TRASH POLLUTION IS A GROWING PROBLEM IN THE POTOMAC WATERSHED.
Trash in the Potomac River and its tributaries comes from a variety of sources including littering and illegal dumping. Rain also washes litter directly into the water or into storm drains. Eventually, the trash flows into the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. It is important that we prevent pollution from entering our rivers because most trash that ends up in the ocean originates from rivers.
WHERE IS THE POLLUTION COMING FROM?
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS?
LEGISLATION
WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- National Geographic: Plastic Pollution Facts
- Abell Foundation: Report on Microplastics
- Cary Institute: Plastic Pollution in Freshwaters, from Rivers to Oceans
- Duke University: 20 Years of Government Responses to the Global Plastic Pollution Problem
- Scientific American Three-Part Series on Microplastics:
- Virginia Marine Debris Action Plan for 2021-2025