Black History Month – and the History of Segregated Beaches

Today, we begin Black History month, a month dedicated to recognizing the contributions of Black Americans to the United States, including to our struggles for racial equality.  The Potomac River has a very mixed history with respect to its relationship to slavery, segregation, and other indicia of racism.  It was one of the largest routes … Read More

Press Release

Legislation to Study Safe Public Swimming Sites in the Potomac River Applauded by PRKN

Thanks to Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton for her Leadership in Requesting Study to Identify Locations for Public Beaches Washington, D.C. – December 22 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) commended Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D – DC) for sponsoring and the U.S. Congress for passing legislation to identify public swimming beach locations in the Potomac River … Read More

Press Release

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE NEW PAK, INC. FOR DISCHARGES OF SEDIMENT-LADEN STORMWATER IN WEST Va

Investigations Show Company’s Inadequate Sediment Control During Poultry House Construction Violates Clean Water Act, Pollutes Trout Habitat Waters Washington, DC – October 13 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) today gave formal notice to New Pak, Inc., (“New Pak”) that it intends to sue New Pak under the Clean Water Act for persistent and illegal discharges … Read More

Press Release

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE ST. MARY’S COUNTY FOR RAW SEWAGE DISCHARGES POLLUTING OYSTER BEDS

Data Show County’s Wastewater Discharges Violate Clean Water Act, Pollute Oyster Beds, and Harm Watermen and the General Public Washington, DC – October 4 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) today gave formal notice to St. Mary’s County, Maryland that it intends to sue the County Metropolitan Commission (“MetCom”) under the Clean Water Act for persistent … Read More

Press Release

POTOMAC  RIVERKEEPER APPLAUDS STUDY TO IDENTIFY SAFE PUBLIC SWIMMING SITES IN THE POTOMAC RIVER

Thanks to Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton for her Leadership in Requesting Study to Identify Locations for Public Beaches Washington, D.C. – May 18 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) commended  Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) for introducing legislation that would fund a feasibility study to identify public swimming beach locations in the Potomac River in the … Read More

Mettiki Coal

Public Hearing on Reissuance of Clean Water Act Discharge Permit for Mettiki Coal Set for March 24

The Mettiki Coal operation in Western Maryland is suspected of periodically discharging contaminated water which makes its way into drinking wells and the North Branch of the Potomac River. Past inspections have shown evidence of possible metals pollution. The Mettiki facility has submitted a request for a reissuance of its Clean Water Act discharge (NPDES) permit … Read More

Chesapeake Dolphin Watch

The work of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network doesn’t just benefit the 6 million people within the watershed, it also benefits the wildlife! One of the most iconic species our work impacts is the Chesapeake Bottlenose Dolphin. Dolphins are an important indicator species because they are an apex predator, indicating a healthy ecosystem. Dolphins are also … Read More

A Tale of Two Rivers

Water Wednesday: A Tale of Two Rivers (Video)

The Potomac River is a haven for many of us. It provides a space for recreation including kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, and even open water swimming, but is it safe? Urban stormwater, sewage overflows, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution all threaten the ecology of the River, and the safety of those who recreate on it. We … Read More

Press Release

Trash-Free Potomac Campaign Launch

POTOMAC RIVERKEEPER NETWORK LAUNCHES TRASH-FREE POTOMAC CAMPAIGN Raising Awareness about Plastic Pollution in the River Washington, D.C. – August 25 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network today announced the Trash-Free Potomac Campaign to inform everyone in the Washington area about trash and plastic pollution in the Potomac River, so that they can better appreciate the seriousness of … Read More

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