March 2026 – Newsletter

Archive, Newsletters,

Next Meeting: TUESDAY, March 10, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.
IN-PERSON AT THE POTOMAC LIBRARY!

If you are interested in more information about PFAS, or watching a video from our February 10th meeting, please click here.

SPEAKER: Dean Naujoks, Potomac Riverkeeper

Dean Naujoks joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) an environmental nonprofit, in 2015 as the Potomac Riverkeeper.  PRKN’s mission is to protect the right to clean water for all communities and all those who live in and rely upon the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds by stopping pollution, making drinking water safe, protecting healthy river habitats, and enhancing use and enjoyment for all.  Dean has been working closely with PRKN staff and UMD researchers who have sampled several sites across the Potomac River to evaluate the public health exposure and environmental damage due to the rupture of DC Water’s 6-foot diameter Interceptor near Lock 10 on 1/19/26, causing 60 million gallons/day of untreated sewage to flow into the Potomac River for at least a week.  He will update us on what’s been done to prevent further contamination of the Potomac, what more needs to be done to help wildlife and aquatic life recover, and what he expects in terms of remediation efforts.

As always, the public is welcome to attend!

Our Water Quality is Under Threat
President’s Letter by Carol Van Dam Falk

One could reasonably argue that the quality of our water is under serious threat.  From chemicals in our region’s drinking water supplied by the WSSC, to water in our local streams contaminated by excess rock salt and crumb rubber breaking away from artificial turf fields, to water coursing through the Potomac River contaminated by bacteria from a gigantic pipeline rupture, we worry that our water is unsafe and may remain that way for months to come.

These past six months at our General Meetings, we have heard from a bevy of esteemed experts who have all touched on the importance of reevaluating how we think about water, how we use it, and how we can collectively work to preserve and protect it.

We know from our friends with the Safe Health Playing Fields Coalition that tire crumb from artificial turf playing fields contains known carcinogens and seeps into our streams and other local waterways nearly every time we experience heavy rains.  We have learned from Dr. Kyla Bennett of the Professional Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) how PFAs or “forever chemicals”, have found their way into our drinking water supply which is deemed “safe” by Federal agencies, and we know from our friends with the Izaak Walton League of America that dumping an excess of rock salt on our roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots during inclement weather can kill aquatic life.

On Thursday (2/26/26) night, about 200 people crowded into Whitman High School to hear DC Water officials say last week’s water samples of the Potomac River show the lowest levels of E.coli since testing began on January 29th, but company officials provided less than a clear plan as to how they would prevent a repeat of the rupture on January 19th, when a sewer pipe collapsed, spilling hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.  When asked for specifics, DC Water Chief Operating Officer Matthew Brown and CEO David Gadis told me that work on repairing the Potomac Interceptor can begin now that boulders that fell into the pipeline after the rupture have been cleared. Crews will pressure wash the pipe and coat it with multiple layers of a spray-on cement resistant to corrosive sewer gases.  Many in the community, including myself, believe the 54-mile-long Interceptor – built in the 1960s – needs a complete overhaul.  Agency heads say they expect the repairs to be completed by mid-March. Since February 8th, crews have prevented wastewater from escaping the broken pipeline and the C&O Canal bypass, according to DC Water.

We are asking DC Water and environmental officials to share with us a comprehensive remediation plan and to ensure that such a disaster – the worst of its kind in US history – never happens again. The following is an excerpt of WMCCA’s letter to DC Water and various entities involved in the monitoring of water quality and cleanup efforts.

While we appreciate DC Water’s intentions to spend $625 million over ten years on improving the Potomac Interceptor, your remarks do not go far enough to specify your plans for remediation regarding the damage done to the Potomac River, the C&O Historical Park, and the ecosystem stretching from the Potomac down to the Chesapeake Bay.  We would urge DC Water to undertake the following steps and report back within two weeks to WMCCA on what steps have been accomplished:

  • Take immediate measures to prevent the risk of additional ruptures.
  • Improve the “temporary fix” to the break. It has been reported by several reputable sources that raw sewage continues to flow into the Potomac during heavy use periods near Lock 10/Cabin John.
  • Determine the extent of the contamination in the Canal and the Potomac.
  • Undertake a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the break and identify other portions of the pipeline at risk of failure in the near future.
  • Implement a comprehensive plan to clean up and remediate the Canal and Potomac River, including a transparent public input process and providing documents for review.

Public Urges Moratorium at MoCo Council Data Center Hearings
Submitted by Theodora Scarato

On February 24th, the Montgomery County Council held public hearings on two Data Center proposals ZTA 26-01 (industrial zones with a 500-foot setback) and Bill 4 26 (1-year task force).  Numerous residents and community groups testified that a moratorium was needed due to:

  • Water Quality Risks: Heavy water withdrawals for cooling will concentrate toxic contaminants in the water.
  • Massive Power Demand: Electrical grid build-out, more power lines, higher residential EMF, and higher electric bills for consumers.
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Increased reliance on fossil fuels will undermine climate goals.  Increased Air Pollution: Backup diesel generators release air pollutants harmful to human health and linked to air pollution.
  • Noise Impacts: Low-frequency and ultrasonic noise, reportedly traveling up to 2.5 miles, have been found to impact human and wildlife health.
  • Stormwater Runoff: Large building footprints and paved surfaces increase impervious cover, contributing to flooding, erosion, and polluted runoff into streams.

A proposed Dickerson Data Center for MoCo would draw from the Potomac River, and experts warn such expansion could trigger water shortages.  Last year, Prince George’s County implemented a moratorium, halting all Data Center permits to allow for a comprehensive impact study, now under review.

Take Action: Testimony can be received until Thursday, March 5, at 5 pm for ZTA 26-01 at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/PHSignUp.html

County Proposes Shared-Use Path on MacArthur Boulevard
Submitted by Barbara Hoover

WMCCA applauds Montgomery County’s Vision Zero goal of ending serious injury and death on our roadways, and believes that bicycle and pedestrian safety are of the utmost importance.  Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is proposing the construction of a 15-foot-wide shared-use path on MacArthur Boulevard between Old Anglers Inn and Falls Road in Potomac.  The proposal is in the “concept design” stage, and at this point, the County is asking only if the public thinks the new path should be on the left or right side of the road.  WMCCA opposes this proposal.  We wish to convince MCDOT to drop this project for the reasons stated below:

  • The estimated cost of this project is over $9 million for only 3.5 miles of road.  This is a completely inappropriate amount to spend on such a short stretch of road, particularly in light of Montgomery County’s revenue shortfalls and budget deficits.
  • Montgomery County data shows that there is no significant safety problem to be solved.  This 3.5-mile stretch of road is not dangerous or deadly, as shown by Montgomery County’s Crash Map and MCDOT’s Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Locator.
  • Most bicyclists will not use this multi-use path, so this proposed solution does not solve the perceived problem that bicyclists are jeopardized or interfere with traffic.  Maryland law allows bicycles full use of traffic lanes.
  • This project is inappropriate for one of the most beautiful designated Maryland Scenic Byways, adjoining one of the most famous National Parks in our country, and communities that celebrate trees and the preservation of nature.
  • The Presentation creates a false narrative of the need for this project, and there are alternatives for many discussed situations.

The County has identified 20 road stretches as some of the most dangerous.  We think that $9M would be better applied to solutions along the most dangerous roads in Montgomery County.  Please support removing Phase 3 of the “MacArthur Boulevard Bikeway & Pedestrian Safety Improvements from Old Angler’s Inn to Falls Road” from consideration.  

Here are the links to the DOT Presentation and the Public input Page: 

Forever Chemicals: What They Are and What You Can Do
Submitted by Theodora Scarato

Kyla Bennett, Ph.D., J.D., Director of Science Policy at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), presented at WMCCA’s February 10th meeting. The video recording is posted on WMCCA’s website.  Forever chemicals are a health and environmental threat.

  • Forever chemicals: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) break down slowly and remain in the environment and the human  body for years.
  • Sources of Exposure: Contaminated drinking water, food packaging, plastic containers coated with fluorinated chemicals, Teflon and nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, firefighting foam, pesticides, and food grown in fields fertilized with PFAS-contaminated biosolids.
  • Human Health Risks: Cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, diabetes, asthma, immune suppression, developmental effects, pregnancy complications, and decreased fertility.
  • How Water Becomes Contaminated: Sewage sludge (biosolids) is often spread on farmland as fertilizer, allowing the chemicals to leach into groundwater or run off into nearby creeks and reservoirs. Contamination also occurs through industrial discharges and runoff from sites where firefighting foam was used.
  • Artificial turf fields: The plastic blades and backing are a significant source of forever chemicals that can migrate from the turf into groundwater and people.

Reduce Your Forever Chemical Exposure:

  • Filter your water: Install a high-quality water filter certified to remove PFAS.
  • Replace nonstick and Teflon pans: Switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or glass cookware. Use wood, not plastic, cutting boards.
  • Avoid stain- and water-resistant products: Unless they clearly state they are PFAS-free.
  • Avoid microwaving in plastics and PFAS-coated containers. Skip microwave popcorn.
  • Choose scent and fragrance-free products.
  • Use bar soap, shampoos and beauty products.
  • Avoid plastic #2 unless it’s fluorine-free.
  • Avoid personal care and household products that contain PTFE or ingredients with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” in the name.
  • Support local, state, and federal efforts to limit PFAS contamination and hold polluters accountable.

Websites to learn more:

Reminder – Take It Easy on the Salt
Submitted by Nancy Madden

Spring is almost here, but we just had another significant snow fall on 2/23/26.  Hopefully it was our last for this Winter season, but if not – please remember to take it easy on any salt applications – a little goes a long way.  Efficient and conservative salt application will not only to take care of clearing snow and ice, but also reduces the pollution into our drinking water and exposure to the wildlife we share our homes with.  As pointed out by Samantha Puckett, our Speaker for the January 13th General Meeting:

  • Use smart salting practices at home – a standard 12 oz mug of salt is enough for a 20-foot driveway.
  • Shovel first, then scatter salt. Sweep up excess or leftover salt and save for the next storm.
  • Road salt generally stops being effective at melting ice when pavement temperatures drop below 15º to 20º Fahrenheit (F).  Effectiveness drops significantly below 15ºF because it cannot dissolve to break the bond between ice and pavement.  Salt works best when temperatures are 25ºF or higher.
  • Call 311 for County Streets or 1-800-543-2515 for State Roads to report illegal dumping or large spills Including pictures with your report is very helpful – Maryland does want to clean this excess salt off the roads or parking lots.

More information can be found at www.SaltWatchMoCo.org.  The Izaak Walton League provides a free Salt Watch testing kit to test any streams you may have near your home.  Instructions are provided for uploading your results to the Clean Water Hub, which helps the League to monitor salt concentrations in area streams.

When possible – let the sun do the melting for you!!

SAVE THE DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDARS !!

April 14, 2026 Community Meeting Speaker – Theodora Scarato will discuss the FCC’s changing policies concerning cell tower installations and modifications, and the public safety concerns for these towers.

May 12, 2026 Community  Meeting Speakers – Our District 15 & 16 Representatives will provide an update on Maryland state and county issues.

IN-PERSON WMCCA Meeting March 10, 2026 – 7:15 p.m.

West Montgomery County Citizens Association Newsletter
P.O. Box 59335, Potomac, MD 20854-9335
President – Carol Van Dam Falk: President@WMCCA.org
Website: WMCCA.org – Thomas Fahey
Newsletter Editor – Nancy Madden