Recreational advisory lifted for James River after sewage spill, repairs completed

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- The recreational swimming advisory for sections of the James River and Gravelly Run in Hopewell has been lifted after roughly a million gallons of sewage were spilled, but the plant responsible has a documented history of equipment issues, raising ongoing questions about its operations.

The advisory was put in place on July 11 after a major power failure at the Hopewell wastewater treatment plant led to the discharge of untreated sewage into nearby waterways. Officials said the failure was caused by damage to electrical wiring following a lightning strike, rendering part of the plant inoperable.

The overflow was halted by the afternoon of Saturday, July 12, after crews installed emergency pumps and generators. Repairs to the damaged electrical systems were completed by July 16, according to the city. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said recent rainfall, high flow and water movement helped dilute and degrade the sewage, making the river safe again for recreation.

"With the cessation of the discharge on Saturday and the period that has passed since the recreational advisory was issued, water quality in Gravelly Run and the James River over the extent of the advisory area, is no longer considered a public health threat as a result of the sewage discharge," the city said.

Despite the advisory lift, health officials continue to urge caution when swimming in natural waters — especially within three days of heavy rain — due to potential contaminants and runoff. No impacts to drinking water have been reported.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern at the Hopewell facility. In a Notice of Violation issued in January 2025, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) documented eight separate sewage discharges between July and December 2024, totaling more than 160,000 gallons. Causes ranged from clogged and failed pumps to power outages, with sewage flowing into Cattail Creek, Cabin Creek, Bailey’s Creek and the James River.

A DEQ inspection in November 2024 revealed significant equipment issues and a lack of preventive maintenance. Staff told inspectors that repairs were made only after equipment failed, rather than through routine upkeep.

Although the plant resumed operations on July 12, city officials initially said a permanent electrical fix would be completed by July 18 — the same day the advisory was ultimately lifted.

Health officials continue to urge the public to avoid swimming near storm drains or discolored water and to follow fish consumption advisories.

8News has reached out to a city spokesperson to receive an update about the permanent fix.