Environment

“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…)

“DC Water Urges Customers to Conserve Water As Regional Drought Watch Declared”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Diane Krauthamer

From DC Water:

“Dry Conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal water levels in the Potomac River have prompted a Drought Watch by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Drought Coordination Committee. A drought watch is triggered when the entire DC region experiences moderate drought, with current conditions some of the most significant the region has experienced in more than 20 years and underscoring the need for Wise Water use and conservation.

DC Water is monitoring conditions in coordination with COG, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct which supplies the District’s drinking water, and other regional water utilities. While DC Water continues to provide safe and reliable drinking water service to customers across the District, prolonged dry weather puts added strain on regional water supplies. That’s why it’s important for everyone to begin taking measures to conserve water. (more…)

“Potomac Conservancy Responds to EPA’s Potomac Recovery Announcement” also “DC Water Provides Next Steps in Environmental Remediation and Water Quality Monitoring in Potomac River”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by wolfpackWX

From the Potomac Conservancy:

“Potomac Conservancy urges caution following the US Environmental Protection Agency’s May 6, 2026 pronouncement that the agency has “fully achieved” its Potomac River recovery goals following the Potomac Interceptor collapse and mass sewage spill.

Waving a ‘mission accomplished’ banner is not only premature, it sends the wrong signal to the public that the Potomac is in the clear when the cleanup phase is still ongoing. We are encouraged by the positive trends in the water quality data testing, but we have an obligation to our river and our communities to ensure a complete restoration effort.

Nearly four months after the January 19 sewage spill, (more…)

“OAG Is Seeking Tips About Illegal Dumping, Idling Vehicles, and Other Violations That Harm Residents & Natural Resources in Neighborhoods Across DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by John Cochran

From the DC Office of the Attorney General:

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced today that he is encouraging District residents to report possible environmental violations directly to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) so that the office can investigate whether to take legal action against polluters and others who endanger DC residents and our natural resources. Residents can share tips about violations of DC environmental laws—like (more…)

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