Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spill
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration to address a major sewer main break north of Washington DC, which has caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to spill into the Potomac River ahead of the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
- The rupture in the 72-inch Potomac Interceptor pipe has resulted in one of the largest sewage spills in US history, with 243 million gallons leaked before a temporary bypass was installed, prompting environmental and public health concerns.
- The emergency declaration enables FEMA to coordinate disaster relief and cleanup efforts in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, following a local public emergency declaration by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.
- Responsibility for the spill is disputed among federal, state, and local officials, with Trump blaming local
