The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to construct a proposed offshore submerged channel intake in the Potomac River for water supply at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant (WFP).
Some components of the Potomac WFP are located within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) so WSSC is seeking a construction Special Use Permit from the NPS.
The EA is available for review on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Under “Choose a Park” click on “Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park” and follow the link to Potomac Submerged Channel Intake Environmental Assessment. Comments may be submitted electronically via the website. Written comments should be mailed to Christopher J. Stubbs, Chief, Division of Resources Management, C&O Canal NHP 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Comments must be received by Aug. 14.
NPS and WSSC also will host a public meeting on Thursday, July 14, from 7-9 p.m. at Potomac Community Library (Medium Room), 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac. The meeting will consist of a brief presentation and an open house format to provide residents with opportunities to discuss interests and concerns with NPS staff.