Fort Myer Construction Company, one of the largest road paving and infrastructure firms in the DMV region, is facing legal action for allegedly discharging pollutants into Washington, D.C.’s stormwater system since 2015. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) announced the lawsuit, accusing the company of repeatedly defying orders to stop the illegal runoff, which includes petroleum and greywater, from its maintenance yard and headquarters on 33rd Street NE.

According to the complaint filed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, inspectors from the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) discovered at least 20 unpermitted discharges of contaminated runoff into local waterways, including the Anacostia River. Fort Myer did not have the necessary permits under the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Multi-Sector General Permit program, despite being notified multiple times over the years to rectify its operations.

The complaint detailed one incident where an illegal bypass pipe was found, allowing pollutants to flow directly into the stormwater system. “They’re deliberately dumping the stuff,” said Trey Sherard of Anacostia Riverkeeper after reviewing the allegations.

“For years, Fort Myer Construction threatened District residents’ health and safety by polluting our waterways in blatant violation of environmental laws,” Schwalb said. “The company ignored repeated orders from D.C. agencies to clean up its facility and obtain proper permits, choosing instead to prioritize profits over the protection of D.C.’s natural resources.”

The lawsuit, which seeks to hold the company accountable under the Water Pollution Control Act, underscores the importance of environmental compliance in the construction industry. Construction companies must adhere to strict regulations to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. The OAG’s action against Fort Myer sends a strong message to the industry about the consequences of neglecting environmental responsibilities.

Fort Myer Construction has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit. The case could result in significant financial penalties and operational restrictions for the company if found liable for the violations.

A ConstructionOwners.com Perspective

As construction owners, maintaining regulatory compliance, especially regarding environmental laws, is critical to both business success and community trust. The recent lawsuit filed by the Office of the Attorney General against Fort Myer Construction highlights the potential risks and reputational damage that can occur when environmental standards are not met.

The allegations against Fort Myer, one of the largest road paving and infrastructure companies in the D.C. area, are a sobering reminder for all construction firms to prioritize environmental compliance. According to the complaint, the company has been discharging contaminated runoff into D.C.'s stormwater system since at least 2015, ignoring multiple warnings from regulatory agencies.

At ConstructionOwners.com, we stress the importance of ensuring that all construction companies, regardless of size, uphold their environmental obligations. The pollution allegations, which include unpermitted discharges of greywater and petroleum into waterways like the Anacostia River, showcase the risks construction companies face when they fail to follow environmental regulations.

It’s essential for construction owners to understand that non-compliance with environmental laws not only jeopardizes public health and safety but can also result in costly legal battles, fines, and long-term damage to a company’s reputation. Moreover, adherence to environmental guidelines is not just about avoiding lawsuits; it’s about contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and safeguarding natural resources.

The case against Fort Myer serves as a call to action for other construction businesses to ensure that their operations meet all local and federal environmental standards. Properly managing stormwater runoff, obtaining necessary permits, and addressing any environmental hazards promptly are not optional — they are responsibilities that come with the privilege of operating in this industry.

Construction owners must also take proactive steps, such as implementing pollution control measures, conducting regular audits, and training staff on compliance protocols, to avoid similar issues. By doing so, they protect their business interests and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship in the communities they serve.