In response to the November 2004, M/T /Athos I/ oil spill in the Delaware Bay region, federal and state co-trustees developed a draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan (DARP), now available for public comment. The draft DARP proposes nine alternative restoration projects to address injuries to natural resources and recreational opportunities in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania caused by the oil spill. These projects are expected to total over $20 million.

Federal and state trustees, including the Department of the Interior, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey assessed natural resource injuries caused by the massive oil spill when the ship ran aground in the Delaware region. The spill released 265,000 gallons of crude oil into the tri-state area, affecting over 280 miles of shoreline habitats, aquatic organisms, birds and other wildlife, as well as recreational opportunities.  

The projects proposed in the draft DARP include restoring 300 acres of oyster, marsh, shoreline, wet meadow, and grassland habitat; three recreation projects; and four projects to remove obstructions restricting the movement of anadromous fish, along with stream habitat restoration. 

These projects will improve fishing, boating, hunting and wildlife viewing, provide green jobs during construction, and address educational, public access, and environmental justice needs.

The draft DARP is available for 45-days public comment. At the close of the comment period, the co-trustees will review all comments received, make appropriate revisions, and release a final plan.