Sediment Pollution in a NW Branch tributary
October 31, 2007
There was a severe sediment pollution case in a tributary that flows into the NW Branch. Masays Maeda of Anacostia Watershed Society called both the Washington, DC, Department of Environment and the Prince Georges County Pollution Hotline. The pollution was visible only in Prince Georges County but it was suspected that it came from the District of Columbia, so both governments were called.

DC Department of Environment came to the site in 40 minutes, tracked down the pollution, and found the polluting construction site. DOE gave a 5 day compliance notice to the developer and fined them.

A Prince Georges person came to the site one day after the pollution was reported and did not find any pollution. The pollution had been stopped and the stream had cleansed itself. He might have thought the pollution was very minor or my report was false. Then, Masaya was advised over the phone in relatively strong manner that he should not report minor pollution messing up the work of a public official.

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