ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The City of Alexandria has reached a settlement with the Potomac Riverkeepers Network (PRKN) to remediate the remnants of coal tar contamination in the Potomac River, pollution that dates back to the 1800s, according to the city.
The settlement was incorporated into a proposed consent decree that parties filed in federal court on Wednesday. City officials say the settlement is consistent with the commitment the city made in 2000 to fully remediate the legacy contamination at the site of the former Alexandria Town Gas company, a city-owned plant on the waterfront near Founders Park that manufactured gas from coal to serve residents and businesses. It was in operation from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
Coal tar, creosote and other wastes from the former plant have leaked into the Potomac River for decades through a storm sewer at the site. The proposed consent decree requires the City to install additional recovery wells to enhance the removal of coal tar residues at the site of the former plant; to install a cured-in-place liner in the storm sewer running through the site to prevent further intrusion of coal tar residues into the pipe; and to remediate contaminated sediments in the river near the outfall of the storm sewer, including under an existing pier.
The city is also required to provide $300,000 to fund a mussel restoration project on the Potomac shoreline and to pay other costs incurred by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, including future costs for monitoring compliance.
“We commend the city for agreeing to take the necessary corrective action to halt and clean up this pollution, which has been harming the Potomac River for decades," said Riverkeeper President Nancy Stoner. "This is a win for the Potomac River, the residents of Alexandria, and for everyone who relies on the river for drinking water and recreation."
In May 2022, PRKN filed a lawsuit in federal court against the City of Alexandria for its continued discharges of toxic coal tar waste into the Potomac River in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The lawsuit detailed Potomac Riverkeeper’s investigation which revealed that the City had been illegally discharging coal tar and creosote wastes into the Potomac River on a continuous basis since at least 1975.
"The city’s effort to eliminate these discharges over many years had failed to stop the ongoing leak of coal tar residues," Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks said. "We believe the expanded remediation program called for by the settlement agreement will finally control this persistent contamination."
To date, the city has spent over $12 million in remedial efforts. City officials say the settlement is a continuation of that work, and the city's "unwavering commitment" to provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for residents, visitors and future generations.