Lightning strike causes 400,000 gallons of sewage to enter Essex creek, Rappahannock River
VENN
ESSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A lightning strike caused 400,000 gallons of "partially treated sewage" to enter an Essex County creek on Wednesday. Health officials are asking the public to stay out of that creek, as well as part of the Rappahannock River, to protect their health.
On Thursday, July 10, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advised people and pets to stay out of both Hoskins Creek and the Rappahannock River between the Downing Bridge and Wares Wharf "until further notice" to avoid contact with contaminated water.
About 400,000 gallons of "partially treated sewage" were discharged into Hoskins Creek on Wednesday, July 9 "after a lightning strike caused an equipment failure," per the VDH. Similarly-treated sewage continues to be discharged from Tappahannock's wastewater treatment plant as of the time of reporting.
"The partially treated sewage is still being processed and filtered at the wastewater plant, but is not undergoing final disinfection, which could increase the likelihood of bacteria presence in the advisory area," the VDH said.
The portion of the Rappahannock River, as well as Hoskins Creek, that is under a recreational swimming advisory as of July 10. (Photo: VDH)
Tapphannock does have a "contingency plan" wherein it can deploy other methods to disinfect such sewage. This plan was reportedly activated Thursday afternoon. The town will continue to sample the treated sewage for bacteria.
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For the duration of this recreational swimming advisory, the VDH strongly advises that the public adhere to the following guidelines:
- Avoid contact with any area of Hoskins Creek, its opening to the Rapphannock River and the shoreline between the Downing Bridge and Wares Warf. Advisory signs are posted in these areas.
- Avoid contact with any water that has a foul or chemical odor, is discolored or contains dead or dying fish.
- If you do come into contact with contaminated water, quickly wash your skin with soap and water. You should also wash any items that touch the water -- including things like clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
- After contact, if you start showing any signs of illness, immediately seek medical care.
The VDH has not detected any impacts on drinking water in the area.
"The Town of Tappahannock, [the VDH] and [the Virginia] Department of Environmental Quality will continue to monitor this incident to assess any hazard to public health, and the advisory will be continuously evaluated," the VDH said.
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No additional information is available as of the time of reporting.
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