Richmond provides update on sewage leaks affecting James River

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The City of Richmond has provided an update on the two sewage leaks which resulted in a significant amount of E. coli in the James River , as well as the city’s efforts to fix a faulty pipe responsible for one of the leaks.

According to the city, it has been determined that the two leaks which occurred earlier this month were not connected. The first one, which took place on July 2, was “related to a wet weather event and was exacerbated by a stormwater connection from an adjacent commercial property.”

The second incident was reported on July 15 and the city responded immediately, beginning the process of installing inflatable plugs to close off segments of the sewer line from water flow while repairs take place, as well as a temporary patch made of epoxy and steel plates on the affected area of the pipe.

Starting the first week of August, metal flanges will be welded in place to isolate both ends of the pipe while a long-term solution is determined. According to the city, fixing the pipe, which is 42 inches wide and elevated above the river, poses an engineering challenge.

The leak is not ongoing at this time, according to the city.

Testing and monitoring will continue to determine when the Recreational Water Advisory for the James between the Manchester Bridge and Osbourne Landing can be safely lifted. The city is also meeting regularly with the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Quality as it addresses the situation.

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