Progress Under the Anacostia Ecosystem Initiative: Restoration for the River, Risk Reduction for the Community

lative
Restoration tor the River
ANACOSTIA RIVER
WATERSHED
WASHINGTON
^ , .ogram of the
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III
Community
'n the- early 17th century, the Anacostia River's watershed—the land arc.i in which waters drain
toward a body of water—was a thriving center of Indian culture set amidst the Piedmont and
Coastal Plain areas. Nacotchtanfc Indians, also known as Acostincs and Anacostines, lived
where the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers flowed together in what is now Washington. I )A
The Nacotchtanks, a tribal subdivision of Algonquin linguistic stock, lived in the most
important trading village in the entire tidewater Potomac region. The Indian word. Anaquali-
a-ta(i)k. means a town ot traders.
The Uivcr's name was chosen by Thomas Jefferson. When the new Federal district was
chosen, the river was called the Eastern Branch hy the new Americans. Secretary of Slate
[etlerson had been told by a tnend about the old Indian Name. I le asked Major Andrew
Elliott, commissioned to survey a Id-mile square tor the new district, to research the old
name. Elliott found old surveys with the name "Anna Kastia" which appeared on the 17'tf
topographical map ot the "Territory ot Columbia." Hy 1826 the name had been Anglicized to
the modern spelling "Anacostia."
Waters that create the Anacostia River begin in the northern most readies of Montgomery
and Prince George's ('ounties in Maryland. The Northeast and Northwest branches are free-
flowing streams that join to form the ridal Anacostia River near the historic port of
Bladensbtirg. Maryland. The tidal river flows
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LOCAL RESTORATION EFFORTS
By 1990,when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its find-
ings on the degradation of the Anacostia River, the process of
restoring the watershed was already under way.
In 1987, the District of Columbia, State of Maryland,
Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers formed the Anacostia Watershed Restoration
Committee. In 1991, the Committee adopted a plan entitled A
Commitment to Restore Our Home River: A Six Point Action Plan to
Restore the Anacostia River, that emphasized the need for intera-
gency and intercommunity cooperation to achieve the goals.
Since 1991, the Anacostia River watershed has experienced cer-
tain improvements in water quality and its ability to sustain certain
living resources. As importantly, there has been a groundswell of
activism to clean up the River and protect the watershed from fur-
ther degradation. The Anacostia is no longer D.C.'s "forgotten river."
It is clearly undergoing a rebirth with local groups leading the way.

FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS
Small waterways like the Anacostia River have not often commanded
the direct or targeted attention of Federal environmental protection
programs. Their welfare is left to local initiatives, as exemplified by
the work of the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Committee and the
public-interest groups, private citizens, and local officials that have
supported it Smaller problem areas often escape Federal attention
when the communities affected by the polluted waters don't have
sufficient political dout. The combined influence of those two factors
is demonstrated by the contrast of treatment of pollution to
Washington, D.C.'s two major waterways prior to 1990. The tens of
millions of dollars spent restoring and protecting the Potomac River
and the successes achieved there are a sharp contrast to the modest
Federal resources applied to deaning up the Anacostia River.
Eventually, the extent of the Anacostia's plight and the conse-
quences of neglect - to the capital city's image, to the water quality
of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, and to the quality of
life in the communities that line the Anacostia's banks - were high-
lighted in a Report to Congress prepared by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency in 1992. Based on the recommendations in that
document, the Anacostia watershed was designated by President
Clinton as one of seven ecosystems in the nation requiring priority
attention. Recommendations from a White House task force called
for a stronger and more coordinated Federal role in the restoration.
This led the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to work more
closely to bring the full benefit of Federal involvement to the
Anacostia restoration.
In July 1994, the Agreement of Federal Agencies on Ecosystem
Management in the Chesapeake Bay, developed by the Chesapeake
Bay Program of the EPA, Region III, was signed by representatives of
over 20 Federal agencies and departments. The Agreement com-
mitted the Federal government to develop a biennial work plan to
clean up the Anacostia. The work plan was to be developed in
cooperation with the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Committee.
Three months later, in September 1994, the Environmental
Protection Agency, Region III, introduced its Anacostia Ecosystem
Initiative, which was the culmination of years of work. The Initiative
would allow the EPA to sign on as a full partner in the local restora-
tion efforts.

FEDERAL AGENCIES' NEW COMMITMENTS
On November 5,1998, officials from 23 Federal agencies and
departments signed the Federal Agencies' Chesapeake Ecosystem
Unified Plan which added 50 new commitments targeting restoration
and protection in the Chesapeake Bay region. These new commit-
ments include several specifically targeting the Anacostia, such as:
• Developing, by June 30,1999, storm water pollution prevention
techniques for Federal facilities in the Anacostia watershed;
• Implementing, by June 30,1999, the Biennial Federal Workplan
for the Anacostia River Watershed;
• Increased Federal support for Toxics Regions of Concerns, which
includes the Anacostia; and
• Full Federal participation and support for the President's
American Heritage Rivers Program for the Potomac, which
includes the entire Anacostia watershed.
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ANACOSTIA ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE
A Community-Based Project of EPA, Region

GOALS OF THE INITIATIVE

Restoring the Anacostia River and Watershed

Reducing Risks to the Community

Promoting Environmental Justice
ORIGINS OF THE PROJECT
EPA Region Ill's direct and active involvement in the Anacostia
began with its 1992 Report to Congress. Official kick-off of the
Anacostia Ecosystem Initiative occurred in 1994 and followed a
White House task force recommendation for a stronger and
more coordinated Federal role. EPA Region III has managed its
Anacostia efforts out of the Chesapeake Bay Program Office
since 1992.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The following are recent highlights from EPA's Anacostia
Ecosystem Initiative:

Southeast Federal Center completes storm water drain
cleaning as required by EPA. Fifty-one tons of sand, silt and
gravel were removed from the storm drains, of which 39 % was
characterized and disposed of as hazardous waste. The removal
of this material eliminates a documented source of contamina-
tion to the Anacostia River.
Contact: Mary Letzkus (215) 814-2087

During 1998, EPA convened a Special Panel on Combined
Sewer Overflows and Storm Water Management in the
District of Columbia to address the serious problems in the
Anacostia River basin caused by "wet weather pollution." When
it rains, the Anacostia is beset with pollution from combined
sewers in the District and storm water discharges from both the
District and Maryland. A report is being written for release in
mid-1999 which discusses the origins and significance of wet
weather pollution and includes recommendations and follow-
up actions. This report will be a vital resource for outreach
efforts to ensure that key recommendations are shared with elected
officials and decision-makers.
Contact: Rebecca Hanmer (202) 260-4470

The Kingman Lake Restoration Project is scheduled to begin
construction in 1999. EPA is one of the sponsors of this 42-acre
wetland restoration project on the Anacostia River in DC adjacent
Co RFK Stadium. This project is similar to the Kenilworth Marsh
Restoration Project which has been acclaimed as a success. Large
wetland projects like these improve water quality by filtering out
pollutants, controlling flooding and generally improving the natural
conditions of the River. The Army Corps of Engineers is the lead
sponsor of the project with funds provided by EPA, DC and the
state of Maryland.
Contact: Jon Capacasa (215) 814-5422

Maryland Announces Two Restoration Projects in the
Anacostia. Maryland has selected two nonpoint source pollution
control projects in the Anacostia watershed for funding under the
President's Clean Water Action Plan. One project consists of
stream bank stabilization and riparian buffer enhancement. The
goal is to restore 3,500 feet of stream to its full ecological potential
and provide a demonstration project for watershed restoration tech-
niques. The cost of the project is $83,000 of which the Town of
University Park will provide $33,000. The other project is a habitat
restoration effort which will comprehensively address and improve
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severely degraded conditions in an urbanized tributary of the
Northwest Branch. The cost of this project is $313,000 of which
Montgomery County will provide half. Both of these projects will
help reduce sediment and nutrient loadings to the Anacostia and
improve water quality.
Contact: Frank Ciambrano (215) 814-5746

EPA has officially joined the Anacostia Watershed
Restoration Committee as a voting member. Full membership
will allow EPA to take a more active role in framing regional policy
and initiatives which are protective of the River and watershed as
well as promoting environmental justice.
Contact: Jon Capacasa (215) 814-5422

EPA continues to support enhanced educational and public out-
reach initiatives in the Anacostia. The most recent action was the
stationing of the Anacostia Community Liaison at Anacostia
High School as the manager of the Environmental Science and
Computer Technology Academy. In addition, the Liaison is taking
up the challenge issued by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes
Norton to have every DC public school student spend a day on the
Anacostia or Potomac River by the time they graduate. A strategy is
being developed to achieve this goal in conjunction with the
Chesapeake Bay Program's new Education Directive signed in
December 1998.
Contact: Beverly Baker (202) 260-4506

In 1999, EPA Region III adopted a PCB Reduction Initiative for
the Anacostia, which will focus existing regulatory and assistance
programs on reducing the continued discharge of PCBs to the
Anacostia basin. This is a key human health threat and a main
factor for the fish consumption advisories for the Anacostia and
Potomac Rivers.
Contact: Charles App (215) 814-2757

EPA designated a portion of the Anacostia community in DC as
a Childrens' Health Champion Community during the
spring of 1998. This is the only such designation in EPA Region
III and one of only ten nationally. The designation has led to the
organization of a local community-based group to define priori-
ties to address children's health risks and to assist in implement-
ing strategies. EPA has provided funding to the community
organization and plans an additional $145,000 grant in FY 99.
The local group has selected asthma and indoor air issues as its
top priorities and EPA is supporting the group with technical
and financial assistance.
Contact: Gail Tmdal (215) 814-2069

Several environmental justice small community grants have
also been issued to community-based groups in the Anacostia
watershed over the past few years.
Contact: Reggie Harris (215) 814-2988
For a list of other grant opportunities,
see back panel )
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CONTACTS

For further information about the
Anacostia Ecosystem Initiative, please contact
Jon Capacasa
Anacostia Ecosystem Manager
(215) 814-5422
or
Beverly Baker
Anacostia Community Liaison
(202) 260-4506
Written correspondence to individuals in the
Philadelphia office should be addressed to:
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
or contacted at
1-800-352-1973

For general information call the
EPA Region III Customer Service Hotline at
1-800-438-2474

Visit the Initiative's web site at
www.chesapeakebay.net/anacostia.cover.htm
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E'PA&R^
Grant
Program

Purpose

Eligible
Applicants

Award
Amount

Matching
Share

Application
Due Date
(Approx.)
Grant
Selection
Announced

Priorities

Contact
Person
Tel. Number
Environmental Justice

To provide financial assis-
tance to eligible community
groups & federally recog- ;
nized tribal governments
that are working on or plan
to cany out projects to
address environmental jus-
tice issues.
Local governments, tribes,
territories, educational insti-
tutions and incorporated
nonprofit organizations.
Up to $20,000 granted.

No matching share
required*

To be determined

To be determined.

Projects that improve the
environmental quality of
the community. Examples
are:
• having wide application
or addressing a high pri-
ority issue;
• enhancing skills in
addressing EJ issues &
.problems;
• establishing or expand-
' ing Information systems
for communities;
• facilitating communica-
tion, Information
exchange, & community
partnerships;
• motivating the public to
be more conscious of EJ
Issues, leading to action
: to address those issues.

Reginald Harris
(215)814-2988

Environmental Justice
Through Pollution
Prevention
To use pollution prevention
resources for addressing
environmental problems In
low income, minority
areas.

Local governments, tribes,
. territories, educational insti-
tutions and incorporated
.nonprofit organizations.
Up to $100,000 granted.

No matching share
required.

March

September

• Projects by community
based organizations &
local governments that
improve the environmen-
tal quality of affected
communities using pol-
lution prevention as a
primary solution.
• Proposals that encour-
age institutionalizing &
innovative use of pollu-
tion prevention as the
preferred approach for
addressing environmen-
tal justice issues, &
whose activities and
products can be supplied
to other communities.
• Cooperative efforts with
business/industiy to
address pollution pre-
vention goals.

Jeff Burke
(215) 814-2761

Solid Waste

Management
Assistance
To provide money for
demonstration projects that
promote effective soUd
waste management through
source reduction, reuse,
recycling and improved
landfill technology.

Local governments, tribes,
tenftories, educational insti-
tutions and incorporated
uOiipiufitorgaiiMuib.
Typical award less than
$50,000

No matching share
required.

March-April

June

• Innovative recycling pro-
grams.
• Outreach, & training for
source reduction & recy-
cling.
• Projects that use inte-
grated solid waste man-
agement systems to
solve municipal solid
waste generation & man-
agement problems at
local, regional, and
national levels.

AndyUricheck
(215)814-3375

Superfund Technical
• fmtf^n ftftft ftwkMfet
Assistance Grants

To enable a group of
Individuals who are affected
by a site on the Superfund
Ua1t.n.n.ii1 Drijifttlaa 1 lot
National pnonuss LKn
(NPL) to otM technical
assistance In interpreting
information regarding
the site.
Local governments, tribes,
territories, educational Insti-
tutionsand incorporated
nonprofit organizations.
Up to $50,000 in Wy; in
the case of complex sites,
additional funds may be
available.
20% non-federal govern-
ment matching share
required; in-kind contribu-
tions may be used to meet
this match.
Applications may be
submitted after a site is
proposed for listing on the
NPL.
After community notifica-
tion period (30 to 60 days)
application review & pro-
cessing time, & approval.
• Because only one grant
is available for each NPL
site, EPA encourages
groups to consoHdate in
order to provide techni-
cal assistance to the
most widely representa-
tive group of Individuals
possible.
• To this end, EPA notifies
the community via a
public notice In the local
newspaper if an applica-
tion is received from an
eligible group.

Amelia Ubertz
(215)814-5522

Sustainable

ueveiopmeni
Challenge Grants
To provide communities
fcifwfhwi tftr «u*tahneMfM
funding tor estaousmng
partnerships to encourage
environnte^miy & eco-
nomically sustainable
business practices.

Local governments, tribes,
territories, educational insti-
tutions and Incorporated
nOiiyiufilunjaiiUalluiia.
Up to $250,000.

20% nofr-fcwteral govsnt-
nisnt matcntng snare
required.

Spring

Late Winter

• Promote cooperation &
collaboration among citi-
zens, businesses, non-
profit organizations, edu-
cational Institutions, goy-
emment & others to
develop locally appropri-
ate toots & processes for
sustainable environmen-
tal protection & econom-
ic development
• Encourage community
investment in & commit-
ment to environmental
protection & an increas-
ing understanding of the
dependance of long-tan ft
economic health on the
environment
• Build local and regional
capacity for conducting
& Implementing sustaim
able planning:
• 'Identify & design effec-
tive models & tools that ;
can be shared by com-
munities nationwide
•Use federal funds to fos-
ter long-term invest-
ments in innovative
efforts at the community
level.
Theresa MarteHa"
(215)814-5423

Environmental
Education

To provide financial.
eiHwwwt'tnr nmtafvte uihifth
support Tor projects wnicn
design, demonstrate or
dissemlnatB envtronmenlBl
education practices,
methods or techniques.

Local governments, tribes,
territories, educational Insti-
tutions and Incorporated
nonprofit organizations.
Up to $250,000 granted
regionally.

25% non-federal govern-
ment matching share
required.

Fall

Summer

Applicants must demon-
strate how the proposed
project is new or signifi-
cantly improved, has the
potential for wide applica-
tions and addresses a high
priority environmental
Issue.

Projects MUST focus on
ONE of the following:
• Improving environmental
education teaching skills;
• educating teachers, stu-
dents orthe public
about human health
problems; .
• building state, local or
tribal government capac-
• ,.fty to develop environ-
mental education pro-
grams;
•promoting environmental
careers for students;
••educating the public
through a community-
based organization; or
.•educating the general
public through print film,
.broadcast or other
media.

Peter Weber
(215) 814-5749

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