Gaines Recognized For Conservation Stewardship
Sussex Conservation District (SCD) recognized Gaines and Company at a luncheon on March 12 with the 2025 Conservation Stewardship Award (CSA). The CSA celebrates organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to not only meet, but exceed, regulatory requirements regarding environmental conservation while working in Sussex County, Delaware. In fact, Gaines exceeded Delaware’s Sediment and Stormwater regulations on the Somerton Chase project even before any dirt was moved.
Somerton Chase – Millsboro, Delaware
Somerton Chase home development – a 71-acre site that will hold 202 single family homes – began in 2024. Prior to the start of the project, Gaines’s project foremen were certified through the State of Delaware program as qualified individuals to address potential soil erosion or destabilization issues. But then Gaines took it one step further. Supervisors asked others on the crew to also acquire this certification.
“This proactive approach ensures that at least two qualified individuals on each crew had the necessary expertise to address potential erosion concerns in real time,” said Project Manager Eric Yandrofski. “Should any erosion-related issues arise, our team is fully prepared to respond quickly and efficiently, ensuring compliance and minimizing environmental impact.”
The project was designed in four phases with an extremely tight schedule. In order to meet project deadlines while adhering to phasing and environmental concerns, Gaines coordinated with inspectors and its stabilization subcontractor SMI Services of Delaware to perform multiple site visits each week, promptly stabilizing completed work. In fact, no area was destabilized for more than three days at any given time. Gaines proceeded rapidly through the project phases while delivering efficiency and maintaining environmental stewardship.
“We believe careful and constant coordination with inspectors, vendors, subcontractors, and anyone performing work at the site is crucial to upholding expectations and results in a better overall project for everyone involved,” added Project Supervisor Keith Eagle.
Additionally, Gaines crews effectively managed dust control and promoted rapid germination of the stabilized areas on-site by constantly running a large water truck during the dry fall months. This not only addressed dust concerns but also ensured proper watering of stabilized areas to support optimal grass growth.
“We hope that our work on Somerton Chase can be an example to owners and developers that work can proceed quickly and responsibly to achieve mutual goals with constant coordination, communication, and cooperation,” said Keith.
Additionally, Gaines crews effectively managed dust control and promoted rapid germination of the stabilized areas on-site by constantly running a large water truck during the dry fall months. This not only addressed dust concerns but also ensured proper watering of stabilized areas to support optimal grass growth.
“We hope that our work on Somerton Chase can be an example to owners and developers that work can proceed quickly and responsibly to achieve mutual goals with constant coordination, communication, and cooperation,” said Keith.
About Sussex Conservation District (SCD)
The SCD was formally established in 1944 in response to the Soil Conservation Act of 1935 to control and prevent soil erosion. The SCD works with Agriculture, Stormwater, and Heavy Equipment organizations to meet soil conservation programs.
View more about Gaines’s 2025 Conservation Stewardship Award in this video.
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland and North Carolina. The organization has 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C.., and Delaware on time and within budget
