Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser following the failure of the Potomac Interceptor along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland, which resulted in nearly 243.5 million gallons of wastewater spilled in the Potomac River. 

In the letter, Rep. Wittman raised urgent concerns about the downstream impacts to the Chesapeake Bay and emphasized the risks to water quality, marine life, and Virginia’s seafood and tourism industries. 

“This unprecedented wastewater spill poses serious threats to regional ecosystems and important operations that drive Virginians’ way of life and economy,” said Rep. Wittman. “As vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I am committed to ensuring a full accounting of what occurred, immediate mitigation of environmental impacts, and long-term safeguards to prevent this from happening again.” 

In addition to sending the letter, Rep. Wittman has engaged with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Park Service (NPS) to assess response efforts and determine what additional federal support may be necessary to protect the Bay. 

The Potomac Interceptor serves communities throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Because the Potomac River flows directly into the Chesapeake Bay, a spill of this magnitude presents serious ecological and public health concerns. The Potomac River is a primary source of drinking water for the region, and the volume of this discharge underscores the need for rapid containment, transparency, and accountability. Untreated sewage can contaminate waterways, harm marine habitats, and pose health risks to people and wildlife through exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants.

Read the full letter here.