Watershed Protection

DDOE's Watershed Protection Division (WPD) protects and restores the environmental health of our watersheds in several ways. The Division has developed and enacted stormwater management and sediment and erosion control regulations for construction sites. In addition, it has developed an extensive Environmental Education Program, using nationally accredited curricula, to educate District teachers, students, and residents in the benefits of environmental stewardship. The WPD also assesses the health of watersheds and habitats and sponsors activities that re-create wetlands or restore stream buffers with trees.

The following Branch Offices work together to protect our watersheds from soil erosion and nonpoint source pollution.

Technical Services

• Reviews construction and grading plans for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management.

Inspection and Enforcement

• Inspects construction sites for soil erosion and drainage problems, responds to resident complaints and recommends appropriate solutions.

Planning and Restoration

Encourages pollution prevention by carrying out information and education campaigns and increasing involvement in cleanup efforts in the Anacostia River, neighborhood watersheds, and the Chesapeake Bay.

• Sponsors activities that protect and restore river, stream, and wetland habitats in DC, increase the DC and Chesapeake Bay watershed's ecological diversity, and protect the health, welfare, and safety of our residents.
   
• Funds, manages and implements stream and wetland restoration projects.
   
• Funds, manages and implements several incentive programs including:
  RiverSmart Homes:
  The RiverSmart Homes program offers incentives to homeowners interested in reducing stormwater pollution from their properties.
  RiverSmart Rooftops:
  The RiverSmart Rooftops program provides a cost share rebate to property owners installing green roofs on their buildings.
  RiverSmart Schools:
  The RiverSmart Schools program offers schools both teacher training and assistance with installing outdoor classrooms that help reduce stormwater runoff.
  RiverSmart Communities:
  The RiverSmart Communities program is an extension of the RiverSmart Homes program to multi-family residences such as condominiums, co-ops apartments, and houses of worship.

The Watershed Protection Division works with several regional organizations such as the USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to address shared environmental concerns.