Washington, DC – June 25 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) filed motions to intervene in lawsuits filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maryland Attorney General on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) against DC Water regarding the recent Potomac Interceptor Pipeline rupture, its aftermath, and DC Water’s failure to prevent the catastrophe, PRKN president Betsy Nicholas announced today.
Said Nicholas, “We at PRKN had long feared that this disaster was not an accident. It was a failure of decision-making, accountability, and urgency. We, as the voice of the community, must have a seat at the table to assure that paddlers, anglers, outfitters, watermen, and residents – all of whom rely on the Potomac – are made whole and that there is no repeat of this catastrophe.”
Since the collapse occurred in January, PRKN has conducted independent water quality monitoring, provided public information and updates, participated in agency briefings and oversight discussions, and worked directly with affected communities throughout the watershed.
Dean Naujoks, Potomac Riverkeeper, said, “For years, officials knew this pipe was failing. Engineers warned of corrosion. They warned of structural risk. When the pipe finally failed, the consequences were borne by the public. Accountability requires more than acknowledging what happened—it requires a thorough investigation, meaningful restoration, and concrete measures to ensure that this never happens again.”
Nicholas continued, “We commend EPA and MDE for taking action to hold DC Water accountable. But accountability means more than filing a lawsuit. It means ensuring that impacted communities have a voice, that the river is fully restored, that public trust is rebuilt through transparency and independent oversight, and that the impacts of this disaster are remedied by those responsible and not borne by the residents and businesses that depend on the Potomac River. PRKN intends to ensure that those goals remain at the center of any resolution.”
Earthjustice represents PRKN in the federal enforcement case filed by DOJ; Sidley Austin represents PRKN in the Maryland state enforcement action.
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About Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, and Shenandoah Riverkeeper. PRKN’s mission is to protect the right to clean water for all communities and all those who live in and rely upon the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds by stopping pollution, making drinking water safe, protecting healthy river habitats, and enhancing use and enjoyment for all.
For more information, visit our website.
Photo Credit: Alan Lehman
