ICYMI: EPA Leads Update on Response to Potomac Interceptor Collapse

March 18, 2026

CABIN JOHN, MD - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Senior Response Officer and Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer yesterday provided an update at a press conference on the coordinated federal response to the Potomac Interceptor collapse and resulting sewage crisis. Assistant Administrator Kramer was joined at the repair site by officials from DC Water, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).

Wastewater flow has been restoredExit EPA's website to the Potomac Interceptor a full week ahead of schedule as of Saturday, March 14. On March 16, EPA assumed responsibility for water quality sampling previously conducted by the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) as part of the next phase of the coordinated federal response and environmental remediation.

"The fact that wastewater is flowing safely through the Potomac Interceptor ahead of schedule is a significant milestone and cause for celebration, but that does not mean we are taking our foot off the gas," said EPA Senior Response Officer and Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer. "We will be on the ground, working at full speed, until the site and surrounding area are fully remediated. And we will get it done in time for America 250 celebrations."

Watch Assistant Administrator Kramer's opening remarks hereExit EPA's website.

Watch the full press conference hereExit EPA's website.

Additional information on the federal response to the Potomac Interceptor collapse can be found here.