A WUSA9 investigation has revealed that Fort Myer Construction Company, despite numerous environmental violations, has been awarded over $1 billion in contracts by the District of Columbia. This includes a troubling pattern of contracts being awarded even after the company was found to have polluted the Anacostia River, one of the city's most important natural resources.

Fort Myer, first cited for environmental violations in 2015, allegedly allowed petroleum-contaminated runoff to pollute D.C. waterways. The company’s environmental record remained poor despite multiple warnings from the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). In 2016, for example, despite a violation, the company received $48.5 million for roadwork. This pattern continued, with the city awarding the company large sums in 2018 and 2019—$25.5 million and $102 million, respectively.

Trey Sherard, Anacostia River Keeper, voiced his frustration: “Everything is special about the Anacostia River... I am incredibly frustrated that the district was giving this much money and contracts to a company that DOEE knew was noncompliant.” This frustration is shared by local leaders, with D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen pointing out that taxpayers should not be funding a company with repeated environmental infractions. Allen also called for better communication across agencies to prevent such discrepancies in the future.

The D.C. “Clean Hands” law only restricts companies from receiving contracts if they owe substantial fines, but it does not address environmental violations, leaving a significant gap in accountability. Sherard insists that companies like Fort Myer should not be awarded new contracts until they are in full compliance with environmental regulations.

In response, the D.C. Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Fort Myer, seeking financial penalties for their pollution violations. Both Sherard and Councilmember Allen believe that substantial fines will be the key to ensuring companies like Fort Myer comply with environmental standards. While the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) has suggested future contracts for the company could be affected, they have not provided further details while the legal case proceeds.

The situation serves as a wake-up call for the city, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger oversight and stricter policies to hold contractors accountable for environmental damage.

Construction owners, particularly those involved in government contracting, may view the situation with Fort Myer Construction Company as a cautionary tale about the complexities of compliance and accountability in public sector projects. On one hand, the significant contracts awarded to Fort Myer despite environmental violations could be seen as a failure in oversight, potentially raising questions about how compliance is monitored and enforced by government agencies.

From a construction owner’s perspective, the case underscores the importance of maintaining strict adherence to environmental regulations, as violations can not only harm the reputation of a company but also expose it to legal and financial penalties. However, some owners might also view this as an opportunity to reflect on the broader issues in contracting, particularly the lack of a system that holds contractors accountable for environmental breaches. They may advocate for reforms that ensure companies cannot secure future contracts until they are fully compliant with all regulations.

For those in the industry focused on sustainability and responsible construction practices, the case may also highlight the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in the public sector. As such, the incident could drive demand for more transparent and rigorous oversight to ensure contractors meet not only the technical requirements but also the environmental standards expected by both the government and the public.