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Advocates and university researchers call spill one of the largest in decades, urge expanded testing and criticize DC Water communications
Summary
Potomac River advocates and University of Maryland researchers say independent samples show high bacteria and pathogen levels—including MRSA—call for extended monitoring, sediment testing and clearer public data after the Potomac interceptor rupture.
Advocates and academic researchers at the committee briefing said independent sampling shows the Potomac interceptor rupture released an exceptionally large volume of sewage and introduced a substantial nutrient and pathogen load to the river, and they urged expanded and sustained monitoring and clearer public communications.
Betsy Nicholas, president of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, said the group's estimate is "roughly 250 to 275,000,000 gallons" released and that the spill added what the group approximated as 75,000 pounds of nitrogen, a nutrient load she compared to a large wastewater plant. Nicholas urged officials and media to use the term "partial containment" rather than language implying the river was fully free of discharge, saying…
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