WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement Jan. 13 with the Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) that resolves alleged violations of Pepco’s Clean Water Act permit at its service center in the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C.
“This agreement will aid the continuing recovery of the Anacostia River by cleaning up contaminated stormwater from this Pepco facility,” said assistant attorney general John C. Cruden. “This is part of the ongoing and substantial efforts by EPA and the Department of Justice to address sources of water pollution and bring great American rivers like the Anacostia back to health. I have personally kayaked the river and know its importance in our Washington, D.C. ecosystem.”
EPA filed a complaint in October 2015, alleging Pepco violated its Clean Water Act permit limits for metals, including copper, zinc, iron and nickel, and total suspended solids. As per the settlement, Pepco will install in-pipe treatment systems to upgrade its drainage system. Additionally, the company will institute best management practices (BMPs) aimed at preventing pollutants from entering the drainage system.
“Controlling stormwater runoff is essential to protecting and restoring our urban waterways” said EPA regional administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This settlement underscores EPA’s commitment to continuing the progress that we and our partners have made along the Anacostia.”