Massive debris field covering Claytor Lake contains hazards

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Claytor Lake remains closed to public navigation while crews try to clean up a massive debris field that covers 20 acres of the lake. The debris was washed into the reservoir from the New River by high water caused by heavy rains from the remnants of what what Tropical Storm Helene.

The clean-up effort by crews in work boats is slow and meticulous because there are propane tanks and other hazards in the debris field.

“Propane, if you hit that with a prop, it becomes a missile,” said Claytor Lake State Park Manager Broderick Havens.

Also in the debris field are docks, boats, and even parts of houses.

“It’s everything; you’ve got docks, you’ve got boats, you’ve got things that were once part of a house,” said Havens. “So boat docks, boat houses: you’ve got propane tanks and gas containers, things of that nature that have come down the lake.”

Several area first responder agencies are assisting. One of the jobs they are doing is burning off propane from propane tanks pulled from the lake. They are also assessing the contents of tanks and barrels that are removed.

Boats and docks found in the debris are being anchored in safe places and their owners will be notified.

Some boat owners who dock their vessels at the Claytor Lake State Park Marina stopped by to check on their boats.

“We were hoping to take out today,” said boat owner Dale Martin of Blacksburg as he inspected his boat for damage. “But it’s not going to happen today.”

Martin’s boat is one of dozens completely surrounded by debris. The passage out of the boat slips and into the main lake is also jammed with logs, wood, and other debris.

So, how long will the clean-up take?

“Probably, weeks at best,” said Havens.

Until then, he urges patience so that that debris can be cleared safely.

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