Pollution in the Northwest Branch: How to Prevent It, What to Do If You See It

By Jennifer McGuire Cox

The Northwest Branch is a jewel in our neighborhood, a place where we can go for a walk, observe nature, and decompress from our busy lives. While we might not think about it beyond a neighborhood gem, it is in fact the largest subwatershed of the Anacostia River, stretching some 19 miles in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, eventually draining to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. That means that what happens in our own backyard, and what we ourselves do in the Northwest Branch, has a dramatic reach not only in terms of water quality and pollution, but the flora and fauna that need a healthy ecosystem to survive.

Trash along the trail of the Northwest Branch.

Challenges Facing the Northwest Branch

The Northwest Branch faces many problems. While largely rural in its northernmost points, the watershed where our neighborhood is situated is largely developed and the overall watershed is 27% impervious. This means that, in all of the watershed, 27% of it is covered by artificial structures, including asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, as well as rooftops and compacted soil no longer able to absorb water as it otherwise would in a natural, undisturbed location. This imperviousness, coupled with a lack of stormwater controls, means that, in a rain storm, water gushes in more quickly than it normally would, resulting in muddy runoff and erosion of the stream banks. But that rain, too, means any trash laying on the ground — and any other pollutants that those within the watershed are using — will likely enter the waterway.

The Importance of Water Quality

Why is this a big deal? Because litter and pollutants entering the waterway will result in the decrease of water quality. Sure, we might not ourselves be drinking right out of the Northwest Branch, but our local waterways do provide our drinking water. Water quality is also one of the most important components of any healthy ecosystem, impacting the diversity of plants and wildlife that can live in and near the waterway. Poor water quality also has recreational implications, including making it unsafe for ourselves and our pets to use and enjoy.

A dog poop bag along the trail of the Northwest Branch.

What NOT to Do to Maintain a Healthy Watershed

How can we help maintain a healthy Northwest Branch watershed and waterway? By being a responsible neighbor and steward. This includes:

Picking up after your dog and pets. As a reminder, dogs are supposed to be on a leash while walking along the Northwest Branch trails. Yet some dog owners let their pets run wild on the trails, including defecating wherever they want. Others will bag their pet’s poop, but then leave the bag in the woods. When the fecal matter enters the waterway, it introduces disease-causing microorganisms, sickening animals and humans alike.
Avoiding the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals, particularly near water. If you must, DO NOT apply chemicals right before a rain storm, as the chemicals will just run off your yard and into the nearest storm drain or waterway.
Disposing of oil, gasoline, and other contaminants properly. If you have extra oil that is old or you’re no longer using, DO NOT just pour it out in a storm drain or your yard. Take it to the County Transfer Station for safe disposal.
Do not dump or leave trash in the woods or in your yard. Windy days can blow this trash into a waterway, affecting water quality and endangering plants and animals.

What SHOULD You Do If You See Something?

Montgomery Parks owns the land, including the trails and waterways, of the Northwest Branch in our neighborhood. It works to prevent stormwater and other pollution from impacting our local waterways and the aquatic wildlife that lives in them.

If you see anything suspicious on Montgomery Parks’ land, contact their Pollution Incident Phone Line at 301. 495.3582. Staff will visit the site of the incident and try to determine the cause. What is suspicious?

Fish kills
Algal blooms
Sediment pollution
Oil sheen on the water surface
Strangely discolored water

If the issue is clearly a sewage leak from a water main or sewer pipe, which do run on Parks’ properties, please contact Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s Emergency Services at 301.206.4002. ■