District of Columbia

Trump Approves DC Emergency Declaration for Potomac Sewage Spill

At least 240 million gallons of wastewater spilled into the waterway last month, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump Approves DC Emergency Declaration for Potomac Sewage Spill
Water samples are taken from the Potomac River in Glen Echo, Md., on Jan. 23, 2026. Nathan Ellgren/AP
Troy Myers
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President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration on Feb. 21 for Washington following a massive raw sewage spill into the Potomac River, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced.

The White House named the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead federal agency in response to at least 240 million gallons of wastewater discharged from the Potomac Interceptor sewage line into the waterway last month. Trump blamed local leaders for not responding adequately to the crisis, while governors blamed the federal government.
Troy Myers
Troy Myers
Author
Troy Myers is a regional reporter based in St. Augustine, Florida. His background includes breaking, criminal justice, and investigative writing for local news, producing on a national morning newscast in Washington, D.C., and working with an award-winning, weekly investigative news program. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog at the beach.