Virginia health department warns against swimming in James River around Richmond after sewage release
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The poop-contaminated parts of the river. Image: Courtesy of VDH
Locals (and their pets) should stay out of the James River from the Manchester Bridge (around Ninth Street) to Osborne Landing in Henrico, the Virginia Department of Health announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: "Ongoing sewage release" from a city pipe near the Pipeline Trail has contaminated the water, per VDH.
The big picture: A leak in a sewage pipe on the Pipeline Trail was reported to officials Tuesday, and crews responded immediately, the city said in a news release.
- They found a bypass pump had gone offline, and they were able to temporarily re-establish the pump, "severely diminishing the sewage release."
- Testing done in coordination with the Department of Environmental Quality confirmed high levels of bacteria.
State of play: VDH's no swimming advisory was issued out an "abundance of caution," and any water activity that involves submersion should be avoided, the agency wrote.
- That includes swimming, wading, tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and letting your dog swim.
- Boating, fishing and canoeing are OK.
- The public access points to the James River along the 12-mile, high bacteria stretch include Great Shiplock Park and Chapel Island, Dock Street Park, Wharf Street/Intermediate Terminal, Ancarrow's Landing and Osborne Landing.
The latest: The city has shut down the pipeline, and repairs of the 42" pipe are slated to begin by Thursday afternoon.
- Repairs include the installation of inflatable plugs, isolating the damaged sections and a temporary patch.
- Officials will soon begin researching a long-term solution, which will likely involve more in-depth design in consultation with an engineer.
- Repairs are made more challenging because the pipe is suspended over the river, per city parks officials.
Worth noting: Testing last week showed significantly high levels of E. coli at several points in the James River — Rocketts Landing, West 42nd Street, Belle Isle and Mayo Island, WRIC reported earlier this week.
- River officials attributed the high E. coli levels to sewer overflow following recent heavy rain.
Local drinking water isn't affected at this time as it comes from upstream in the James (and is processed first).
What's next: VDH will lift the water advisory once the bacteria levels return to normal.