Several HRSD pump stations and one treatment plant experienced sanitary sewer overflows as a result of the significant rainfall coupled with the elevated water levels in area waterways throughout the HRSD service region brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Sally moving through southeastern Virginia.

HRSD crews have been working around the clock to locate line breaks, establish standby and bypass pumps, make repairs and reestablish full operation to overwhelmed systems throughout Hampton Roads.

While total spill volumes are not known at this time, overnight, the Suffolk pump station on Saunders Drive which moves wastewater flow from a portion of downtown Suffolk to the Nansemond Treatment Plant in northern Suffolk, and the York River Treatment Plant in Seaford began experienced large-volume spills to Shingle Creek and Back Creek, respectively. Crews at the York River Treatment Plant were successful in stopping the wastewater overflows into Back Creek with use of pumps early this afternoon. Crews in both locations continue working to make permanent repairs to these systems.  

HRSD is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health - Division of Shellfish Safety and has developed a plan to effectively utilize its monitoring resources in coordination with VDH.

Residents should avoid contact and use of the waters of Shingle Creek in Suffolk and Back Creek in Seaford until further notice. 

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