On May 26, 2025, a D.C. Policy Center report was cited in The Seattle Medium:
Aside from industrial, agricultural, and waste contaminants, D.C. Policy Center warns that leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are also a concern for soil contamination in Washington, D.C.
LUSTs are tanks containing harmful chemicals buried underground for disposal, which, over time, have begun to leak. These tanks, often containing petroleum products or other chemicals, can corrode, allowing dangerous substances to seep into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Recognizing the threat posed by LUSTs, the District has undertaken extensive remediation efforts since 1987 to combat challenges. Yet, according to the most recent data from the D.C. Policy Center (2020), 130 LUST sites remain active, continuing to endanger both environmental and public health.
Read More: Beneath the Surface: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Soil Contamination
Additional reading: The geography of environmental toxins in the District of Columbia