Trash is a persistent problem in the Anacostia Watershed, and with serious consequences.
Trash negatively impacts the aesthetics and well-being of communities. It interferes with recreational use and enjoyment of the river. It is expensive to remove from the watershed and it is dangerous to humans and wildlife.
Trash can enter indirectly through an antiquated sewer system or by stormwater.
Trash enters directly by individuals dumping along the banks of the river and its tributaries.
Types of Trash: plastic bags, food wrappers, plastic bottles, and styrofoam are the most common types of trash found .
A Trash-Free Anacostia Watershed is possible. Some of the ways:
The Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009 requires stores that sell food to charge 5¢ for each plastic or paper bag sold. A portion of this fee goes to a special fund aimed at new efforts to restore and protect the Anacostia River.
The Trash TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) issued by EPA for the District and State of Maryland sets a “pollution diet” for trash - trash that exceeds this limit violates the TMDL and can bring large fines for non-compliance.
For more information on TMDL and how EPA enforces it
For more information on the District and State of Maryland Trash TMDL
Technologies: Screens on or in storm drains and floating litter traps collect trash as it makes its way through the watershed. The DC Water Long Term Control Plan will reduce CSOs and therefore the trash they carry.
Bandalong Litter Trap installed by Anacostia Riverkeeper, Stormwater Systems, Earth Conservation Corps, and District Department of the Environment
Screens on storm drains prevent trash from entering the drains and being washed into the river.
Long Term Control Plan for CSOs
As a result of a lawsuit filed against DC Water, it has agreed to implement a $1.9 billion Long-Term Control Plan over the next 20 years which would stop 98% of the 2 billion gallons of raw sewage mixed with stormwater that dumps into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek in the average year. The Anacostia portion of this plan is to be implemented as a top priority and to be completed in 13 years.
Initiatives
The multi-jurisdictional goal to have a trash-free Potomac Watershed by 2013, and the District’s goal to have fishable, swimmable Anacostia River by 2032 are important benchmarks to which to hold government officials.
Trash-free Potomac Watershed Treaty
Anacostia 2032: Plan for a Fishable and Swimmable Anacostia River
You can be part of the solution : Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Report Pollution
To report pollution in the Anacostia Watershed, contact Anacostia Riverkeeper at 202-391-9807 or riverkeeper@anacostiariverkeeper.org. Pictures are helpful!
Other Resources
District Department of the Environment
DDOE works to improve the quality of life in the District by protecting and restoring the natural resources.
202-535-2600
Responsible for the Combined Sewer Overflows and the skimmer boats to remove floating debris.
202-787-2000 www.dcwasa.com
Department of Public Works
DPW’s Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) enforces illegal dumping laws in the District.
202-673-6833
