PORTSMOUTH – HRSD crews and contractors are making steady progress on emergency repairs following the sanitary sewer force main failure in Portsmouth on Douglas Avenue near Rolfe Terrace. Since yesterday's update, crews have completed a key underground pipeline assessment that is helping guide the next phase of repairs.

HRSD crews have completed video inspections inside the underground sewer pipeline to better understand the condition of the pipe on both sides of the failure. Results of the inspection indicated that 40 feet of sewer pipe need to be replaced, and HRSD is in the process of replacing those two sections with PVC sewer pipe.

HRSD's around-the-clock pump-and-haul operation remains effective. Environmental cleanup and remediation efforts also continue on the property located at the northwest corner of Rolfe Terrace and Douglas Avenue as well as within areas of Hull Creek.

Lime, a natural soil conditioner to reduce odors, has been applied to the impacted area. According to State Public Health Toxicologist Dr. Dwight Flammia, the application of lime to areas impacted by the sewage spill is standard procedure — lime is applied to kill pathogens and reduce odor. This lime is the same type used in lawn management to increase soil pH. No health impacts are expected from the use of lime in this instance. Residents and pets should avoid contact. If you should come into contact with the lime, wash the affected area with soap and water.

Douglas Avenue remains closed to thru traffic between Rolfe Terrace and Wesley Street. Access to Bruce Place is being managed by on-site staff.

The Department of Environmental Quality has established a Douglas Avenue HRSD force Main Failure web page to provide updates, photos, agency contacts, and additional information.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

About HRSD: HRSD is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia created by public referendum in 1940 and currently serves 20 cities and counties in southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore, an area with a population of 1.9 million.

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