The Team was initiated in 2000, although it took a while to capture the attention of the community, with initially weak participation in the early public education forums. Some members speculated that the community did not realize the severity of the pollution in the watershed. In order to garner more public attention, they ran a series of full-page newspaper ads featuring informational articles about the problems of the watershed and the Team's purpose. In response, significantly more citizens attended the final forum in December of 2001.

Since the end of the public forums, the Team has ranked its priorities and has developed several drafts of their Pollution Control Strategy (PCS). These are based on three core values; to be fair and equitable, to consider both individual rights and responsibilities and the public good, and to clearly articulate intent and purpose. Recent meetings have focused on revising the drafts.

Although conservation buffers and set-backs already exist for properties adjacent to waterways, the Team is discussing the value of recommending additional requirements to further protect and buffer the Nanticoke and its tributaries. These zones serve as sinks for excess nutrients and help protect the vital wetlands and tributaries of the Nanticoke Watershed. The team is also compiling data on septic systems and land use plans to reduce nutrient runoff. They are interested in alternative septic systems and requiring new developments to have open spaces for groundwater recharge and wastewater treatment facilities.

The three current wastewater facilities in the watershed serve Seaford, Laurel and Bridgeville. All are in compliance with the TMDL requirements. However, if Laurel or Bridgeville wish to expand their operations (because of increased growth), they will need to make changes in their operations. Seaford has already upgraded to nutrient removal technology and will be able to handle increased loads. The Team is hoping to complete their PCS Draft and submit it to DNREC in the next few months.

As a lifelong resident of the area, Jack Connor has a treasure trove of memories about the Nanticoke River. He can remember fishing on the river as a child, and taking his own children fishing there as well. He can remember a time when the river wasn’t as clean as it is today; when raw sewage drained directly into it. Today he still lives and kayaks on the river and is involved with his wife in several different river conservation organizations, such as the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. As a retired surveyor, Jack has a different perspective of the area. He’s always been conscious of land use and its impacts to the river. He would argue that although the Nanticoke has been improved, there is still progress to be made. “I’d like to see it cleaned up,” he says. He admires the Tributary Action Team’s ability to discuss and contribute ideas to the Pollution Control Strategy. Jack admits that from time to time, “…we agree to disagree on some issues”, but everyone has a voice to be heard. Jack especially acknowledges the agricultural industry, giving them a lot of credit for constructing the Purdue Pelletization Plant and changing farming practices to reduce nutrient runoff. As a resident turned activist, Jack has seen many changes, both positive and negative in the Nanticoke River, but he hopes the future will bring more positive changes, especially in residents' behavior and lifestyles.