Washington Contaminated Site Listings - Ordinance Map

Environmental Protection District of Columbia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia property owners, developers and residents can locate official contaminated site listings and follow municipal cleanup procedures published by the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)[1]. This guide explains where to find the interactive contaminated-sites map, how to report potential contamination, the typical enforcement process, and what forms or applications may be required. Use the interactive dataset and official agency pages to confirm site status before purchasing, developing, or applying for permits. The District publishes site records and case status on its open data portals and agency remediation pages to support transparency and compliance.[2]

Check the official DOEE site-record before buying or developing property.

How to find contaminated site listings and the map

Start with the District's contaminated-sites dataset and DOEE remediation pages to view site boundaries, status, and case notes. Typical steps include searching by address or parcel, downloading dataset attributes, and viewing GIS layers used by permitting agencies.

  • Search the contaminated-site dataset by address or parcel number.
  • Download site records or case files where available.
  • Check remediation status and last-updated dates on each record.

Penalties & Enforcement

The District enforcer for contaminated-site investigation and cleanup is the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). DOEE may issue orders to investigate or remediate contamination, require monitoring or institutional controls, and can refer matters for civil enforcement. Monetary fine amounts for contaminated-site violations are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the agency.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: cleanup orders, monitoring requirements, institutional controls, and potential liens or referral to Office of Attorney General.
  • Enforcer and inspections: DOEE enforces remediation orders and inspects sites; complaints can be submitted to DOEE enforcement/contact pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact DOEE for procedural deadlines.
If you receive a remediation order, contact DOEE immediately to confirm deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Relevant forms and applications are published by DOEE and may include voluntary cleanup or remediation program applications and Brownfields forms. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission instructions are not specified on the cited page and must be obtained directly from DOEE or the District open-data record.[1]

Action steps

  • Confirm site status on the official dataset before acquisition or permitting.
  • If contamination is suspected, file a complaint or notify DOEE via their enforcement page.
  • Follow DOEE instructions for assessment, remediation plan submission, and any required fees.
  • Appeal enforcement orders within the timelines provided by DOEE or the issuing authority.
Maintain records of site correspondence and remedial actions to support permits and appeals.

FAQ

How do I find out if a property is listed as contaminated in Washington, D.C.?
Search the District's contaminated-sites dataset and DOEE remediation pages for the address or parcel number; see the official agency record for status and notes.[2]
Who enforces cleanup orders in the District?
DOEE enforces site investigation and remediation; enforcement details and contact procedures are on the agency pages.[1]
Are there standard fines for failing to remediate?
Monetary fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited page; contact DOEE for current penalty schedules.

How-To

  1. Locate the property's address in the District contaminated-sites dataset and open the site record.
  2. Review the site status, case notes, and last-updated date to confirm current remediation stage.
  3. If you suspect unreported contamination, submit a complaint to DOEE with address, observations, and any supporting documents.
  4. If ordered to assess or remediate, obtain DOEE-approved procedures and submit required plans or applications as instructed.
  5. Keep records of sampling, plans, approvals, and communications for permits and potential appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify site status on official DOEE records before property transactions.
  • DOEE issues non-monetary remediation orders and enforces compliance; contact them for appeal procedures.

Help and Support / Resources