Project Description
To compensate for the loss of recreational opportunities caused by the M/T Athos I oil spill, improvements were made to the 7th Street boat ramp in Wilmington, DE. During this project, the existing two lane ramp that had been closed since 2004 was replaced, and wing walls were installed to protect the new ramp from being undermined by the tides. The parking lot was expanded, repaved, and painted, and lighting was installed around the ramp and parking area. This boat ramp is located at the confluence of the Christiana River and Brandywine Creek, a popular spot for recreational fishing. Upon completion of this project, anglers, boaters, and paddlers now have access to the revitalized waterfront area.
This project replaces the Augustine Boat Ramp Project that was described in the 2009 Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the M/T Athos I Oil Spill. After a detailed evaluation that included hydrodynamic modeling, the Athos Trustee Council determined that improving the boat ramp at Augustine Beach would not provide a significant increase in the recreational opportunities available for the Delaware River boating community. The Trustees modified the Restoration Plan to include construction of the 7th Street Boat Ramp Project with a 30-day public comment period from November 25 through December 27, 2020.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service