A massive sewage spill on the Potomac River has left millions of gallons of raw waste pouring into the waterway since January 19, and a bitter fight is brewing between President Donald Trump and Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore. The spill, one of the largest in US history, was caused by a broken pipe in the Potomac Interceptor, which carries sewage from Washington D.C. and its surrounding suburbs to a treatment plant in Maryland.
The federal government, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been slow to respond to the disaster, despite being notified of the problem years ago. The EPA claims it only takes action when asked by local leaders, but Governor Moore says the agency is responsible for addressing environmental disasters like this one.
The spill has raised concerns about who will be held accountable for the disaster and how the costs will be paid. DC Water, the utility that owns and operates the pipe, expects to spend $20 million on emergency repairs, while Maryland’s Department of Environment is working alongside federal agencies to clean up the mess.
Riverkeepers and environmentalists are warning of lasting harm to the Potomac River’s ecosystem, including its iconic blue catfish fishery and communities that rely on the river for their economy. “To me, they’re a polluter that caused one of the worst problems this river’s ever seen,” says Dean Naujoks, the Potomac riverkeeper.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether President Trump will provide financial assistance to cover the costs of the disaster or hold DC Water and Governor Moore accountable for their role in the spill.
Source: https://www.thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/potomac-sewage-spill-trump-moore-H5PTHIUFGFGV5AZ23OLACS24V4