Contractor Sentenced to 10-months for Dumping National Mall Sewage in the Potomac

Potomac River at Great Falls.  Retrieved from: Dcist Photo Credit: Justin Shuck

Patrick Brightwell, manager of a contracting company, was hired hired by the National Park Service to clean the National Mall's storm water sewer system between 2009 to 2011.

Future Predictions of Flooding and Storm Surge Puts D.C. at Risk

Before sea level rise can permanently claim land its presence will be felt through higher and more frequent coastal floods caused by storm surges. Climate Central's September report, Washington, D.C. and the Surging Seas, makes predictions for potential record flooding along the Potomac River in the coming years based on local sea level rise projections of up to 4.0 feet by 2100 (based on sea level rise in 2012).

Currently, the region's record observed flood is 7.9 feet above the local high tide line. By 2100 floods exceeding today's record, up to 10 feet above the current local high tide line, may become annual events.

1,350 acres of land, $4.6 billion in property value, and 1,400 people reside less than 6 feet above the high tide line in Washington D.C. These figures increase to

Sewage Spill Leads to Cancellation of Nation's Triathlon Swimming Event

Photo Credit: MyFoxDC

Sewage overflow into the Potomac River is not uncommon during periods of heavy rain. Early this September, such an overflow occurred releasing sewage into the river for 15 minutes. Unfortunately for the athletes of the Nation's Triathlon, it takes roughly three days for the bacteria levels from sewage overflows to dissipate, which means the swimming portion of the race had to be cancelled.

Read the Article: Sewage Spill Caused Swimming to be Dropped from Nation's Triathlon 

Potomac Cleanup by Keep Loudoun Beautiful

(Photos: Keep Loudoun Beautiful)

On August 9th volunteers filled 35 canoes with trash to help assist a watershed cleanup organized by Keep Loudoun Beautiful (KLB).

High Levels of Contaminants Creating Intersex Fish

(Photo: C. Yamashita/Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commision)

Biological studies, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2003, have found small- and large- mouth bass with immature eggs within various sections of the Potomac River.

Frankenfish

The northern snakehead is an invasive species to the Potomac River basin in Virginia and Maryland. Nicknamed the "Frankenfish", the snakehead can breathe air and travel short distances on land, and is a voracious predator. This means that is can, and has, affect local, native fish populations, and has lead Maryland officials to promote the catch and removal of this species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now creating is own official record for snakeheads, to hopefully encourage their capture.

Read the full article: Maryland seeks to lure anglers to join "Frankenfish" battle

Concern for the Future of Drinking Water in the DMV

Photo Credit: Lisa Spinelli/The Connection

Concern for the future availability, and affordability, of tap water to Potomac River residents is rising.