Photo by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network

By Steve Chaconas

January’s 250-million gallon raw sewage leak into the Potomac River was a result of DC’s aged infrastructure. Like many older American cities, DC combines sewage systems where rainwater and snowmelt drain into pipes holding sewage. Anything more than light precipitation, the system can get overwhelmed, forcing sewage to back up into streets. To prevent this, DC’s sewage system deposits overflow wastewater into the Potomac. These spills add up during the year to be as much as three times the amount of this sewage spill.

In 1810, Washington’s sewer system was constructed to dump waste into the nearest streams. This was the beginning of the end of a prolific Potomac herring, rockfish, and sturgeon fishery. In the mid 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson called the Potomac a “national disgrace”. In the late 1960s, the river was deemed a severe health threat for anyone contacting it. Legislation was pushed to clean up waters with a goal of swimmable and fishable waters. In the 1970s, largemouth bass reappeared. By the early 1980s, subaquatic vegetation returned and water quality improved. However, since then, sewage spills became routine as population densities increased dramatically while infrastructure lagged and aged.

In 1964 the 54 mile Potomac Interceptor began carrying Northern Virginia and Montgomery County Maryland sewage to the DC Blue Plains sewage treatment plant, built in 1938. The Potomac RiverKeeper taking the lead on sewage spill says the federal government recognized concerns with the Interceptor several years ago and the National Park Service identified pipe corrosion as early as 2022. They point to the lack of funding, nearly $2 billion, to upgrade existing systems.

As millions of gallons of raw sewage poured unabated into the Potomac for several weeks, not much was done as weather and the spill magnitude showed how unprepared local jurisdictions were. DC, MD, VA, and the Federal Government eventually stopped the blame game long enough to execute a plan to bypass the hole and store sewage in a canal.

Jurisdictions began testing, primarily for E. coli bacteria. Recreational advisories were posted to avoid contact with the water. However, in addition to bacteria, there are other harmful chemicals and toxins in raw sewage. Among them, synthetic estrogen in birth control pills can affect fish reproduction by causing male fish to develop female characteristics leading to population declines and even extinction of certain fish species.

Just as disturbing as the lack of an immediate sense of urgency were a few guides who downplayed and disregarded potentially dangerous water borne issues. One guide was persistent in challenging news stories reporting government data, maintaining he was open for business. He claimed the river would just flush out the bad stuff and it would be over. He was oblivious to the drought conditions, frozen water, and tidal flows slowing the sewage exodus.

Also curious was the lack of concern with the commercial harvesting of blue catfish. Consumption advisories have been in place for several years, however, through statistical mumbo jumbo, commercial harvesting is just fine. While advising people and pets to avoid contact with the water, commercial harvesting continues. If there’s no concern with fish consumption, perhaps there should be for the health of watermen.

To be on the safe side, several tournament groups have postponed or cancelled Potomac events. Tournament directors are considering using rubber gloves and face guards to prevent contact with Potomac water.

Officials maintain there’s no threat to drinking water, however environmental advocates and scientists have serious concerns about the spill’s effect on the river’s ecosystem and aquatic life. Potomac RiverKeeper Dean Naujoks says wastewater chemicals and E. coli bacteria contaminate river sediment and impact fish and bird reproduction, kill insects, and contaminate soil. Harmful pathogens and excess nutrients can lead to diseases in animals and harmful algae blooms. These blooms, typically occurring in August and September, deplete oxygen and cause fish kills and disrupt the balance of aquatic habitats, ultimately threatening biodiversity.

“This is not only a blow to the Potomac River, but a blow to the Chesapeake Bay.” Unlike oil spills, sewage cannot be removed from the water. DC Water’s environmental restoration plan is a collaboration with federal, state, and local regulators that will cost $20 million and be paid for by MD and VA residents. To stem the tide of raw sewage entering the Potomac, as part of its Clean Rivers Project, DC Water is building an 18-foot-diameter tunnel to catch nearly all wastewater by 2030.

Making matters worse, rapid urbanization in the Potomac Watershed has created more impervious surfaces, roadways and parking lots that are treated with salt and chemicals due to snow and ice conditions. Ultimately these end up in the river. Salinization is extremely harmful to animals that live in the rivers as well as vegetation.

This year’s Potomac River bass fishing season will certainly be impacted by the Interceptor spill but also exasperated by “routine” spills and farm and lawn runoff. In a tough year, the Potomac can’t afford a continued loss of SAV’s and fish kills. The fix comes with a high price tag, an investment in replacing aging infrastructure and new technology which may be coming late as overdevelopment isn’t reversable.

Potomac River Bassing in APRIL

Longer days and early spring temperatures are warming the river into the mid 50 degree range. Subaquatic vegetation is in growing and bass are moving into grass flats.

Lipless crankbaits are search baits covering all depths. Red patterns show up in early spring water. Tie to 12 pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line, slowly retrieve along gravel banks. Focus on spots with grass and snap baits free and pause. Also try red squarebills. Upgrade hooks to short shank wide gap hooks.

With shallow wood cover and around docks, try Colorado/ Indiana gold bladed spinnerbaits. Slow retrieves while bumping cover with hesitations. In shallow water, try 3/8 ounce sizes. Deeper move up in weight.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.