Sewage spill: The EPA declares the Potomac’s recovery goals are achieved. Why we disagree.
/Nearly four months after the Jan 19 sewage spill, sediment testing and environmental restoration work continues.
Potomac Conservancy Statement | May 7, 2026
Potomac Conservancy urges caution in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s May 6, 2026 pronouncement the agency has “fully achieved” its Potomac River recovery goals following the January 19 Potomac Interceptor sewage spill.
Waving a “mission accomplished” banner is not only premature, it also sends the wrong signal to the public that the Potomac is in the clear when the cleanup phase is still ongoing. We are encouraged by the positive trends in the water quality data testing, but we have an obligation to our river and our communities to ensure a complete restoration effort.
Nearly four months after the January 19 sewage spill, DC Water crews continue to remove contaminated soil and debris from the C&O Canal, recreation bans remain in effect in the immediate vicinity, and long-term restoration work hasn’t been finalized, let alone started.
Furthermore, significant unknowns remain. The public is awaiting sediment testing results from the State of Maryland (which are due to be released soon) and assessments from two active investigations by DC Water and its Board. And there are many unanswered questions about the long-term ecological impacts and restoration needs.
Securing expanded sediment and water column testing has been challenging. We still do no know the extent of the waste contamination that settled into river sediment downstream, what pollution could get churned up during storms, or what ecological impacts may emerge in the coming weeks and months.
These answers matter for public health and rebuilding confidence in the safety of our waterways.
The EPA’s emergency response and assistance were essential to address the largest undiluted sewage spill in the United States’ history; however, declaring victory while cleanup and investigations are still underway risks undermining public trust and weakening the sustained response this river requires.
We’re not at the finish line. Not even close.
Potomac Conservancy is calling on the EPA and federal partners to remain actively engaged until spill cleanup is fully complete, investigations are finalized, and a transparent, science-based restoration plan is in place.
Potomac River Recovery Fund
In the wake of the 2026 Potomac Interceptor sewage spill, your support is more important than ever.
Potomac Conservancy is leading CLEAR Potomac, a coalition of more than a dozen environmental, public health, and outdoor recreation organizations. Together with supporters and partners, we're demanding accountability, mobilizing the community, and fighting to protect the long-term health of the Potomac River.
Donate today to help make the Potomac safe for the people, wildlife, and businesses it sustains!
