Abstract
The Delaware Estuary, bounded by the states of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is located in one of the most complex urban-industrial regions in the United States. Water pollution of the estuary was observable over two centuries ago and progressively worsened until after World War II. Four distinct governmental responses to the pollution have led to the vastly improved water quality of today. A fifth-generation response, now being initiated, is oriented toward remaining problems, including toxic contamination of the water column, bottom materials and aquatic life. Changes in water quality and the institutional responses to pollution are traced to demonstrate the evolutionary process of water pollution control.
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Albert, R.C. The historical context of water quality management for the Delaware estuary. Estuaries 11, 99–107 (1988). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351997
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351997