National Park Service clears DC Water to begin Potomac River restoration after major sewage spill

The National Park Service has issued a special use permit allowing DC Water to move ahead with environmental restoration following the January collapse of a major sewer line that sent more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River.

The collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor on January 19 released raw sewage into the river, prompting health advisories and shellfish harvesting restrictions downstream. DC Water said rehabilitation and cleanup work is now underway under a restoration plan approved by the National Park Service.

Contaminated materials are being removed from the site, and crews are clearing trees, brush and debris in and around the collapse area. While contamination levels in the river have declined, health advisories for boaters downstream remain in place. Officials said shellfish harvesting restrictions are expected to be lifted soon.

Infrastructure work to stabilize the system is also progressing. Four high-capacity bypass pumps installed in mid-February are now fully operational, boosting system capacity and reliability. Crews have completed fabrication of a steel bulkhead designed to block wastewater flow ahead of the damaged pipe segment.

Once installed, the bulkhead will allow crews to stabilize the surrounding ground, remove a rock dam obstructing the interceptor and begin permanent repairs aimed at restoring normal flow conditions, DC Water said.