Council Takes Major Step in McDuffie’s Multi-Year Fight for Environmental Justice in Brentwood Neighborhood

For Immediate Release: November 27, 2018
Contact: Nolan Treadway, (202) 445-0361, ntreadway@dccouncil.us

Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Leads Council Action to Take W Street Trash Transfer Station by Eminent Domain

Represents Next Step in McDuffie’s Multi-Year Fight for Environment Justice in Brentwood Neighborhood

Legislation Approves Plan to Transform Site into a District Government Facility

Washington, D.C. — Today, with passage of the Warehousing and Storage Eminent Domain Authority Emergency Act of 2018, the Council of the District of Columbia took a major step toward closing the W Street Trash Transfer Station, located at the corner of Brentwood Parkway NE and W Street NE.

Since taking office in 2012, Councilmember McDuffie has been working toward the day when the W Street Trash Transfer Station will permanently close its doors. To support communities in Ward 5 that are adjacent to heavy industrial sites, Councilmember McDuffie has passed legislation tightening the regulations and increasing fines for solid waste facilities and facilities that produce paint fumes. In 2014 and 2015 Councilmember McDuffie laid the groundwork for today’s legislation by introducing the first bills to give the Mayor with the authority to exercise eminent domain to acquire this nuisance property. Since that time, Councilmember McDuffie has continued to advocate for executive action on the W Street Trash Transfer Station.

After passage, Councilmember McDuffie said:

“Today marks a major milestone in our over 25-year effort to improve the quality of life for residents of Ward 5 and the Brentwood neighborhood. This action helps ensure the District has adequate storage and warehouse space while also dramatically improving air quality for the residents of the Brentwood neighborhood. When I started this work six years ago, I knew that it would take time to close a facility such as this one and I am pleased to be able to deliver on my commitment to the residents of Ward 5. I look forward to the day that residents of the Brentwood neighborhood can open their windows without the foul odor that emanates from this facility during the hot summer months.”