Hunt Valley, Maryland (13 July 2026)—The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has selected EA to provide habitat restoration services at three sites under the Christina-Brandywine River Remediation Restoration Resilience (CBR4) ecological restoration initiative. The work, valued at more than $1.8 million, encompasses design, engineering, permitting, and construction phase services.
“As a company, we have unparalleled, integrated science and engineering resources and have effectively served clients on both traditional engineered and softer nature-based approaches to shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration,” said Sam Whitin, EA Vice President and Director, Coastal Resilience. “Our designs often involve interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists who take pride in providing an environmentally sensitive design approach, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal, and incorporating resilient, nature-based solutions.”
The intent of this contract is to study and design ecological improvements to meet restoration, public use, and resilience goals at three project sites under the CBR4 initiative, which include:
- Russell Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge—Home to one of the state’s largest and highest-quality freshwater tidal marshes, this site will be assessed by the team to evaluate flow control structures, tidal restrictions, and shoreline wall breaches. Their goal is to expand existing habitat and boost recreational and educational opportunities via the water trail, while also improving long-term resilience of the marsh to changing natural hazards.
- Banning Park and Marsh—This shoreline park offers both recreational opportunities and critical forest and upland habitat. Improvements include removal of invasive species, expanding natural habitat, and increasing resilience of the forest systems through native plant diversity and improved stormwater management.
- Dravo Shoreline—Historically, the site used for industrial operations including shipbuilding, ship maintenance, and construction, and more recently revitalized environmentally and economically through successful remedial efforts, improved site infrastructure, and increased access. Proposed restoration goals include shoreline protection, existing upland vegetation enhancement, and bird nesting platforms designed to contribute positively to habitat quality and biodiversity of the shoreline. Together, these enhancements will create a living laboratory for public use and learning.
“EA’s restoration ideology is to create self-improving, self-maintaining ecosystems using the basic ecologic and geologic building blocks appropriate to the project sites,” added Amy Hunt, PE, EA’s Project Manager. “Our team has a passion for protecting the environment and designing engineered solutions to mitigate its effects on coastal communities.”
With more than 5 decades of experience in the mid-Atlantic region, EA has completed more than 500 projects in Delaware. The firm has worked directly with DNREC since 1997, including support for high-profile projects including the former industrial sites, dry cleaners, municipal wellfields, and residential properties. EA’s professionals have supported federal, state, and private clients on projects located in the City of Wilmington and New Castle County, Delaware, since 1996. EA is currently an approved DNREC contractor for Ecological Consulting Services Contracts and Ecological Consulting Services under DNREC’s Environmental Investigation and Remediation Services Contract.
Contact Us
