{"id":12784,"date":"2016-05-09t11:19:51","date_gmt":"2016-05-09t11:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dpetrov.2create.studio\/planet\/wordpress\/giant-tunnel-borers-will-help-clean-d-c-s-rivers\/"},"modified":"2023-02-28t18:47:15","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28t18:47:15","slug":"giant-tunnel-borers-will-help-clean-washingtons-rivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.getitdoneaz.com\/story\/giant-tunnel-borers-will-help-clean-washingtons-rivers\/","title":{"rendered":"giant tunnel borers will help clean d.c.’s rivers"},"content":{"rendered":"
when her husband took office in 1963, claudia alta johnson, better known as lady bird, made it her mission to protect and preserve the environment. she created the committee for a more beautiful capital, whose effects can still be felt today, and helped call attention to the disgraceful state of the district\u2019s rivers.<\/p>\n
now a giant machine, akin to a mechanical earthworm, denominated lady bird, burrowed deep under the city, creating a tunnel. this tunnel will serve to redirect sewage overflows, keeping the waste out of the city\u2019s rivers on the occasions when the archaic sewage system becomes overwhelmed \u2014 a problem that has contributed to 3 billion gallons<\/a> of raw sewage deposited into the anacostia and potomac annually.<\/p>\n this tunnel project is part of a larger commitment, $2.6 billion that d.c., along with the environmental protection agency, has invested in a the clean rivers project, a 20 year rivers cleanup initiative.<\/p>\n one report released by dc appleseed, a d.c.-based organization focused on solving problems affecting the district and its residents, stated that the anacostia river is one of the dirtiest in the country, practically unswimmable and for all safe purposes unfishable. yet, the rivers are still a hub for d.c. life. people boat and fish in both of the city\u2019s rivers, and the banks house parks, stadiums and other centers of activity.<\/p>\n