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Trump approves DC emergency declaration over Potomac sewage spill, FEMA mobilizes

Federal Emergency Management Agency will coordinate cleanup and recovery after nearly 250 million gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the Potomac River, officials said.

  • President Trump approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C. to address the Potomac River sewage spill after a sewer line collapsed on January 19, releasing over 240 million gallons of raw sewage.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency was designated to lead the federal response and coordinate with D.C. Water for repairs expected to complete by mid-March.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency was authorized to assist the cleanup and cover 75% of eligible costs despite operating amid a Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
  • Local and federal agencies coordinated response efforts, with FEMA providing assistance to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
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President Donald Trump approved emergency assistance for Washington, D.C., to help the city address a leak in the sewage system that spilled at least 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced on Saturday Trump's approval, allowing FEMA to provide equipment and resources to help respond to the January 19 spill after a pipeline broke. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested federa…

·Washington, United States
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has approved emergency aid for Washington, D.C., to help the city cope with a sewer system leak that spilled at least 250 million gallons (946 million liters) of untreated sewage into the Potomac River. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Trump's approval Saturday, allowing the agency to make equipment and resources available to assist in the response to the January 19 spill. Washingt…

·United States
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The Washington Post broke the news in on Friday, February 20, 2026.
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