President Donald Trump signed a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill, authorizing FEMA to coordinate disaster relief and cleanup after a major section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed and discharged raw sewage into the river.
The action enables federal support for cleanup and recovery in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia.
"Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency," according to the agency. "Mark K. O’Hanlon has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area."
