New Castle, DE – New Castle County government today marked National Public Works Week by announcing a new name for a long-established county department. Formerly known as the Department of Special Services, the new Department of Public Works plans and manages the state’s largest sewer infrastructure, directs stormwater and environmental compliance and park planning and maintenance services across the county and administers facility, property and fleet maintenance for all county departments.
“Every day, your New Castle County Public Works staff makes significant contributions to public health and our quality of life,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “From ensuring that our toilets flush to maintaining 247 county parks to protecting our environment from harmful sewer discharges and stormwater flows, our 333 full-time public works staff provide essential services, and I thank them for their skilled and professional service.”
New Castle County Council recently approved legislation proposed by the Meyer Administration that changes the name of the former Department of Special Services to the Public Works Department. “Public Works” is a commonly recognized and understood description for government agencies that are responsible for building and maintaining government assets, including sanitary and storm sewer systems, parks, buildings and fleets. County officials proposed this name change as one step towards increasing the public’s awareness of these critical services provided by county employees.
Members of the public can now see references to Public Works on the New Castle County website (www.nccde.org/publicworks). Physical signs on county properties, county vehicles, staff uniforms and printed materials that reflect this new name will be changed over time as items are replaced in an effort to responsibly manage costs.
New Castle County Public Works Quick Facts
Sewer System
- 4 Wastewater Treatment Plants (Water Farm I and Lea Era, Port Penn and Delaware City)
- 65 million gallons treated per day
- 122,000 customer accounts
- 1,760 miles of sewer pipes
- 169 pump stations
- 44,000 manholes
- 500 miles of sanitary sewer cleaned each year
Stormwater Maintenance
- Inspects 2,300+ stormwater management facilities each year
Environmental Programs
- Monitors nearly 1,200 commercial food establishments to ensures compliance with Fats, Oils and Grease discharge regulations
- Inspects and samples from more than 40 industrial wastewater dischargers to ensure clean waterways and safe drinking water
Parks
- Maintains 247 county parks and 57 miles of paths and walking trails
- Manages 6,000 acres of parkland, including 1,900 acres of preserved open space
Fleet Services and Building/Property Maintenance
- 1,000+ vehicles
- 700 pieces of groundskeeping equipment
- 58 buildings, totaling over one million square feet
Learn more about National Public Works Week at https://npww.apwa.net/.
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Contact: Jason Miller, Director of Communications, 302-545-1462
