UPDATE: Divers Discover Significant Damage to HRSD Force Main at Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake

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CHESAPEAKE - HRSD contractors this morning successfully completed their underwater assessment of the 20-inch cast iron force main that was damaged on Friday, March 10. Divers verified a seven-foot break in the pipe where it appeared to have been crushed by an external impact. While HRSD contractors were prepared to make minor repairs to the pipe this morning that would not require a complete closure of the waterway, the extensive damage discovered will require a full replacement of the pipe in this area which could not be completed today. HRSD staff are developing the work plan to replace the pipe. Until then, the valves to this force main will remain closed to prevent any additional sewage spills in the area.

Initial damage to the pipe resulted in the discharge of approximately 2.5 million gallons of wastewater into the canal at the Great Bridge Lock.

For health and water safety information as well as water sampling data, please visit Virginia Department of Environmental Quality website established specifically for this incident.

 

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Should you have any questions or comments, you may contact:

Media Contact:

Leila Rice, APR – 757.460.7056
Director of Communications
lrice@hrsd.com