Winter in the District of Columbia presents unique environmental challenges. Snow and ice accumulate, becoming contaminated with salt, litter, dirt, and other pollutants. As spring arrives and thawing begins, these contaminants can enter storm drains, potentially causing blockages and polluting local waterways such as Rock Creek, the Anacostia, and Potomac Rivers. De-icing salt poses a significant threat to the District’s freshwater ecosystems, with its removal being both complex and costly. Additionally, air quality suffers due to emissions from idling engines, gas-powered equipment like snow blowers, and wood-burning fires, all of which pose health risks to residents. To address these environmental impacts while ensuring winter safety, collaboration between local agencies and communities is crucial.
Below is a list of things the Department of Energy and Environment is doing to help protect human health and the environment during the winter months. See what residents can do.
- Provide assistance, training, and environmental expertise to the District’s snow and ice removal operations.
- DOEE provides a coordinated response to environmental emergencies during snow and ice events. DOEE evaluates reported spills and other environmental crises, offering expert guidance on the release of chemicals or substances, such as oil or fuel spills, on both public and private properties. During severe weather, DOEE will respond based on a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. These include the storm's duration, the severity of road conditions, and the potential impact on the local community, following a formal assessment request.
- Research safe alternatives to salt. DOEE is partnering with the District’s Snow Team to achieve this with a Salt Alternatives Pilot during the winter of FY2021. Lessons learned from the pilot will be incorporated into the District’s Snow Plan to reduce the amount of salt used for snow and ice removal operations in the District while maintaining safety for all residents
