‘Unknown substance with unknown origin’ prompts health advisory for creek in Wise, Russell County

ST. PAUL, Va. (WJHL) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued recreational water and fish consumption advisories for Lick Creek in Wise and Russell counties due to contaminated water.

The advisories are for the part of the 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,” the Virginia Department of Health said in a release. “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.”

According to the VDH, the advisories were issued out of an abundance of caution “due to an ongoing release of an unknown substance with unknown origin.”

The substance is believed to be human sewage, but other contaminants, such as oil or petroleum, have not been ruled out.

“Due to the uncertainty of the substance being released which is ongoing, VDH is still learning what adverse health effects someone may experience,” VDH said. “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.”

The VDH said it had not observed any impacts on drinking water so far.

The department issued the following tips:

• 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, such as 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.

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