CHESAPEAKE - HRSD was notified Friday evening that a tug boat in the vicinity of the Great Bridge Lock had compromised an HRSD 20-inch cast iron force main with its anchor. HRSD operations crews immediately located and isolated the section of pipe under the canal and successfully diverted wastewater flows to stop the leak.

There have been no service disruptions and no injuries reported resulting from the line break. There are currently no impacts to marine or vehicular traffic in the area. Total spill volume is not known at this time. HRSD operations crews are assessing damage to the line to make the necessary repairs and HRSD Water Quality personnel will be working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to monitor the impacted waterway.

As a precaution, residents should avoid direct contact with the affected waterway at this time.

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