Update: Advisory Issued for Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers

UPDATE: Partial Lifting of Advisories

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted sections of the recreational water and fish consumption advisories initially issued following a chemical storage facility fire on July 6. The affected area includes a portion of the Meherrin River, starting at Route 138 (Union Mill Road) and flowing southeast through Lawrenceville and Emporia to the North Carolina state line.

The decision to lift the advisory for this river section comes as chemical levels have decreased to non-threatening concentrations. Recent rainfall has facilitated the dilution of these chemicals, ensuring they no longer pose a health risk.

Original Article:

In the wake of an industrial fire in South Hill, Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued advisories for the Roanoke River and Meherrin River. This advisory warns against recreational water activities and fish consumption from these waterways, effective from Saturday, July 6, until further notice.

Advisory Details

The VDH advises the public to avoid activities such as swimming, wading, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating in the affected rivers. Additionally, people should not consume fish from these waterways. The advisories come as a precaution due to chemical releases resulting from the industrial fire.

Officials stated in a press release, “The advisories are issued out of an abundance of caution due to a release of chemicals from an industrial fire in South Hill.” The advisories cover the Meherrin River from its confluence with Mountain Creek to the North Carolina state line and the Roanoke River (Lake Gaston) from its confluence with Dockery Creek to the North Carolina state line.

Incident Summary

On July 6, crews responded to an industrial fire at a chemical storage facility in South Hill. The water used to extinguish the fire caused runoff, which has polluted nearby Dockery and Mountain creeks. This contaminated water has since flowed downstream into the Meherrin and Roanoke rivers. The facility stored various chemicals, including fuel, fertilizers, and herbicides.

Safety Recommendations

To prevent recreational water illnesses from exposure to these chemicals, VDH advises the following:

  • Avoid contact with the noted bodies of water and observe advisory signs posted at access points.
  • Steer clear of areas where the water has a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
  • If contact with the water is unavoidable, promptly wash skin with soap and water.
  • Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, such as clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes, and paddles.
  • Seek medical care and inform your practitioner about the exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the water.

Adhering to the VDH guidelines will help minimize health risks associated with the industrial fire incident.

In light of the recent contamination in the Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers, reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners become particularly relevant. These systems can effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including chemicals like those released in the South Hill industrial fire. Reverse osmosis filtration offers a high level of purification, making it suitable for ensuring safe drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners can protect household plumbing and appliances from the corrosive effects of contaminated water, providing a comprehensive solution for maintaining water quality and safety in the aftermath of such environmental incidents.

Sources: Virginia Department of Health, WRAL News