Anglers try their luck in the Anacostia River. . Some of the major environmental problems include: Yes! Anacostia River Cleanup & Protection Fund Activities include: Continued public education campaign about the impact of trash on DC’s environmental healthimpact of trash on DC’s environmental health Distribution of additional free reusable carryout bags to DC residents Mit d d llti idi f thRiMonitor and record pollution indices for the River This email address is being protected from spambots. Cleanup Projects on the Anacostia River The Anacostia River is on its way to becoming a clean and healthy urban waterway. Next the Anacostia River Sediment Project identified potential solutions to the risks posed by contaminated sediments (. “The Anacostia River has long been a major priority for me, and this provision is necessary to continue the progress being made on cleanup of the river. DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. Registration opens on September 1. Assessment and cleanup of the Anacostia watershed and river is challenging because of its size (176 square miles), the numerous contaminant sources, and the complexity of tidal flow. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Read More>>. The Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup is a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, … Several government agencies are creating plans to clean it up, and many milestone projects and decisions are on track to be completed soon, especially in 2018. image courtesy the Department of Energy & Environment With our fellow Waterkeepers in the Chesapeake Bay Region, we protect families by stopping pollution. Since 2013 the Anacostia River Sediment Project has proceeded through a succession of phases. The mission of Anacostia Riverkeeper is to protect and restore the Anacostia River for all who live, work, and play in its watershed, and to advocate for a clean river for all its communities. var addy_textd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3 = 'info' + '@' + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org';document.getElementById('cloakd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3+'<\/a>'; Sometimes these sites get full… but the sites that aren’t full still need you! var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; In most of the river, higher levels of contaminants are found in its deeper sediments, suggesting river pollution came from historic industrial activities that occurred decades ago. If you have any questions regarding community involvement for the Anacostia River Sediment Project, please contact Gretchen Mikeska, Anacostia Coordinator at [email protected]. Your registration is official when you complete the screening questionnaire. The Anacostia River, once dubbed the “forgotten river” because of centuries of abuse and neglect, is forgotten no longer. The Anacostia Watershed Society's Earth Day Cleanup is AWS's largest annual volunteer event. addyd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3 = addyd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3 + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org'; Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation on DC’s COVID-19 Situational Update: January 21. A project to clean harmful chemicals that have plagued the Anacostia River for years is on track to begin cleanup efforts by the end of this year, according to city officials. After input was gathered from broad array of stakeholders on the available options for remediation (Proposed Plan), DOEE issued an Interim Record of Decision that identifies the early action  cleanup remedies for the most contaminated areas in the river and outlines the process for their implementation. Yes! var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Read More>>, Mayor Bowser Joins Our Last Straw Coalition to Say No to Plastic Straws. The George Washington House 4302 Baltimore Avenue Bladensburg, MD 20710 phone: 301-699-6204 fax: 301-699-3317 [email protected], Copyright © 2021 Anacostia Watershed Society. These studies concluded that elevated concentrations of contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, heavy metals, and pesticides from industrial, urban, and human activities are present in sediment throughout the Anacostia River, posing a potential risk to humans or aquatic wildlife. The Anacostia River Sediment Project has a goal to clean the river’s sediment, or contaminants, at the bottom of the river that affect the fish and water quality. When you register to volunteer, you are asked for your t-shirt size! Overall, an area of approximately 77 acres will be cleaned up at an estimated cost of $35.5 million, reducing the human health risk from PCBs. The Anacostia River in particular has a concerning micro-plastics problem, and these tiny particles are often full of PCBs. The moneys deposited into the fund are used to implement projects and programs working to protect and restore District waterways. The Anacostia has been described as one of the dirtiest rivers in America. addy865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea = addy865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org'; Since 2013 the Anacostia River Sediment Project has proceeded through a succession of phases. To utilize the administrative record file, please open the index file within the link below, which provides a list of all documents and their respective locations within folders and subfolders. Corporate groups are encouraged to contact Emily Conrad at This email address is being protected from spambots. so we can delete the registration that you don’t want. This includes records that the Department uses or considers for project decisions, as well as documents that demonstrate the public’s participation in the project. The Anacostia River Tunnel was designed to reduce combined sewer overflows by 81% during phase 1 and by 98% once phase 2 is completed in 2023, resulting in a decrease of bacterial concentrations in the river, as well as less incoming sediments and trash. District businesses selling food or alcohol are required to charge $.05 for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag. The grant was awarded to Anacostia Watershed Society, and the project will focus on improving water quality in Kingman Lake and at least two tributaries of the Anacostia River. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Anacostia River • April 14, 2016 The District and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland are using multiple means to capture trash or prevent it from entering the Anacostia, from "trash traps" along the river to plastic bag fees, community cleanups and expanded street sweeping. You can email Stacy Lucas at This email address is being protected from spambots. var addy865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea = 'econrad' + '@'; DOEE is fully committed to involving the public in every phase of the investigation and cleanup efforts in a substantial and significant manner to meet established goals. To protect and restore the Anacostia River by bringing partners and communities together to achieve a clean and safe Anacostia River for the benefit of all living in its watershed and for future generations. This provision will allow DOEE to move forward with its plans for sediment remediation in the Anacostia River more quickly and at a lower overall cost. coronavirus.dc.gov On September 30, 2020, the Anacostia River Sediment Project released an Interim Record of Decision (ROD) outlining the findings of existing Anacostia River contamination and early actions that the District will be taking to cleanup the contamination. The Anacostia River Sediment Project (ARSP) is the plan to clean up the bottom of the Anacostia River. Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. Anacostia River, near its confluence with the Potomac River, in the 1930s. All participants must register through the registration website. September 30, 2020. • 52 percent consider the Anacostia to be less polluted than it was five to 10 years ago. or at 301-699-6204 x111 for more information about volunteering, and the benefits of becoming an Earth Day sponsor! var addy_textd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f = 'ecastelli2' + '@' + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org';document.getElementById('cloakd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f').innerHTML += ''+addy_textd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f+'<\/a>'; var addy_text571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951 = 'slucas' + '@' + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org';document.getElementById('cloak571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951').innerHTML += ''+addy_text571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951+'<\/a>'; Its toxic-laced bottom is due for an initial cleanup expected to cost $35.5 million under a long-anticipated plan released Sept. 30 by the District of Columbia. The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)’s Anacostia River Sediment Project was initiated to identify any potential sediment contamination in the nine-mile tidal portion of the Anacostia River, Washington Channel and Kingman Lake. Location. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The District has banned the use of food service products made of expanded polystyrene. It is wonderful that so many volunteers participate in the AWS Earth Day Cleanup, and we plan to have as many people that each site needs to become cleaner. Unfortunately, all volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 18. The initial phases  determined the nature and extent of the sediment contamination (Remedial Investigation) and the risk posed to humans and wildlife (Risk Assessment). The Interim ROD focuses on remediating PCB-contaminated sediments. Anacostia River Sediment Project Announces Interim Record of Decision (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, the Bowser Administration, through the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), announced an interim action plan that will greatly reduce the health risk posed by PCBs across parts of the Anacostia River. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For more information, please contact Emily Castelli at This email address is being protected from spambots. Anacostia River Cleanup Washington, D.C. Jorge Bogantes, 37, a natural resources specialist at the Anacostia Watershed Society, releases mussels into … Any questions? The Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund Revenue from the Bag Law is deposited into the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund (the Fund), a special purpose fund managed by DOEE. Next the Anacostia River Sediment Project identified potential solutions to the risks posed by contaminated sediments (Feasibility Study). The rest of this FAQ has more details. The National Park Service is currently leading cleanups at sites along the shores of the Anacostia River under the Comprehensive Environmental … The Interim ROD establishes specific numerical cleanup goals and identifies 11 Early Action Area “hot spots” in the Anacostia River, Washington Channel, and Kingman Lake where PCB contamination is highest. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This event is … The Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., has long been one of the most polluted in the country. The Interim ROD establishes specific numerical cleanup goals and identifies 11 Early Action Area “hot spots” in the Anacostia River, Washington Channel, and Kingman Lake where PCB contamination is highest. var addyd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f = 'ecastelli2' + '@'; Public Policy & Advocacy Get the Latest updates on our work delivered to your inbox. The 8.7-mile-long Anacostia River runs from Bladensburg, Maryland, to the District of Columbia, where it passes through several residential neighborhoods and … addyd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f = addyd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org'; In some regions of the river, higher levels of contaminants are found close to the surface of the river bottom suggesting recent and/or on-going activities have led to contamination. Sites that are not recommended for children are clearly marked on the map of volunteer sites. Most of our sites are lead by volunteer leaders who have been organizing clean-ups in their communities for years, and we are always seeking more leaders! The initial phases  determined the nature and extent of the sediment contamination (. Group registrations will work differently this year. Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation on DC’s COVID-19 Situational Update: January 21. Can tens of thousands of mussels help save the polluted Anacostia River? View the Guidance. The mission of Anacostia Riverkeeper is to protect and restore the Anacostia River for all who live, work, and play in its watershed, and to advocate for a clean river for all its communities. The Anacostia Watershed Society launched a pilot program that uses mussels in an effort to help clean up the Anacostia River. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, all volunteers must pre-register or register with a group. If the site that you want still has spots available, just re-enter your registration for the new site. The administrative record file provides public access to Anacostia River Sediment Project documents. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Number: 88425, Keeping the Anacostia Watershed Clean while Keeping Safe. Capital River Relief will join two annual events: the 16th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, led by the Alice Ferguson Foundation, on Saturday April 3; and the Anacostia River Cleanup, led by the Anacostia Watershed Society, on April 17. RiverSmart programs offer incentives for reducing stormwater pollution. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Norton Writes to NPS Asking for Cleanup of Parkland East of the Anacostia River | Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Norton Writes to NPS Asking for Cleanup of Parkland East of the Anacostia River Dec 10, 2020 We also won’t have those awesome shirts for you if you don’t register. The Anacostia River and surrounding areas are inching closer toward being safer, as a major cleanup project hits a milestone. What is the Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup? document.getElementById('cloakd2f0f2d398d187373083f38b66efda9f').innerHTML = ''; Now the river is getting much cleaner and attracting development that … When it does, you can choose a site from the map on the main page, register for it, then come to that location on Earth Day and make a difference for the Anacostia River! • More than 80 percent knew that applying chemicals like weed or bug repellent in their yard can impact the health of the river, even if they lived far from the river. document.getElementById('cloak865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea').innerHTML = ''; You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We kindly ask that you pick your second choice site. document.getElementById('cloak571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951').innerHTML = ''; var addyd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3 = 'info' + '@'; • 87 percent are supportive of their government's efforts to clean up the Anacostia. What was once cutting-edge … You need JavaScript enabled to view it. View the Guidance. More details for the 2021 cleanup coming soon. This event is a success thanks to all of our amazing community partners and leaders. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. This includes records that the Department uses or considers for the project as well as documents that demonstrate the public’s participation in the project. . This year, ENRD staff headed to the Anacostia Park to help cleanup in anticipation of the National Chery Blossom Festival that takes place, in part, along the Anacostia River. Upcoming Public Meetings on the Anacostia River Cleanup. Clean, fresh water helps keep our communities healthy and thriving. The remedial investigation of the Anacostia River sediments involves collecting and analyzing hundreds of samples of shallow and deep sediment, surface water, pore water, fish tissue, and benthic organisms to characterize the contamination of the river in a level of detail never before attempted. Volunteers can provide assistance to watershed restoration projects, invasive species removal, trash clean up, planting/gardening, and cistern installation. Anacostia River Sediment Project Overview. You will receive an initial confirmation email, and then on September 26 you will receive another email for a link to complete the screening questionnaire. In both scenarios, removing or containing the most contaminated sediment can substantially reduce risk to human health and wildlife. document.getElementById('cloakd9e6869f1d7a266b3a62f9bcc11b47f3').innerHTML = ''; addy571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951 = addy571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951 + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org'; Tommy Wells, director of … Terms of Use | Privacy Policy, Anacostia Watershed Society is a certified, nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 52-1666511) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. var addy571487c34abcbaf32de9b543a8ee4951 = 'slucas' + '@'; The Anacostia River in particular has a concerning micro-plastics problem, and these tiny particles are often full of PCBs. At the time, it was the largest advanced treatment plant in the world. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Monday, January 20, 2020 . var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Prepared for Delivery April 23, 1996 I want to thank Bob Stanton for his introduction. Its … If you bring the paperwork, AWS site leaders and staff at your site will sign off on your child’s hours. The Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup is a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. Businesses, Nonprofits, Individuals, and DC Government Unite in the Effort to Reduce Plastic Waste in the District. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Yes! Please pay attention to the site information, because some sites are a little too burdensome for little hands. Typically, on the Saturday following Earth Day nearly thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites around the watershed to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. We provide each of these community leaders with training and supply them with the tools to lead a fantastic clean-up. The Anacostia River and the land area that drains to the river have a long history of urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture, which has resulted in pollution, poor water quality, and contaminated sediments in the river bed. << Back to Anacostia River Initiatives main page, Anacostia River Sediment Project Update & Overview. Pope Branch Park 2900 M Pl SE Washington, DC. We trust that parents will make informed decisions about what is best for themselves and their families. MLK Day of Service - Anacostia River Cleanup When. The Anacostia River: In Need Of Clean-Up A stuffed animal floats in the Anacostia River on a recent Friday afternoon. Every third Saturday in September, the environmental group Ocean Conservancy organizes a cleanup event at D.C.’s Kingman Island Park on the Anacostia River. The cleanup crew consisted of staff from the Division’s numerous sections, and Assistant Attorney General Clark commends their unified efforts. Visit the Anacostia River Sediment Project website to learn more about the project, read the latest project documents, and sign up for updates. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Find out about DC's Bag Law. These studies concluded that elevated concentrations of contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, heavy metals, and pesticides from industrial, urban, and human activities are present in sediment throughout the Anacostia River, posing a potential risk to humans or aquatic wildlife. var addy_text865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea = 'econrad' + '@' + 'anacostiaws' + '.' + 'org';document.getElementById('cloak865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea').innerHTML += ''+addy_text865dab07f2164c8918304dcb2416afea+'<\/a>'; It is a pleasure to be here with Secretary Babbitt and Councilman Chavous to work with the people of Anacostia clean up the river. If you are interested in nominating a site in your community for Earth Day, or if you are interested in becoming a site leader, you can click here. The city, which is required by federal law to limit trash in the Anacostia River, offers cleanup protocols for those organizing their own events. According to DOEE, the 77-acre clean-up … This is a major victory for our city.” The District Department of Energy and Environment has released a Proposed Plan for the cleanup of the sediment at the bottom of the Anacostia River. The sediment (soil at the bottom of the river) has potentially harmful pollutants in it from past abuse, and the ARSP will lay out a plan to make the river … 32 The city's sewage problem, however, quickly outgrew the plant's capacity. For the public, stakeholders, and parties potentially responsible for pollution, DOEE has also prepared a Community Involvement Plan (CIP) for the Anacostia River Sediment Project that serves as a planning tool to promote an open dialogue throughout the Department’s investigation and during any remedial cleanup. In order to volunteer at the 2020 Earth Day Cleanup, all volunteers must register online and complete the screening survey no earlier than one week prior to the event between September 26 and October 1. When you check in on the morning of the Earth Day Cleanup, your site leader will give you a shirt. The administrative record file provides public access to Anacostia River Sediment Project documents. Everyone needs to register online. Building Energy Performance & Benchmarking, Click here to join our mailing list to receive project updates, Anacostia River Sediment Project - Interim ROD Fact Sheet, Proyecto Sedimento Del Rio Anacostia - Registro de Decision Provisional (Español).