The lawsuit argues that federal agencies and military sites created landfills, allowed waste to flow into the river and perpetuated an outdated sewage system that dumped waste directly into the Anacostia.

The District of Columbia is suing the federal government over pollution in the Anacostia River, hoping it will lead to a cleanup of the urban waterway.

The lawsuit claims that pollution has resulted in swimming bans and fishing advisories along the Anacostia River.

The federal government has been the number one driver of pollution," said D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.