Part 16/18:
Experts warn that the sewage spill could cause “dead zones”—areas devoid of oxygen, leading to massive fish kills and ecological imbalances. The unlined canal where the sewage is stored presents ongoing risks, as decontamination efforts could take up to nine months, potentially devastating local fisheries and businesses.
Betsy Nicholas, president of the Potomac Riverkeepers Network, emphasizes the urgent need for daily testing and infrastructure upgrades to prevent future disasters. She describes the ripple effects on public health, the environment, and local economies.