Fort Myer to Pay $450,000, Overhaul Operations to Settle D.C. Water Pollution Lawsuit

August 4, 2026

Fort Myer Construction Corporation has agreed to pay $450,000 and implement significant infrastructure improvements at its Ward 5 facility to settle allegations of water pollution violations. The District's Attorney General filed suit claiming the company permitted contaminated runoff containing petroleum, chemicals, and other pollutants to flow from its maintenance yard into local waterways for nearly a decade despite repeated citations from inspectors. The settlement requires the construction firm to install new pollution control systems and conduct rigorous monitoring for at least three years.

Who is affected

Fort Myer Construction Corporation
D.C. residents (particularly those in Ward 5)
Springhouse Run stream ecosystem
U.S. National Arboretum
Anacostia River watershed
Department of Energy and Environment
District of Columbia government

What action is being taken

Fort Myer is paying $450,000 ($225,000 to the District and $225,000 to the Water Quality Enforcement Fund)
The company is installing new runoff control structures, drainage improvements, filters, protective canopies, and oil-water separators
Fort Myer is removing decommissioned equipment and vehicles
The company is conducting weekly compliance inspections
Fort Myer is performing monthly stormwater testing during qualifying rain events
The company is photographing the site and stormwater controls
Fort Myer is submitting monthly compliance reports

Why it matters

This settlement addresses years of alleged water pollution that threatened public health and environmental safety in the District. The case demonstrates government accountability in enforcing environmental laws against repeat violators who had been cited since 2015 but allegedly continued polluting. The contamination affected critical waterways including Springhouse Run and the Anacostia River, impacting ecosystems and potentially compromising water quality for D.C. residents. The comprehensive compliance requirements and financial penalties establish precedent for holding large infrastructure companies responsible for environmental violations.

What's next

Fort Myer must complete the installation of pollution control infrastructure and site improvements according to established deadlines
The company must maintain weekly inspections and monthly stormwater testing for at least three years
Fort Myer must continue submitting monthly compliance documentation
Additional monetary penalties may be imposed if the company fails to meet inspection, reporting, or construction deadlines

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer