Article Text

Virginia health officials are still warning people and pets to avoid recreation along a 4.7-mile stretch of the Potomac River in Fairfax County following a sewage spill that released more than 200 million gallons of wastewater.

The Virginia Department of Health lifted its advisory Thursday for the river from Chain Bridge at Glebe Road in Arlington to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in King George County. The warning remains in effect upstream between Chain Bridge and the American Legion Bridge on Interstate 495.

Officials advise against swimming, wading, tubing, white-water canoeing and kayaking in that area, particularly activities that could result in full-body submersion.

The recreational advisory began Feb. 13 after clogged pumps caused wastewater overflows in early February, compounding a spill that started Jan. 19 when the Potomac Interceptor collapsed in Montgomery County.

The 54-mile pipeline transports sewage from Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and Dulles International Airport, to a treatment facility in Washington, D.C. Its collapse near Clara Barton Parkway sent more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the river.

An emergency bypass system was installed to keep the sewer operating while repairs continue.

Water samples collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on Feb. 17, 25, 26 and 27 showed bacteria concentrations had fallen to levels considered acceptable for recreational use, according to state health officials. Swimming has long been prohibited in the river.

However, samples taken closer to the spill site in Washington continued to show higher E. coli levels, prompting Virginia to retain the Fairfax County portion of the advisory.

Officials said there is no evidence that the spill has affected drinking water.

People should avoid water with foul odors, discoloration or dead and dying fish. Anyone who contacts the river should promptly wash exposed skin with soap and water and clean clothing, fishing equipment, life vests, ropes and paddles.

Anyone experiencing health problems after exposure should seek medical care and tell the practitioner about the river contact. Fish and crab harvesters should discard the skin and organs, cook the meat thoroughly, and wash cutting boards and utensils with warm, soapy water.