July 12, 2024
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov
Or Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
VDH Issues Advisories for Recreational Water, Fish Consumption for Lick Creek in Wise and Russell Counties
Public Advised to Avoid Contact with Contaminated Water
ST. PAUL, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is issuing a recreational water advisory for Lick Creek from the 628 bridge to the confluence with the Clinch River. For the safety of people and pets, VDH is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming and wading, be avoided in this area of the waterway. VDH is also issuing a fish consumption advisory, recommending not consuming any fish taken from the Lick Creek headwaters to its confluence with the Clinch River. Advisories are effective Friday, July 11 until further notice.
The advisories are issued out of an abundance of caution due to an ongoing release of an unknown substance with unknown origin. While the substance being released is suspected as human sewage, other contaminants such as oil/petroleum cannot be ruled out at this time.
Due to the uncertainty of the substance being release which is ongoing, VDH is still learning what adverse health effects someone may experience. Touching the liquid substance, which is a dark liquid with a strong sewage odor, or consuming contaminated fish taken from the waterway, are ways the public may be exposed. It is advised to stay away from the impacted area and to contact your medical practitioner if you feel like you have been affected.
VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to chemical release events, people should:
- Avoid contact with Lick Creek from the 628 bridge to the confluence with the Clinch River and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points.
- Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
- Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
- Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
- Follow the fish consumption advisories in place for impacted waterways and to avoid eating any fish with oily residue, lesions, or odor.
- Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.
For more information on recreational water safety, see “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” and other materials at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.
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