All too often in the past, the department had given serious violations a pass or, at worst, ordered ineffective fines. Whether the Rodel violations were a threat to the people who live nearby remains arguable. People have a right to know when the agency it trusts to keep the air, water and ground free from noxious elements finds violations.
People have a right to determine the nature of the risk to themselves and their families.
But it will take time to recapture people's trust. In Delaware, quality of life must come before economic development. That has been our credo since the early 1970s. There is no reason to change that. Unfortunately, it won't.