DC Developer Pays $200K, Protects Wetlands After Illegal Draining Near Anacostia River

The Residences at Kenilworth Park, LLC (RKP), a developer of an assisted living complex in Ward 7 near the Anacostia River, has agreed to pay $200,000 and permanently protect wetlands on its property following allegations of serious environmental violations during construction. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced that RKP illegally drained over two acres of protected wetlands by installing more than 200 unauthorized groundwater extraction wells, which pumped an estimated 3 million gallons of water daily, significantly lowering the water table. Additionally, RKP discharged polluted groundwater into storm sewers on multiple occasions without the required permits or proper notifications, violating the District's Water Pollution Control Act and other environmental regulations. The developer also broke commitments made in a Wetlands Mitigation Plan to protect and restore the natural habitat at the site. As part of the settlement, RKP must record a permanent conservation easement to ensure that the remaining wetlands are protected from future development or alteration. Environmental advocates, including Anacostia Riverkeeper, have highlighted the severity of the violations, emphasizing the threat to one of the District's few remaining wetlands and its proximity to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.