Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spill

Trump approves federal emergency declaration for Potomac River sewage spill Millions of gallons of raw sewage have been pouring into the water through a ruptured pipe since last month Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration Saturday related to a sewer main break north of Washington DC that threatens to put a stink on the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations in the US capital this summer. “The president’s action authorizes Fema to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen the threat of catastrophe,” a release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said. Millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage have been pouring into the Potomac River following a rupture in the 72in Potomac Interceptor pipe last month. The Washington Post said : “Raw sewage flowed toward the capital city in what is now one of the largest sewage spills in US history.” Earlier this month, local utility company DC Water estimated that 243m gallons of wastewater had leaked from the 54-mile (87km) line before a temporary bypass was set up. Saturday’s emergency declaration allows Fema to mobilize in support of cleanup and recovery efforts in Washington DC , and in surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia. The sewage spill has prompted environmental concerns, recreational advisories and mounting questions on the maintenance of infrastructure. On Wednesday, Washington mayor Muriel Bowser declared a local public emergency. Bowser also wrote to Trump asking him to declare a major disaster for Washington. The spill has led to dangerous levels of E coli bacteria in the Potomac, and the DC department of energy and environment recommends avoiding contact with the river. Trump has blamed local and state officials for the spill and directed federal authorities to “protect” the Potomac, calling it ...