A rendering of the project. Via DCCAH.

It’s a official: There will be no gas station installation in the Anacostia River, or in any river or body of water near D.C.

Earlier this month, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanitites announced that, as part of its 5×5 public art project, artist Mia Feuer would sink a “real-size replica of a gas station canopy” into Kingman Lake because art. But not everyone was thrilled about that idea. United for a Healthy Anacostia—a coalition trying to improve the conditions of the river—sent a letter to the DCCAH, asking them to not move forward with the project.

The DCCAH considered their request and decided not to put the installation in the Anacostia, writing “after further consultation with the District’s Department of the Environment regarding the city’s on-going efforts to clean up the Anacostia River, including current toxicity testing, DCCAH is working with artist Mia Feuer for the proposed 5 X 5 artwork titled, Antediluvian, to relocate the temporary project outside of the Anacostia River and vicinity. We appreciate all the interest this project has received from members of the community.”

But now the project has been scrapped altogether. In a statement, the DCCAH writes that they “[believe] strongly in free artistic expression and continues to support” Feuer’s work, but that “given the time constraints for an early September project launch, securing the other sites is not a conducive option at this time.”

You can read the full statement below:

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) believes strongly in free artistic expression and continues to support a public art installation, or activation, by artist Mia Feuer for the 2014 5×5 Project, a contemporary, temporary public art project.

Due to ongoing clean-up efforts at the Anacostia River, the proposed location for the Antediluvian artwork is not feasible. DCCAH has explored other river and water options; but, given the time constraints for an early September project launch, securing the other sites is not a conducive option at this time.

DCCAH supports artist Mia Feuer and is working with her to develop a revised concept. We welcome District residents and visitors to join us as we launch 25 public art installations, activations and performances throughout the District this September through December.