ADVISORY ISSUED AFTER 438,000 GALLONS OF SEWAGE RELEASED INTO POWELL RIVER IN BIG STONE GAP

Advisory issued after around 438,000 gallons of sewage released into South Fork Powell River around big Stone Gap. ​The Virginia Department of Health reports that a sewage release occurred from a Big Stone Gap Department of Public Utilities sewer force main on Thursday into the Powell River. The advisory is for the South Fork Powell River near East Stone Gap to the Powell river at Big Stone Gap. The VDH added that no impacts to drinking water have been observed. People are advised to avoid recreational activities like swimming, wading, kayaking, tubing, or any other activity where submission in the water is likely. Activities like boating, fishing, and canoeing are allowed to continue with caution to avoid contact with the water. 

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