Watershed Protection Division

DDOE's Watershed Protection Division (WPD) protects and restores the environmental health of our watersheds in several ways. The Division has developed and enacted stormwater management and sediment and erosion control regulations for construction sites. In addition, it has developed an extensive Environmental Education Program, using nationally accredited curricula, to educate District teachers, students, and residents in the benefits of environmental stewardship. The WPD also assesses the health of watersheds and habitats and sponsors activities that re-create wetlands or restore stream buffers with trees.

The following Branch Offices work together to protect our watersheds from soil erosion and nonpoint source pollution.

Technical Services Branch

• Reviews construction and grading plans for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management.

Inspection and Enforcement Branch

• Inspects construction sites for soil erosion and drainage problems, responds to resident complaints and recommends appropriate solutions.

Planning and Restoration Branch

• Encourages pollution prevention by carrying out information and education campaigns and increasing involvement in cleanup efforts in the Anacostia River, neighborhood watersheds, and the Chesapeake Bay.
• Sponsors activities that protect and restore river, stream, and wetland habitats in DC, increase the DC and Chesapeake Bay watershed's ecological diversity, and protect the health, welfare, and safety of our residents.
• Funds, manages and implements stream and wetland restoration projects.
• Promotes green roofs in the District.

• Community Work Day Highlight* (04.07.08)
• Notice of Funding Availability
• Coal Tar Ban in the District (Effective July 1, 2009)

• Cover*   
• Table of Contents*  
• Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Manual*     
• Chapter 2 - The District's Stormwater Management Criteria*
• Chapter 3.0 - Best Management Practices Introduction*     
• Chapter 3.1a - Filters*     
• Chapter 3.1b - Filters*     
• Chapter 3.1c - Filters* 
• Chapter 3.1d - Filters*     
• Chapter 3.2 - Infiltration*    
• Chapter 3.3 - Storage*    
• Chapter 3.4 - Ponds*    
• Chapter 3.5 - Wetlands*    
• Chapter 3.6 - Open Channels*    
• Chapter 4 - Selecting the Best Management Practices at a Site*    
• Chapter 5 - Stormwater Management Plans*    
• Appendix A*    
• Appendix B*    
• Appendix C*    
• Appendix D*    
• Appendix E*    
• Appendix F*    
• Appendix G*    
• Appendix H*    
• Appendix I*     
• References*