After the Storm: Footage from the Anacostia, 8/13/10

This afternoon, Anacostia Riverkeeper went out on the River to see how it’s faring after the storm.  And the storm’s effects were impossible to miss.

The most noticeable impact was on the water itself – it is a murky, muddy brown.  This is due to all the sediment, debris, and sewer overflow. (During heavy downpours, the District’s outdated Combined Sewer-Stormwater Overflow system kicks in, dumping raw sewage into the Anacostia.)

We also saw trash everywhere – more than usual – and big flotillas of trash, leaves and fallen branches.

In spite of all the trash and debris, the River is still filled with life – from the boat you could see herons, egrets, ducks, cormorants, and terns in the water and on shore.  Just a reminder of what we’re working to protect, and how beautiful the River really can be!

During our trip we were lucky enough to catch DC Water’s trash skimmer in action.  These boats have big jaw-like trash traps on the front, which collect surface debris.  Here’s a video of the skimmer doing its job!

We weren’t the only ones out on the River – check out Anacostia Watershed Society’s coverage of their outing yesterday!