Developer to Pay $200,000 for Illegally Draining D.C. Wetlands and Polluting Anacostia River

October 22, 2025

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has reached a $200,000 settlement with Residences at Kenilworth Park, LLC (RKP) for significant environmental violations during construction of their Ward 7 assisted living complex. The developer illegally installed 218 groundwater extraction wells without permits, draining protected wetlands and discharging pollutants into the Anacostia River at least 50 times. Despite prior commitments to protect natural resources, RKP violated multiple environmental regulations between December 2020 and August 2022, including the Water Pollution Control Act.

Who is affected

Wetlands adjacent to the construction site
The Anacostia River ecosystem
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Ward 7 residents living near the development
The broader D.C. community that benefits from clean waterways

What action is being taken

RKP is paying a $200,000 settlement
A conservation easement is being established to permanently protect remaining wetlands
The D.C. Attorney General's office is enforcing environmental protection laws
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is working to address the violations

Why it matters

The violations damaged over two acres of protected wetlands near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Approximately three million gallons of groundwater were extracted daily during the violations
The developer discharged pollutants into the Anacostia River at least 50 times
The case demonstrates enforcement of environmental protections in the District
The settlement helps preserve remaining natural resources and wetlands in an urban area
It supports ongoing efforts to restore the Anacostia River to a "clean, safe, and swimmable" condition

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer