.

of the water quality sampling stations contain violations of atleast one water

quality standard (i.e., conditionally acceptable). The1evels of fecal coliform

bacteria, an important determinant of water suitability for primary contact

recreation, are dramatically high at most sampling stations during the summear

and spring months, more fully explained in Appendix 2. For these reasons, it

has been determined that the main stem of the Christina River is not suitable for

swimming, given the continuation of current water quality conditions.

In the State Water Quality Standards for Streams, it is recommended that

primary contact recreation on the Christina take place in lakes and ponds only.

In this regard, it should be noted that Beck's Pond located on Belltown Run is

currently a popular location for swimming, as well as fishing, picnicking, and

boating.

2. Fishing

Research has been undertaken concerning fishing potential which indicates

that virtually the entire Christina River contains a variety of fish species to

attract the angler. Water quality necessary to support fish populations depend-.

primarily on adequate levels of dissolved oxygen. As documented in Appendix 2,

the dissolved oxygen levels found in water quality samples in the Christina are

well in excess of recommended minima in autumn, winter, and spring. The summer

samples indicate slight violations at 3 stations (Third Street, Smalley's Dam,

and Route 72), while 2 other stations fall below the stricter standards recom-

mended for fish (Walther Road and Old Baltimore Pike). Despite these violations,

extensive fish catchings have been recorded during the summer months. It should

be remembered, however, that water quality degradation of other types (low

alkalinity, high coliform bacteria, high ammonia nitrogen) may impair the quality

of the fish in the river even if they do not reduce fish populations.

-54-

With regard to fishing in the tidal portion of the river (up to 11 miles

from the mouth), Figure 11 shows sampling stations where fish catches have been

recorded. Table 20 shows the results of these two studies.

-55-

FIGURE 11
SWIMMING EBREFISHING SUITABILITY

THE CHRISTINA RIVER WILMINGTON

NEW CASTLE COUNTY 3.
141 CHERRY
DELAWARE 495 ISLAND
2
95
19B1

Boo BREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

295
2

7
j-.j, I.
0. SCALE IN FEET
41 4000 6000 8000 10000
273 1 0 2000

NEWARK 273
LEGEND
2

MILEAGE FROM MOUTH - FISH
SAMPLING STATION
POINT SOURCE DISCHARGE
LOCATION
696 WATER QUALITY SAMPLING
STATION

7
95

40
SO RCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COHEN & ASSOCIATES. INC.

Table 20

FISH SAMPLES IN CHRISTINA RIVER

Miles From Date of Sample Fish Caught*
Mouth

Mouth April-June 1976 American Shad.
Alewife
Blueback Herring
Brown Bullhead
White Perch
White Catfish
Atlantic Menhaden
Carp
Redbreast Sunfish
Goldfish
Pumpkinseed
Gizzard Shad
White Sucker
Walleye

2.3 July@-August 1975 Blueback Herring
Silvery Minnow
White Perch
Bay Anchovy

2.7 September-October 1975 Gizzard Shad
Menhaden
Bay Anchovy

3.8 April-June 1978 Black Crappie
Carp
Goldfish
Menhaden
Silvery Minnow
White Perch
White Sucker

4*4 April 1978 Carp

5.2 July 1978 Bluebadk Herring
Carp
Menhaden
Silvery Minnow

-56-

Table 20 continued

Miles from Date of Sample Fish Caught*
Mouth

7.8 August 1978 Blueback Herring
menhaden
Silvery Minnow

10.2 September 1978 Blueback Herring

10.8 April-June 1975 Alewife
Blueback Herring
White Catfish

Septen-ber-October 1975 Blueback Herring
Gizzard.Shad

May 1978 Blueback Herring

*10 or more of species during period of sample collection

Sources: Scott J. Beck, and Victor J. Schuler, Ichthyological Associates, Inc.
1976.

Richard C. Reichard, Delaware River Basin Anadromous Fishery Project.
Completion Report. (1979).

Fishing in the non-tidal portion of the Christina is also appealing. The

Christina is a designated trout water from the Maryland State line to Rittenhouse

Park. It is stocked at least once a year at the state line. During the 1979
season, the Christina was stocked with a total of 3,520 trout ?5 Sixteen species

of freshwater fish are known to make their habitat in the Christina;. the smaller
fish most conmnly. The following species are included: 26

25 Michael Stanton, New Castle County Stream Use Survey. Water Resources
Agency for New Castle County, (1979).
26 Ibid.

-57-

Redbreast Sunfish
Bluegill
Largemouth Bass
Fallfish
Common White Sucker
Common Shiner
Tessellated Johnny Darter
Spotfish Shiner
Conmn Sunfish
Black Crappie
Chain Pickerel
Yellow Perch
Golden Shiner
Eastern Blacknose Dace
Great Lakes Longnose Dace
Tadpole Madton

Beck's Pond (located near the junction of Belltown Run and the Christina

River) is a highly attractive fishing area, with the most fish caught per hectacre

among all state-owned ponds in 1976. Largemouth bass, back crappie, sunfish,
chain pickerel, perch, catfish, and carp are most prevalent. 27

Fishing along the banks can take place at almost any location on the river.

In fact, fishermen cannowbe observed along the Christina throughout the year.

Rittenhouse Park and Hidden Valley in Newark as well as several sites in Wilmington

are especially popular. The new state law, Public Recreation on Private Lands

(see page 34) should insure that access for recreation fishing exsits.

3. Canoeing Suitability

Canoeing on the Christina can include pleasure, casual activities, as well

as flat water racing or rrarathon canoeing. To determine the suitability of the

river for this recreational use the following variables have been considered:

*tidal influence

*water depth

Both of these factors are mapped as shown on Figure 12 and indicate a fairly

long reach on the Christina that would be suitable for canoeing. The tidal

27 Roy W. Miller, A Survey of Freshwater Fishing in Delaware. (Dover, DE:
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife) 1978; p. 16.

-58-

influences--from Smalley's.Dam--would be more severe at the mouth and accordingly

should be taken into account in light of the type of canoeing desired.

The suitability of the River for canoeing can be sunmarized to include the

15 miles from Smalley's Dam to the mouth in Wilmington. Aesthetics will also

play a major role in whether people will use the river for pleasure canoeing.

In this respect, the reach between Churchman Road, south of Newport, to Smalley's

Dam offers the most attractive vistas for canoeing.

4. Sailing Suitability

This river based activity is heavily dependent on the following variables:

*tidal influence

*navigational obstructions

*water depth

Table 21 provides a key to the significant navigational obstructions that would

be encountered; these are physically oriented on Figure 12.

-59-

Table 21

NAVIGATIONAL OBSTRUCTIONS

Lower Christina River

Location Nature..of-Obstruction.

A Railroad Swing Bridge;.vertical.clearance 6 feet

B Sunken barge visi ble at low. tide but submrged at high tide

C Third Street Draw Bridge (new); vertical clearance 18 feet.

The old 3rd Street Bridge-will be rexoved.

D Walnut Street Draw Bridge; vertical clearance 19 feet

E Market Street.Draw Bridge; vertical clearance 8 feet

F Railroad Swing Bridge: vertical clearance 6 feet

G Railroad Swing Bridge; vertical clearance 3 feet

H Rai lroad Swing Bridge; vertical clearance 2 feet (according to

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers this bridge is open and abandoned)

1 1-95 fixed bridge; vertical clearance 22 feet

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all draw and swing bridges will open on signal

or in accordance with established regulations.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Nautical Chart,
Delaware River (Smyrna River to Wilmington) 1978.

Since sailing is limited by the height limitations of river crossings

(including roadways and railroad bridges) , there are three identified segnents

on the lower river that are suitable.

-60-

*Segment 1. Between East 7th Street in Wilmington (at the confluence

of the Christina with@@ the Brandywine to the mouth, an d on into the

Delaware River.

*Segment 2. Between Walnut Street in Wilmington (D on Figure 12)

and the railroad swing bridge shown as A on Figure 12.

*Segment 3. Between Market Street in Wilmington (E on Figure 12)

and Newport.

The kind of sailing vessel that can beaccomodated in each segment will be

contingent upon boat length, depth of keel, and height of mast.

5. Small Craft Boating

This category of river based recreational uses includes small power. boats,

runabouts, power dingys, and larger deep craft pleasure vessels. The key

suitability variable is water depth and to a lesser extent tidal @influence.

Figure 12 provides the depths of the river that can be used as a guide to

determine the size of the boating craft that could use the river. It could- be

assumed that at high tide a small boat under power could go as farup the river

as Rt. 7 at Christiana.

-61-

FIGURE 12
CANOEING BRIE SAILING BIBB BOATING SUITABILITY

THE CHRISTINA RIVER WILMINGTON

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

141 CHERRY
DELAWARE 1 495 ISLAND
2
1981

4 N@. --8R

SOB BREAD AND CHEESE
I LAND

------ 295
2

7
j- I.
SCALE IN FEET
273 41 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

NEW RK 273
-Gl=-ND
2

C:l CD C:@7 TIDAL INFLUENCE

4
A-A NAVIGATIONAL OBSTRUCTIONS

896 25 MEAN LOW WATER DEPTH

7
95

40
SO RCE: NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DUEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

PREPARED BY WILLIAM J. COHEN A ASSOCIATES, INC.

POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL SITES AND USES

Composite Recreational Potential

The preceding analysis of land based and river basedrecreational uses can

be viewed as to their potential along definable segments of the river. Therefore,

the following activity areas (or segments) are believed to be a relevant sub-

division of the Christina River main stem for purposes of allocating various

levels of potential recreational use.

Activiity,Area 1. Mo uth of the Christina at Wilmington (the conflu-

ence with the Delaware River) to Newport-a total

of 7.75 miles

Activity Area 2. Newport to Smalley's Pond Dam--a total of 7.25

miles

Activity Area 3. Smalley's Dam to I-95--a total of 8.81 miles

Activity Area 4. 1-95 to the Delaware-Maryland State line--a

total of 6.49 miles

A further focus on each activity area in relation to recreational potential

is shown in Table 22 which indicates highest potential, potential, or no potential

for each land based and river based recreational use. As a point of qualification,

it should be clear that this conclusion is based on all subsequent information

and analysis. It therefore, could be possible, in isolated situations, to find

a "suitable site" for some recreational use within an activity area designated

as having "no potential."

-62-

Table 22

RECREATIONAL USE POTENTIAL BY ACTIVITY AREA

Christina River

Land Based River Based

Nature small
Activity Area Hiking Observation Picnicking Biking Athletics Camping Canoeing Sailing Craft Swimming Fishing
Boating

Mouth to Newport 0 0 0 0 0 HP HP lip 0 HP

Newport to
Smalley's Dam lip HP HP HP 0 P HP 0 p 0 P

Smalley's Dam to
1-95 HP HP HP p HP. 0 0 0 P

1-95 to Stateline p P, P HP HP.. p .0 0 0 HP

HP highest potential
P potential
0 no potential

Source: William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.

A final level of analysis involves combining thexecreational use potential

with points of public access and the location of public lands. Figure 13,

Composite Recreational Potential, is the synthesis of this evaluation. In

addition, the "highest priority sites" as shown on Figure 13 is developed from

an overlap of 3 or more suitable land based recreational uses.

Although most of the potential land for recreational use is in private

ownership, there are, nevertheless, significant areas of publicly owned land that

can be utilized for both land based activities as well as river based activities,

primarily as launching sites forcanoeing, sailing, and small craft boating.

A more detailed explaination of the potential recreation areas outlined on

Figure 13 will specify recreational uses that could be implemented.

Potential Recreational Sites

Following from the carposite recreational potential analysis, four new

sites can be identified along the Christina River that met certain criteria as

follows:

*fronting on the river

*publicly owned

*be suitable for at least three land based or two river

based recreational activities

*have public access or potential access

1. Newport Site

within the corporate limits of Newport a .5-acre site is owned by the

state, fronting on the north side of the River with public access from Water

Street and east of the Rt. 41 overpass. Even though small in size, this site

could serve as a launching area for canoeing and small boats.

On the south side of the Christina there is a large stretch of state owned

land along the river andeastof Rt. 41, with public access from Old Rt. 141.

-64-

FIGURE 13
COMPOSITE RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL

THE CHRISTINA RIVER
NEWCASTLE COUNTY
DELAWARE 141
19B1 2

4 N@.

BOB CB
DREAD AND CHEESE
ISLAND

273

NEWARK 273
2

896

7
95

Previous analysis has not indicated this area to be suitable for land based

activities, however, a launching site at this location for canoes and small

boats would be viable.

2. Churchman(s) Road Site

The State owns a 1.1 acre parcel of land on the south-east corner of the

Churchman Road crossing of the Christina. Access is direct from the road shoulder.

The land based analysis indicated that this area would be suitable for hiking,

nature observation, picnicking, and carrping. In addition, this location could

serve as a launching area for canoeing and small craft boating.

3. Christiana By@Pass Sites

The State of Delaware will complete Right-Of-Way acquisition in 1981 for

the proposed Christiana By-Pass with construction to be completed by 1984. The

By-Pass will connect Rt. 273 (Hares Corner Road) with the 1-95 interchange (at

Rt. 273) and cross the Christina just south of Old Baltimore Pike as shown on

Figure 4. Certain lands on both sides of the river have been or will be

acquired for this roadway improvement with some lands declared as "excess"--

not required for construction or right-of-way purposes. Two areas owned by the

State, that are expected to become excess land, have recreation potential. The

first site, located on the south-east quadrant of the proposed By-Pass,and the

River includes two parcels: one between Shields Lane (which connects to Rt.

273 at Christiana) and the river, equalling .6 of an acre, and a small .14-

acre access across Shields Lane. The other site consists of 10.4 acres between

Old Baltimore Pike and the River in the north-west quadrant of the By-Pass and

the River. Although this second site will have no direct access to Old Baltimore

Pike, there is a contiguous Delmarva Power facility with roadway access. A

shared access between Delmarva and future public uses on the 10.4 acre state

land could be planned, if Delmarva were agreeable, which would then allow

recreational uses on the State owned site.

-65-

Obviously because of the respective sizes' of thesetwo sites,specific

recreation use requirements will need to be mre carefully evaluated. However,

as far as recreational potential is concerned,these areas would be suitable for

hiking, nature observation, and picnicking and as a launch area for canoes.

4. Park Drive Site.

Within the City of Newark a portion of state land will become excess upon

corrpletion of the Newark Connector between Rt. 896 and Elkton Rd. (Rt. 2) that

would have recreational potential. The area includes between 31.2 and 34.2

acres directly off of Park Drive, contiguous to the existing Rittenhouse Park

along the Christina owned by the City of Newark. The site is located on both

sides of the Christina and is suitable for the following recreational uses:

hiking, picnicking, athletics, and camping.

-66-

RBcaqvfl2mTICNS

The following recornmendations are provided as a means of realizing the

potential of recreational activity on the Christina River moreover, it is

believed that greaterrecreational opportunities can be mrade available, with-

out large expenditures of capital improvement funds.

1. Site planning and design analyses should be undertaken for each

of the sites with recreation potential, as identified in this

study. The planning and design analysis would include recreational

uses that are suitable for each site, as well as needed public

access improvements, which will not require sizeable infrastructure

or capital investments.

2. Since the river currently provides recreational activities for

many--especially fishing, canoeing, and sailing--these activities

could serve as the basis for a promotional effort to acquaint-

residents within the County of both existing and potential

recreational activities.

3. A "historic colonial river tour" could be established to take

advantage of tourism potential, for those traveling Interstate

1-95 between Cooch's Bridge and the Village of Christiana. The

colonial river tour could be an appropriate respite for long

distance travelers who could get on or off 1-95 at either Rt.

896 (near Cooch's Bridge) or Rt. 273 (near Christiana). The tour

could include visiting the Cooch's Bridge Historic District and

the Village of Christiana, and utilize points in between for

relaxation, picnicking, casual walking, and possibly camping.

Existing motel and restaurant facilities could provide.overnight

-67-

and eating accomodations. In effect this recommendation coi@ld

be implemented through a promotional campaign.

4. Since practically the entire length of the river has been nominated

as a critical area by various units of government, it should be

established as a State, County, and Municipal policy that further

urbanization would be strictly regulated withi n a "River Corridor"

to be defined as reserved for public recreation, conservation, and

critical area protection. A County flood plain ordinance similar

in scope to that enacted in the City of Newark could achieve this

end.

5. As determined by the land based suitability analysis, the activity

of bicycling can be conducted on many streets and roadways near

the River. A Christina River bikeway system could be developed

after a more in-depth evaluation of access points and a pattern

of bike trails intersecting with public roadways could be signed

for easy use. The proposed bicycle path, known as the Christina

River Trail, could be extended along the Christina shoreline to

the New Christiana By-Pass.

6. Although many roadway--crossings of the Christina exist, direct

public access to the Christina could be better achieved through

signs or markings and improved roadway shoulders, on publicly

owned land.

-68-

APPENDICES

-69-

Appendix 1

SHORELINE OWNERSHIP INVENTORY

Hundred Map No. Parcel No. Size Ownership
7Bank

Wilmington City 67.00 003 (L) 149.00 ac. City of Wilm.-Harbor Board
65.00 002 (R) 36.17 ac. U.'S.A.
64.00 001 (R) 6.62 ac. U.S.A.
67.00 001 (L) 3.49 ac. Mayor & Council of Wilmington
63.00 016 (L) 28.60 ac. Frederic A. Potts & Co., Inc.
59.00 002 (R) 121.99 ac. U.S.A.
59.00 001 (R) 51.65 ac. Mayor & Council of Wilmington
63.00 Oll (L) 8.70 ac. Frederic A. Potts & Co., Inc.
63.00 017 (L) 0.98 ac. Frederic A. Potts & Co., Inc.
58.00 019 (L) 22.69 ac. DuPont Co.
58.00 017 (L) 1.08 ac. Mayor & Council of Wilmington.
58.00 016 (L) 12.52 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
59.00 003 (R) 12.87 ac. City of Wilmington
51.00 022 (L) 50.93 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
51.00 023 (L) 2.22 ac. Commerce St. Realty
51.00 024 (L) 1.08 ac. Commerce St. Realty
52.00 007 (R) 11.68 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
52.00 003 (R) 6.80 ac. City of Wilmington
44.00 013 (R) 8.81 ac. Fort Christina Marina Inc.
44.00 012 (R) 4.95 ac. First State Enterprises
44.00 031 (R) 0.59 ac. John R. Kaiser
44.00 011 (R) 0.45 ac. John R. Kaiser
44.00 009 (R) 2.18 ac. State of Delaware
44.00 008 (R) 7.38 ac. Wilson Marine Repair
44.00 035 (R) .0.67 ac. State of Delaware
44.00 036 (R) 0.13 ac. State of Delaware
44.00 025 (L) 0.01 ac. mayor & Council of Wilmington
44.00 024 (L) 0.72 ac. Grnwd Corp. c/o Berg Boat Co.
51.00 010 (L) 2.73 ac. Four B's Realty Co.
51.00 009 (L) 2.69 ac. Edward Schneider & wife
51.00 008 (L) 3.03 ac. Saienni Bros. Blacktop Prod.
51.00 007 (L) 0.79 ac. Saienni Bros. Blacktop Prod.
51.00 025 (L) 1.30 ac. State of Delaware '
51.00 005 (L) 0.02 ac. State Highway Department
51.00 004 (L) 2.61 ac. Diamond Industries Inc.
51.00 003 (L) 3.81 ac. Darcmann Inc.
51.00 001 (L) 16.87 ac. Diamond Industries, Inc.
44.00 004 (R) 11.19 ac. City of Wilm. Harbor Board
44.00 001 (R) 2.06 ac. Rollins Outdoor'Advertising Inc.
50.00 040 (L) 0.74 ac. Jess Auto Supply Inc.
50.00 039 (L) 6.05 ac. Delaware Humane Association
50.00 038 (L) 1.55 ac. Leonard Yermal & C. H. Tefke
50.00 037 (L) 1.02 ac. John Staeffler
50.00 036 (L) 2.12 ac. Henry W. Rutkowski & wife
50.00 035 (L) 1.89 ac. Frederic G. Krapf & sons
50.00 032 (R) 8.43 ac. Charles J. Lang
50.00 034 (L) 1.05 ac. William J. Maher Jr. & wife
50 00 033 (L) 0.52 ac. State of Delaware

-70-

Hundred Map No. Parcel No. Size Ownership
Bank.

50.00 009 -(L) 1.77 ac. Frederic G. Krapf & Sons
50.00 008 '(L)' 1.24 ac. Frederic G. Krapf & Sons
50.00 006 (L) 1.03 ac. Certified Concrete of Del.
43.00 021 ( R) 3.16 ac. DCCar Corporation
43.00 020 (R ) 3.20 ac.. Zallea Brothers Inc.
43.00 019 (R) 1.87 ac. Wilco Realty Co. Inc.
43.00 028 (R) 0.20 ac. National Passenger Railroad Corp.
43.00 015 (R) 1.36 ac. Transportation Associates
43.00 014 (R) 0.27 ac. Transportation Associates
43.00 013 (R) 1.07 ac. ..P & P Enterprises Inc.
43.00 007 (R) 1.02 ac. B & 0 RR Co.
43.00 006 (R) 0.98 ac. B & 0 RR Co.
43.00 005 (R) 0 * 85 ac. Berger Company
43.00 003 (R) 2.15 ac. Wesley Realty Co.
43.00 004 (R) 0.94 ac. Equipment Clearing House
43.00 002 (R) 2.93 ac. State Dept. of Cam. Affairs & Eco.
43.00 010 (L) 1.29 ac. Thcmas & Anita McBride
43.00 009 (L) 0.48 ac. City of Wilm. Water Department
43.00 008 (L) 2.44 ac. Samuels Realty Co.
42.00 015 (L) 0.37 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
42.00 006 (R) 8.70 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
49.00 005 (R) 15.29@-ac. HUB Marine & Industrial
49.00 003 (R) 3.93 ac. Wilm. Ind. Realty Corp.
49.00 006 (L) 0.01 ac. George Mellon Jr. & wife
49.00 007 (L) 5.00 ac. H.Schwartz & sons
49.00 008 (L) 1.92 ac. Wallace Axselle
49.00 009 (L) 5.50 ac. Shellhorn & Hill
49.00 010 (L) 2.58 ac. Natalie: Rita Gordon
49.00 Oil (L) 6.03 ac. Shotmeyer Oil Co.
49.00 012 (L) 2.09 ac. James T. Collins
49.00 013 (L) 4.29 ac. William & Maxine C. Lamplugh
49.00 014 (L) 5.18 ac. State Dept. of Comm. Affairs & Eco;
57.00 001 (L) 3.82 ac. Elizabeth H. Walker
57.00 002 (L) 3.18 ac. VAPAT Inc.
57.00 003 (L) 3.16 ac. VAPAT Inc.
New Castle Hundred 1.00 062 (L) 1.67 ac. Tire Sales and Service Inc.
1.00 061 (L) 1.93 ac. Tire Sales and Service Inc.
1.00 002 (L) 1.62 ac. Frederic G. Krapf Jr. & wife
1.00 009 (L) 3.70 ac. Irene Casper
1.00 056 (L) 9.07 ac. O'Brien Realty Corp.
1.00 065 (L) 2.90 ac. Delmarva Pcwer & Light
1.00 012 '(L) 13.50 ac. New Castle Historical Society
1.X 013 (L) 15.10 ac. Homer W. Booker Jr.
8.00 001 (L 43.66 ac. DuPont Cr-mpany
8.00 002 (L) 21.64 ac. Dominic A. Necastro
8.00 010 (L) 5.06 ac. Earl'L. Vandenhe'uvel & wife
Oil @(t) @7.94 ac. Edward Crescenzo
8.00 015 (L) 1.90 ac. Jams & Susanne Baker
8.00 016 -(L ) 1.84 ac. B & F Towing and Salvage Co.
8.00 017 (L) 1.76 ac. Roland Hamilton & wife

-71-

Hundred -Map No. Parcel No. Size Ownership
-Bank.

8.00 018 '(L)' 1.73 ac. Edward F. Klosowski & wife
8.00 019 m) 1.73 ac. Allen J. & Johnnie Russell
8.00 020 (L)' 1.70 ac. Genis Enterprises
8.00 021 (L) 5.73 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
8.00 035 (L) .2.78 ac. John R. Hardy
8.00 025 (L) 3.29 ac. Judson Goldsborough & wife
8.00 026 _(L) 1.92 ac. J. Sutton Hamilton
8.00 027 (L) 4.76 ac. Horisks Salvage Pool Inc.
8.00 037 (L) 4.69 ac. Joseph T. & Bernice Morgan
8.00 034 (L) 1.96 ac. Edward & Daniel Waxman
8.00 028 (L) 1.35 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
12.00 001 (L) 5.32 ac. Sante & Aldine Volpe
12.00 002 (L) 4.00 ac. State Dept. of Cam. Aff. & Eco. Dev
12.00 003 (L) 3.80 ac. Edward & Pat Breitenbach
13.00 003 (L) 26.49 ac. State of Delaware
12.40 017 (L) 5.81 ac. William J. McKinney
12.40 018 (L) 2.00 ac. Raymond L. & Theresa C. Rash
12.40 019 (L) 2.09 ac. Raymond Cathell & wife
12.40 020 (L) 1.96 ac. Theodore Grunza
12.40 021 (L) 1.65 ac. Anthony F. Ruggiero & wife
12.40 022 (L) 4.00 ac. William R. Jr. & Darlyn..Reed
12.40 055 .(L) 1.33 ac. William R. Jr. & Darlyn Reed
12.40 023 (L) 1.32 ac. William R. Jr. & Darlyn Reed
12.40 024 (L) 1.31 ac. James T. Dailey & wife
12.40 025 (L) 2.16 ac.. Albert A. Donofrio & wife
12.40 026 (L) 1.12 ac. Charles G. Ryan Jr. & wife
12.40 027 (L) 2.46 ac. Myron J. Long
12.40 Oll (L) 1.02 ac. Herlel Corp.
12.40 012 (L) 0.92 ac. Herlel Corp.
12.40 013 (L) 0.84 ac. Herlel Corp.
12.40 014 (L) 2.53 ac. John E. Steele & wife'.
12.40 015 (L) 2.47 ac. Conrad A. Rexroad & wife
12.40 001 (L) 4_00 ac. Conrad A. Rexroad & wife
12.40 002 (L) 1.30 ac. Michael L. Maiorano
12.40 054 (L) 1.15 ac. George A. Maicrano & wife
12.40 059 (L) 1.00 ac. Paul Sr. & Joyce Fitzwater
12.40 003 (L) 0.86 ac. Clarence L. & Eleano Sheats
17.20 001 (L) 0.73 ac. Clarence L. & Eleano Sheats
17.20 002 (L) 0..66 ac. Mary Chambers
17.20 003 (L) 0.61 ac. Woodrow Chambers
17.20 004 (L)' 0.53 ac. George P. Eleckho & wife
17.20 005 (L) 1.08 ac. Joseph G. Marinari & wife
17.00 001 (w 1.10 ac. State of Delaware
17.00 002 (L)' 3.80 ac. Arthur C. Lamborn & wife
17.00 003 (L) 18.54 ac. Mildred L. Sannit,et. al.
17.00 004 (L) 31.86 ac. moore Brothers Inc.
17.00 005 '(L) 40.00 ac. State of Del.-Division of Motor Vel
17.30 001 M), 28.58 ac. L6vy Court of'New Castle County
23.10 001 12.06 ac. State of Delaware
23.00 001 44.40 ac. L6vy Court of New Castle County

-72-

Hundred Map No. Parcel No.. Size, Ownership
-Bank

23.00 009 (L) 1.39 ac.' New Castle County
28.00 025 @(L) 85.82 ac. New Castle County
28.00 041 (L) 4.58 ac. New Castle County
28.00 001 (L) 18.25 ac. Racbej-:-P. Justi_s
28.00 006 (L) 1.85 ac. James.E. Brocmall wife
28.00 007 (L) 2.61 ac4 State of Delaware
28.00 020 (L) 43.85 ac. State of Delaware
28.30 243 (L) 57.17 ac. Rivers End Inc.
32.00 001 (L) 1 24.87 ac. Wilmington Suburban Water Co.
This parcel has been 32.00 002 (L) 173.38 ac. Smalley's Dam Venture Inc.
divided into indivi- 38.00 001 (L) 121.12 ac. Whittington Sand & Gravel
dual lots-Taylortowm . 43.00 003 (L) 120.19 ac. Abram P.'Fox & wife
43.00 002 (L) 32.29 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
38.30 001 (L) 38.62 ac. James P. Brennan--Trustee
38.30 182 (L) 1.09 ac. J & A Properties Inc.
42.00 001 (L) 16.88 ac. William Saienni & wife
Christiana Hundred 44.10 002 (R) 11.69 ac. Wilmington Ind. Realty Corporation
44.10 003 (R) 56.12 ac. HUB Marine and Ind.
44.10 004 (R) 14.32 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
43.40 055 (R) 130.00 ac. New Castle County
48.10 001 (R) 4.52 ac. New Castle County
47.20 416 (R) 30.94 ac. New Castle County
47.40. 006 (R) 11.49 ac. Edgar T. & Thetis R. Harvey
47.30 108 (R) 47.15 ac. DuPont Ccmpany
46.40 310 (R) 317.10 ac. DuPont Company
Newport Town 04.00 030 (R) 13.22 ac. Edgar T. & Thetis R. Harvey
04.00 033 (R) 0.34 ac. Edgar T. Harvey
04.00 02.1 (R) 23.62 ac. Commissioners of Newport
04.00 020 (R) 19.35 ac. Howard P. Wilson
04.00 019 (R) 1.09 ac. DuPont Ccmpany
04.00 017 (R) 0.49 ac. DuPont Company
03.00 090 (R) 0.26 ac. John J. Cassidy Jr. & wife
03.00 089 (R) 0.19 ac. Albert L..Freeman & wife
03.00 088 (R) 0.11 ac. DuPont Company
03.00 087 (R) 0.11 ac. Rachel P. Justis
03.00 086 (R) 10.11 ac. State of Delaware
03.00 096 (R) 0.39 ac. State of Delaware
03.00 084 (R) 0.20 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
03.00 083 (R) 9.10 ac. DuPont Company
White Clay Creek 19.00 032 (R) 515.77 ac. Artesian Water Co.
25.10 095 (R) 44.69 ac. Capano Development Co.
24.00 013 (R) 152.51 ac. Cavaliers of Delaware Inc.
24.00 014 (R) 142.64 ac. F. E. and Maria A. H. Acierno
30.00 082 (R) 243.85 ac. Albert H. Marta, et. al.
30.00 080 (R) 14.60 ac. State of Delaware
30.30 047 (R) 1.47 ac-. Jacob'L. Green & wife
30.30 083 (R) .0.25 ac. State of Delaware
30.30 082 (R) :0.18 ac. John E. Adamson
30.30 081 (R) 0.62 ac. Edward J. Gordon 3d & wife
30.30 067 (R) .0.62 ac. John Gadomski &.wife

-73-

Hundred Map.No. Parcel No. Size Ownership
T-Bank

30.30 064 (R) 1.07 ac. Lillie E. Baker
30.30 063 (R.) 2.45 ac. Lloyd B. Baker &.wife
35.10 003 (R) 0.78 ac. Alwin F.' & Dorothy T..Archer
35.10 004 (R) 1@74 ac. Roy J. Musser & wife
35.10 005 (R) 3.48 ac. Lela G. Cleaver
35.00 012 (R) 20.97 ac. State of Delaware
35.00 Oll (R) @7.88 ac. State of Delaware
35,00 014 (R ) 2 21.45 ac. Delmarva Power &,Light
2This parcel has been 34.00 037 (R) 78.45 ac. Wilmington Suburban Water Corp.
subdivided into two 34.00 026 (R) 0.04 ac. Ann B. Hutson
parcels, 58.99 ac. 34.00 027 (R) 0.09 ac. Alan R. Gregor
and 19.46 ac.-- 34.00 028 (R) 5.09 ac. Ann B. Hutson
Wilmington Suburban 38.00 042 (R) 29.63 ac. Delaware Canoe Club
Water Corp. 38.00 043 (R) 12.00 ac. Marvin & Anna Hershberger
38.00 044 (R) 107.41 ac. Eastern States Construction Co.
41.00 005 (R) 46.29 ac. Charles A. Walther Jr.
41.00 002 (R) 105.85 ac. Associated Capitol Inv. Inc.
41.00 009 (R) 8.82 ac. Frank E. Acierno
41.00 010 (R) 8.82 ac. Frank E. Acierno
40.00 018 (R) 37.64 ac. Frank E. Acierno
40.00 016 (R) 138.13 ac. A. Gray & Donald L. Magness
37.30 017 (R) 12.18 ac. Pierce Builders Inc.
37.00 017 (R) 6.42 ac. Charles W. Mullins
37.00 013 (R) 8.14 ac. Clarence S. Reed Jr.
37.00 010 (R) 77.13 ac. Edgar T. Harvey Jr. & wife
36.00 006 (R) 60.59 ac. Jesse E. Gorman & wife
39.00 001 (R) 21.88.ac. Vernon Camly & wife
26.00 002 (L-R) 39.09 ac. Edward C. Wilson & wife
26.00 003 (L-R) 7.21 ac. Arthur P. Mayer & wife
26.00 001 (L) 45.74 ac. DuPont Company
20.10 018 (L-R) 1.60 ac. W. Eugene Renn & wife
13.00 046 (L) 1.57 ac. Charles K. Skinner
13.00 042 (L) 2.59 ac. David E. Lamb & wife
13.00 043 (L-R) 3.08 ac. William J. Lawler
13.00 041 (L-R) 158.60 ac. Ates-Kay Company
07.30 039 (R) 1.61 ac. Elnily M. Eppes
07.30 038 (R) 10.76 ac. Val E. Arnsdorf & wife
07.30 037 (R) 1.01 ac. Emmett J. Conte Jr. & wife
07.30 036 (R) 3.81 ac. Alvin L. Acker Jr. & wife
07.30 035 (R) .1.00 ac. Bridle Brook Inc.
07.30 034 (R) 1.12 ac. Christoper C. & Mary Mench
07.30 033 (R) 1.10 ac. David W. & Helen St. Clair
07.30 032 (1@) ---,,0494 ac. Raymond K. Arzinger & wife
07.30 031 @(L--@R) 0.91 ac. George J. & Mabel C. W. Henry
07.30 030 (L) 0.93 ac. Bridle Brook Inc.
Pencader Hundred 19.00 006 (L) 3.93 ac. James-F. Beckley & wife
19.00 005 (L) 8.57 ac. Jan@--s P. Brennan & wife,@ et. al.
15.00 001 (L) 196.35'ac. Donald L.* and Gray A. Magness
14.00 073 (L) 161.60 ac. John A * Sniadowski, et. al.
14.00 066 29.10 ac. Delma rva Power & Light

-74-

Hundred Map No.. Parcel No. Size@ Ownership
-Bank.

14.00 054 (L) 2.00 ac. State of Delaware
14.00 051 (R) 52.44 ac. Vernon Comly
14.00 043 (L 82.09 ac. Delmarva Power & Light
14.00 b80 (R) 2.65 ac. Bruce F. Harvey.
14.00 044 (L-R) 33.97 ac. Dayett.Mills Inc.
10.00 009 (L-R) 229.19 ac. Edward-.W.@ Cooch " Jr.
09.00 035 (R) 0.37 ac. John-H. Jr. & Elnora Davis
09.00 032 (L) 37.43 ac.' Trustees of Welsh Tract Bap. Church
09.00 034 (L) 1.72 ac. William P. & Virginia Wegman
04.00 M (L) 16.73 ac. Manor Real Estate Co.
01.00 001 (L) 105.44 ac. Pauline A. Mayer Inc.
01.00 007 (L-R) 8.06 ac. Perry L. Munday & wife
Newark City 47.00 005 (R) 11.39 ac. F. Schumacher & Co.
46.00 037 (R) 0.39 ac. Charles A. & Rebecca Weber
46.00 036 (R) 0.45 ac. William Trush & wife
46.00 035 (R) 0.62 ac. Cloyce H. Heegard & wife
46.00 034 (R) 0.49 ac. William J. Clancy 3d & wife
46.00 033 (R) 0.74 ac. Benjamin J. Southman & wife
46.00 032 (R) 1.15 ac. Bryon N. Baer & wife
46.00 030 (R) 0.92 ac. Eugene L. Fraze & wife
46.00 029 (R) 1.38 ac. Samuel L. Dowell & wife
46.00 028 (R) 1.90 ac. Alexander Botluck & wife
46.00 024 (R) 3.36 ac. Colando Corp.--Joe Martin
46.00 094 (R) 0.78 ac. James F. Wood Jr. & wife
44.00 074 (L) 2.02 ac. City of Newark
44.00 078 (R) 5.40 ac. Benson Associates
44.00 075 (L) .2.30 ac. Benson Associates
44.00 076 (R) 1.90 ac. Newark Land Inv. Co.
44.00 020 (R) 0.35 ac. John S. Coates
44.00 019 (R) 0.46 ac. Patricia R. Rockwell
44.00 018 (R) 0.50 ac. Stanley W. Smith & wife
44.00 017 (R) 0.48 ac. Robert E. Snyder & wife
43.00 139 (L-R) 43.71 ac. City of Newark
43.00 138 (L) 4.99 ac. City of Newark
39.00 004 (L-R) 34.29 ac. State of Delaware
39.00 003 (L-R) 1.83 ac. City of Newark
38.00 001 (L-R) 39.02 ac. Manor Real Estate Co.
34.00 053 (R) 8.50 ac. Manor Real Estate Co.
34.00 050 (R) 15.01 ac. Pauline A. Mayer Inc.
23.00 032 19.72 ac. Mortgage Investors of Washington
23.00 033 (L-R) 4.52 ac. City of Newark
23.00 034 (R) 11.44 ac. Catherine R. Williams, et. al.
23.00 030 (L-R) 10.56 ac. City of Newark
18.00 058 (R) 12.09 ac. Board of Ed.--Newark Special School 11
18.00 432 (L) 2.10 ac. City of Newark
12.00 279 (L-R) 14.71 ac. City of Newark
12.00 102 (R) 0.24 ac. Larry W. Martin &.wife
12.00 101 (R) .0.24 ac. Thomas-C. Maddux & wife
12.00 100 (R) 0.23 ac. Edward J. Guringo & wife
12.00 099 (R) 0.22 ac. H. James Dobbs

-75-

Hundred Map No. Parcel No. Size Ownership
-Bank

12.00 098 (R) 0.26 ac. Trevor N. Jr. & Linda Dupuy
12.00 096 (R) 0.26 ac. Lillian Grant
12.00 095 (R) 0.25 ac. George B. Marline Jr. & wife
'12.00 087 (R) 0.59 ac. Harry P. Graham & wife
06.00 010 (R) 0.36 ac. Lester C. Gerard Jr. & wife
06.00 Oll (R) 0.43 ac. City of Newark

(L) indicates the left bank and (R) indicates the right bank of the river travelling
upstream

Source: Real Estate Atlas of New Castle County, Delaware. (Seventh Edition: 1980)
Miami, Florida: Real Estate Data, Inc.

-76-

Appendix 2

WATER QUALITY TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Water Quality Standards

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

(DNREC) has established standards for rivers and streams to meet water quality

goals. The water quality guidelines used in developing standards is stated as

follows:

It is the policy of the State to maintain within its jurisdiction a
reasonable quality of water consistent with public health and public
recreation purposes, the propagation and protection of fish and
wildlife, including birds, animals, and all other terrestrial andl
aquatic life, as well as the industrial development of the State.

The official Delaware stream quality standards are provided in Table A-1

and do not differentiate among various water uses such as swimming and fishing.

Table A-1

DEEAVPM WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

Criterion Standard

Water Temperature for coastal and estuarine waters: 85'F, with no rise
of greater than 40F from September to may or l..50F from
June to August

for non-tidal streams: 8.50F, no rise of greater than
5OF

dissolved oxygen non-tidal portions: daily average 5mg/l, minimum 4ng/l
tidal portions: daily average 6mg/l, minimum 5rng/l

turbidity for coastal and estuarine waters: monthly .average 40
JTIJ, maximum 150 JTU

for non-tidal stream: not to exceed natural back-
ground by more than 10 JTU, maximum 25 JTU

suspended solids less than 25mg/1 for maximum protection of aquatic
life

less than 80rng/1 for moderate protection of aquatic
life

'Water Quality Standards For Streams, DNREC,(1979).
-77-

Table A-1 continued

Criterion Standard.

fecal coliform maximum log mean 200 col./100.ml

total coliform 70 per 100 ml/median; not more than 10% of all samples
may exceed 230/100 ml

pH 6.5 to 8.5

total alkalinity not less than 20 mg/l as CaCO3

total acidity not to exceed alkalinity by 20 mg/l at any time

alpha emitters maximum 3 pc/l

beta emitters maximum 1000 pc/l

phenolic compounds non-tidal portions: .01 mg/l
tidal portions: .005 mg/l

toxic substances DDT: .001 ug/l PCB's: .001 ug/l
Aldrin: .003 ug/l Benzidine: 0.1 ug/l
Dieldrin: .003 ug/l Endrin: 0.2 ug/l
Toxaphene: .005 ug/l

ammonia N not to exceed .4 mg/l

total N not to exceed 3.0 mg/l

total dissolved solids not to exceed 250 mg/l of which the sulfate portion may
not exceed 100 mg/l

flourides .2 mg/l

Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Delaware 1980 Water Quality Inventory.

-78-

Although these@standards will be used as the basis for water quality

anal ysis of the Christina, it should be noted that certain water uses require

higher standards. For example, the Delaware River Basin Comm ission has developed

standards for dissolved oxygen content in fishable waters. The minimum require-

ments are a seasonal ave .rage of 6.5 mg/l and a minimum at one tine of 4.0 mg/l.

The recommended minima are 5.0 mg/l for the summer season and 6.0 mg/l for the
spring season. 2

Water Quality Assessment

The Delaware 1980 Water Quality Inventor reporting'the findings of the

1979 sampling program, indicates that water quality of the Christina River is

improving. On the Lower Christina, all stations showed improvement since 1977.

with respect to dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, organic nitrogen, ammonia

nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, pH, lead, copper, nickel, manganese, and zinc.

However, levels of fecal coliform bacteria showed no improven-ent since 1977,
3
and 2 stations were over State and EPA limits. Point source discharges had

also decreased sharply. On the Upper Christina, however, only slight improve-
ments in water quality were observed since 1977. Saturation of dissolved

oxygen and gross amount of dissolved oxygenhad increased and these factors were

rarely a problem. No readings were in violation of state standards. Some

ffetals concentrations improved, though the Upper Christina was judged to have

low assimilative capacity and problems with fecal coliform bacteria were observed,
especially in the northern areas. 4

2
Dissolved Oxygen Requirements of a."Fishable" Delaware River Estuary,
Ad-Hoc Task Force to Evaluate Dissolved Oxygen Requireimnts of Indigenous
Estuary Fish. Report to the Delaware River Basin Commission. 1979.

3
DNREC, Delaware 1980 Water Quality Inventory; p. 69.
4 Ibid.; p. 71.

-79-

The DNREC Technical Services Division has made a*vailable for this study

the results of the 1980 water quality sampling, whi ch were'used in the detailed

water quality assessments.

Tables A-2 through A-5 show the results of the sampling at 11 locations on

the Christina for each of the four yearly seasons. These results were then

compared with the State Water Quality Standards for Streams. It should be

noted that some criteria were cited as being in violation even if the result

is within the standards, Although the seasonal average may not be in violation,

a violation was recorded at a particular point in time.

Table A-2

WATER QUALITY SAMPLING-WINTER

Christina River

Samplipg Stations

Third St. Route Smalley's Walther Salem Route Old Chestnut Persimmon Elkton Nottingham
Criteria Bridge 41 Pond Dam Road Ch. Rd. 72 Balt. Pk. Hill Rd. Run Road Road

Dissolved 13.1 14.1 14.3 13.6 13.1 13.3 15.0 15.3 13.8 14.7 14.6
oxygen (mg/1)

pH 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.0 7.6 6.8 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.8 7.1

Alkalinity 44.7 46.5 22.3 22.0 17.7* 18.0* 28.0 25.0 21.3* 24.0 20.5
(mg/l as CaCO 3

co
Acidity 5.0 4.5 4.7 5.5 4.5 5.5 8.0 4.5 6.3 5.0 5.5
(mg/l as CaC03)

Fecal coliform
ba'cteria 623.3* 125.0 50.0 20.0 10.0 25.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 15.0 120.0
(colonies/100ml)

Turbidity (units) 16.7 7.5 7.0 7.0 13.0 15.0* A. 0 2.5 3.0 2.0 1.5

Ammonia N (mg/1) .48* .12 .13 .10 .11 .10 .20 .20 1.73* .10 .10

Total N (mg/1) .98 .65 .45 .55 .35 .65 .50 .45 2.0 .25 .40

Total Violations 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0

*-violation
Source: DNREC Technical Services Division

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SELECTED REFERENCES

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SELECTED REFERENCES

C. J. O'Donnell,.F. R. Selby, and William J. Cohen,, Background Information:
Delaware Urban Waterfront Project, (William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.)
prepared for the Delaware Of f ice of Managementr Budget, and Planning (1979) .

New Castle. County Areawide Waste. Treatment Management .(208) Program,
Capability Mapping as a Means of Improving Environmental Quality: Prerequisites
and Methods, (1977)

Cherry Island Urban Design Study, Philadelphia, PA: University of Penn-
sylvania, (1969).

Joachim Tourbier, The Christina Basin: The Protection of Water Resources
as a Basis for Planning In Developing Areas, University of Delaware: Water
Resources Center (N. D.).

New Castle County Department of Planning, Christiana Preservation.Plan, (1977).

J. Tourbier, "The Christina Project--Environmental Protection in Urban
Growth Areas." Urban Land (September 1972).

City of Newark, Delaware, Planning Department, Christina River Property 2ad,
Natural Features Survey (1977).

W. Cohen and J. Hall, Christina River Stream Valley Guidelines for Acquisition
and Financing, Newark, Delaware, Planning Department (1977).

Kendree and Shepherd Planning Consultants. City 2f Newark Comprehensive
Developffent Plan Volume II. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Kendree and Shepherd,
(1969).

Delaware Office of Managment, Budget, and Planning. Delaware Coastal
Management Progr and Final Envirorcental Impact Statement (1979).

A. L. Strong, S. Slade, F. Crawford, P. Tabas. Delaware Law and Potential
Land Use and Performance Controls for the Christina Basin. University of
Delaware, Water Resources Center (1972).

Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Delaware Preservation Check-
list (1974).

C. A. Weslager, Delaware's Forgotten River: The Story of the Christina
(Wilmington: Hambleton, Inc., 1947).

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and.Environmental Control,
Delaware Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (1979).

Delaware 1980 Water Quality Inventory, DNREC (1980).

Ad-Hoc Task Force to Evaluate Dissolved Oxygen Requirements-of.Indigenous
Estuary Fish, Dissolved 0xvqen*Requirements of a "Fishable" Delaware River
Estuary. Report to the Delaware River Basin Corrmission (1979).

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Richard C. Reichard, "Distribution of American Shad and Other Anadromous
Species in the Tributaries of the Delaware River Basin." Delaware River Basin
Anadromous Fishery Project Ccupletion Report (1.979).

Delaware Department.of-Natural Resources and Ehvironmental Control, Draft,
Delaware River Heritage System. [To be Chapter 74 of the laws of the Sta@_t_e of
Delaware] (1981).

E. Babig, Draft of Recreational Sur= Model for Delaware, Delaware Nature
Education Society (1980).

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Flood-Plain Information. Christina River
(Christiana.Acres to Cooch's Bridge) and Belltown Runs New Castle County,
5@laware (1968).

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Flood-Plain Information-Christina.River.
(Delaware River to Christiana Acres), Wilmington.- New Castle County, Delaware
(1970).

New Castle County Department of Planning, Lhe Greater Newark Planning
District Plan, 1985 (1974).

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, "List of Navigable and Non-navigable Water-
ways in the Philadelphia District." (1972).

N. Bigelow, A Literary Search for the Christina Basin Project, University
of Delaware, Water Resources Center (1972).

New Castle County Department of Planning, The Lower Ch@istina Planning
District Plan, 1985. (1974).

P. Seidenstat, The Market for Water,Based Outdoor Recreation Service in
New Castle Coun , Ei@_Iavia_re. Newark, Delaware: University of Delaware, Water
Resources Center (1966).

Kinsey Assoc iates" Master Development Plan: Coventry Ridge/Lewden Green
Park [Christinall, prepared for New Castle County Department of Parks and
Recreation (1974).

K. R. Demars and R. Richards, Jr., et. al., Mill on the Christina: A Historic
Engineering Study of the Dayett Mill Conplex, Uni-versi-,ty of Delaware Department
of Ci1Al Engineering (1980).

National Urban Recreation Study: Philadelphia--Wilmington-Trenton Area.
Washington, DC: Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (1977).

New Castle County Department of Planning, New Castle County Bikeway Plan (1979).

R. Agnello, L. Donnelley, and R. Kirk, New Castle County Delaware River
Shoreline Study, University of Delaware Depa@@nt of Economics and College of
Marine Studies (1977).

Departmnt of Natural Resources.'an(@- EnvirQraental Control. New Castle
County Natural Areas Study (1975).

New Castle County Department of Planning, Natural P@Xsical Chacteristics.
A County Comprehensive Development Plan Background STudy (19b/).
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M. Stanton, New Castle County Stream'Use Survey, Water Resources Agency for
New Castle 'County (1979).

New Castle County.Departnent.of-Planning, The New Castle Coun -2pRer
Christina Planning District Plan., 1985 (1.974).

B. Coston and J. Thurbier,.(apen.Space Controls for the Protection of Water
Resources in the Christina Rivet Basin. Univeristy of Delaware, Water Resources
Center 719T2-)

New Castle County Department of Planning,.Parks.and Recreation Areas, A
County Comprehensive Development Plan Background Study (1967).

City of Wilmington Planning Department, A Pilot Plan for Wilmiq2ton's In-
Town Riverfront (1979).

U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Proceedings: River Recreation
Management and Research Symposium. General Technical Report New Ca7s-tle - 28.
North Central Forest Experiment Station (1977).
S. O'Byrne' and P. Thoupson, Project R. 0. W., Cityside, Inc. (1981).

R. K. Turner, "The Recreational Response to Changes in Water Quality: A
Survey and Critique." International Journal of Environmental Studies, (Volume
11, 1977).

W. J. Cohen and C. J. O'Donnell, Redevelopment Potential of the Delaware
Urban Waterfront (William J. Cohen and Associates, Inc.), prepared for the
Delaware Office of Management, Budget, and Planning (1979).

Report of the Delaware Tomorrow Commission (1976).

Report of the Governor's Task Force on Marine Recreation (1980).

Scott J. Beck and Victor J. Schuler, "A Report on Fishes, With Special
Reference to Anadromous Species, Taken in Sampling During and After Hydraulic
Dregding in the Vicinity of the Wilmington Maine Terminal During April through
June 1976." Prepared for the Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District. Ithaca,
New York: Ichthyological Associates, Inc. (1976).

A Review of Institutional and Legal a@Eects of Water Supply Policies in
Delaware, Part Two (Dover, DE: Departzent of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control (1979).

B. Kraeuter, Reivew of Nona-Dcmestic Point Source Discharges, New Castle
County Areawide Waste Treatment Management Program (1976).

A. Demetriou and Linton and Company, Riverfront Study for Wilmington,
Delaware. Prepared for the Wilmington Department of Planning and Development,
Two Volumes (1977).

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey,
New Castle County (1970).

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Roy W. Miller, A Survey on Freshwater Fishi in Delaware. Delaware Division
of Fish and Wildlife (1978).

Urban Route Bicycle System, City of Newark. City of Newark Planning
Department (1973).
Department of-Natural Resources and Enviornmental Control. Water Quality
Standards for Streams (1970).

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