PORTSMOUTH – HRSD crews and contractors have stopped wastewater flows from the failed 30” force main on Douglas Avenue near Rolfe Terrace with around-the-clock pump and haul operations. This has allowed crews to do a more thorough damage assessment to the pipe and begin mobilizing repairs.

Clean-up efforts continue, with crews removing as much of the release as possible and applying a small amount of lime to the area. Lime is a natural soil conditioner that has been placed to reduce odors. Residents and pets should continue to avoid the spill area and practice good hygiene with thorough hand washing when coming in contact with any spill material or standing water in the area.

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

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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