Watershed Protection, Inspection and Enforcement

What Do We Do?

The mission of the Inspection and Enforcement Branch is to coordinate, facilitate, manage, and plan activities to protect the water quality and aquatic resources in the Potomac and Anacostia watersheds. The Branch develops and implements an efficient and effective inspection and enforcement program in support of the regulation of land-disturbing activities.

The specific functions of the Branch are:

1. Conduct inspections of soil erosion and sediment control and storm water management facilities at construction sites for compliance with the regulations.
2. Review and approve “As-Built” plans of storm water management facilities submitted to the District for compliance with design standards and specifications.
3. Investigate soil erosion, water drainage and related complaints and take the necessary action(s) to resolve them.
4. Conduct preventive maintenance inspections of storm water management facilities to ensure proper functioning of these facilities.

Why Would I Need an Inspection?

Land disturbing activities are regulated under law. The Inspection and Enforcement Branch performs the functions listed above as part of its mandate to implement the inspection and enforcement component of the soil erosion and sedimentation control and storm water management regulations.These regulations are outlined in Chapter 5 of Title 21, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

Business and Homeowners can apply for a site inpection here.