Noem Deploys FEMA, EPA After Potomac Sewage Spill
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are deploying to address a staggering sewage spill that poured approximately 243 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the Potomac River through Jan. 24.
The environmental emergency began after a major sewer line collapse, prompting Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser to declare a local public emergency. Bowser issued a 15-day order seeking federal disaster assistance and directing city officials to coordinate mutual aid agreements with surrounding jurisdictions.
President Donald J. Trump, now serving his second term as President of the United States, approved Bowser’s request for federal support. The mayor also asked the president to declare a major disaster and authorize 100 percent federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and DC Water.
In a statement posted to social media, Noem confirmed the president’s directive.
“Today, President Trump directed FEMA and EPA to provide emergency assistance to the District of Columbia as they work to protect people from the effects of the recent spill in the Potomac,” Noem wrote.
She further noted that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin would work alongside DHS to coordinate the federal response.
According to Noem, FEMA is dispatching a team to assist with incident management and ensure that federal resources are efficiently integrated with local efforts. The EPA will take the lead in overseeing environmental mitigation, while DHS and FEMA provide operational support to ensure the cleanup proceeds quickly and effectively.
Funding Fight Amid Disaster Response
The spill has quickly escalated into a broader political dispute over funding and responsibility.
Noem sharply criticized congressional Democrats, arguing that political maneuvering has hampered the Department of Homeland Security’s operations during a critical moment.
“Even as Democrat politicians shut us down and these men and women go without pay, DHS is committed to providing much needed aid to the Americans impacted by this disaster,” Noem said. “We will not let our citizens suffer without help.”
FEMA confirmed that federal assistance became available following the Jan. 19 sewage release. In an official release, the agency stated that the president’s authorization allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts aimed at mitigating hardship and safeguarding public health.
Under FEMA’s Public Assistance framework, federal funding typically covers 75 percent of eligible costs. The administration appointed Mark K. O’Hanlon as the federal coordinating officer for the affected region.
Infrastructure Breakdown and Jurisdictional Dispute
The Potomac Interceptor — owned and operated by DC Water — ruptured in Montgomery County, Maryland. The utility has since installed a temporary bypass pipeline to prevent additional contamination as crews work on permanent repairs, which are expected to take four to six weeks.
President Trump has criticized local officials in both D.C. and Maryland, emphasizing that the collapsed section of the interceptor lies within Montgomery County’s jurisdiction.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has rejected the administration’s assertions. A spokesperson for Moore issued a pointed rebuttal:
“The President has his facts wrong — again,” the spokesperson said. “For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people’s health at risk.”
The spokesperson also faulted the EPA for failing to participate in a legislative hearing tied to the cleanup process. Meanwhile, Moore has continued pressing the administration for additional FEMA funding as response efforts unfold.
Mayor Bowser sought to reassure District residents that the city’s drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.
As federal teams deploy and cleanup operations intensify, the situation highlights long-standing infrastructure vulnerabilities in the capital region — and the renewed debate over who bears ultimate responsibility when local systems fail.