Environment

“Leaf collection season begins November 2” also “…District’s composting efforts this fall by dropping off pumpkins, gourds, and other acceptable food scraps at designated food waste collection locations”

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Jim Havard

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the Department of Public Works (DPW) to announce that the District’s 2026–2027 leaf collection season will begin on Monday, November 2. During the annual fall kickoff, Mayor Bowser highlighted the essential role residents play in keeping neighborhoods clean, protecting the District’s waterways, and turning fallen leaves and food scraps into valuable compost.

“Keeping the District clean and beautiful is a shared responsibility, and leaf collection is one of the best examples of how residents and government work together to get the job done,” said Mayor Bowser. “When residents rake their leaves out properly and our crews collect them, we’re cleaning our streets, protecting our environment, and putting organic material to good use. So, be on the lookout for your leaf collection notice and let’s work together to get the job done.”

Each year, DPW crews collect thousands of tons of leaves from residential streets across all eight wards. The seasonal operation prevents leaves from clogging storm drains and supports the District’s sustainability efforts by diverting organic material from the waste stream. (more…)

“Additional Testing Further Confirms the Potomac River Has Returned to Normal”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“Expanded testing by DC Water found that the Potomac River is healthy and that there is no evidence of lasting harm to the river from January’s collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.

“We know many in the community, especially people who use the river, have been concerned or had questions,” said DC Water Interim General Manager Matthew T. Brown. “That is why we did more testing. These results are reassuring. They reconfirm what earlier testing indicated – that the river has returned to normal.”

DC Water began testing the river daily shortly after the collapse caused wastewater to overflow into the river. For more than six months, (more…)

“DPW Smart Bins Reaches 1 Million-Pound Collection Milestone Thanks to Residents’ Food Waste Recycling Efforts”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DPW:

“As District residents are increasingly dropping off their food waste in the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) network of Smart Composting Bins, the agency has reached a major sustainability milestone, collecting 1 million pounds of compostable material.

The achievement marks a major environmental benchmark reached at an unprecedented pace across the District’s 31 Food Waste Smart Bins. It also represents one million pounds of food scraps diverted from landfills and transformed into nutrient-rich compost, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping build healthier soils. Composting one million pounds of food waste instead of landfilling it has the equivalent benefit of growing 3500 trees over 10 years. (more…)

“DDOT Launches the Cool Corridors Pilot to Fight Urban Heat, Help Keep Neighborhoods Cooler and Strengthen Climate Resilience Across the District”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is pleased to announce the launch of the Cool Corridors pilot study, a new and environmentally friendly effort to cool District streets and protect residents from extreme summer heat. This initiative is designed to reduce extreme heat on District streets, improve neighborhood comfort, and help create a more resilient transportation network for residents.

Beginning the week of July 27, 2026, DDOT will begin to apply solar reflective “cool pavement” coatings at five sites across the city that have been designated as urban heat islands as part of a broader effort called the Cool Corridors Multi-Hazard Resilience Study. (more…)

Fort Myer Construction Corporation “Will Pay $450,000 For Polluting DC Waterways”

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Victoria Chamberlin

From The Office of the (DC) Attorney General (OAG):

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that Fort Myer Construction Corporation (Fort Myer), one of the region’s largest road paving and infrastructure construction companies, will pay $450,000 and make extensive upgrades to its equipment and business practices to resolve a lawsuit filed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alleging years of violations of DC’s water pollution laws at its Ward 5 storage and maintenance yard. Under a Consent Order filed with the Court today, Fort Myer must also submit progress reports to the District for three years and will face additional monetary penalties if it fails to comply with the terms of the agreement. (more…)

“Wildfire Smoke Creates Very Unhealthy Air Across D.C. Region; Lung Association Urges Precautions”

By Prince Of Petworth


13th and Clifton Street, NW

From a press release:

“An air quality health advisory has been issued for the Washington, D.C. region today due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Air quality is forecast to reach “Purple” (very unhealthy) levels, posing health risks for everyone.

On “Purple” air quality days, the air is considered very unhealthy for everyone. The risk of health effects increases for all people, while children, older adults, individuals who are pregnant, people who exercise outdoors, and those with heart or lung disease, including asthma, may experience more serious health impacts. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.

While air pollution is not good for anyone to breathe, some individuals are more at risk from its effects, including children; older adults; those who are pregnant; people living with asthma, (COPD) and other chronic diseases; people of color; people who have lower incomes; people who work outdoors; and people who live or work near sources of pollution.

The American Lung Association in the District offers these five tips to avoid lung irritation and health complications due to high levels of air pollution: (more…)

“Code Purple Air Quality Alert for DC”

By Prince Of Petworth

From AlertDC:

“A Code Purple Air Quality Alert has been issued for DC:

WHEN: Friday, July 17
IMPACTS: The current outdoor air quality is unhealthy. Risk of health issues are increased for all people. Older adults, children, and people with heart or lung diseases may experience more serious health problems.

PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: (more…)

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