You Can Get Back in the James

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the recreational advisory issued July 29 for the James River from Robious Landing Park in Chesterfield, Goochland, and Henrico counties to Belle Isle in the City of Richmond due to results from recent testing.

Sampling results collected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on August 2 indicate bacteria concentrations in the James River in the prior advisory area are at levels acceptable for all recreational water uses.

As of August 2, Tuckahoe Creek, which was impacted during the sewage release that occurred off River Road on July 27, still had elevated levels of bacteria observed at two sites. The levels were dramatically less than sample results on July 29, and Tuckahoe Creek has limited public access. Based on decline of bacteria concentrations observed between July 29 and August 2, VDH advises the public in the vicinity of Tuckahoe Creek below River Road to avoid contact with the creek, until bacteria concentrations within this area return to acceptable levels,which should occur over the next week. Both sites with elevated bacteria levels are located within Tuckahoe Creek and in the Eastern Branch of Tuckahoe Creek.