Rehoboth Beach to Dump Waste into Ocean

After two years of debate, Rehoboth Beach commissioners have voted to dispose of the city's treated sewerage water through a pipe that discharges to the ocean.

Commissioners unanimously chose the plan Monday over one that would have sprayed the treated waste on open land, saying it is the least-costly option and can be carried out without damaging the coastal environment.

The city began studying options in 2005. Rehoboth is under a court order to stop discharging treated wastewater into the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal by December 2014.

The deadline came after city officials challenged limits for discharging treated sewage into the Inland Bays.

The city also considered partnering with a private wastewater utility, but some officials and residents worried about losing direct control over future rates.