Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 28, 2008
Arlington Residents Cautioned to Avoid Contact with Water in Stretch of Four Mile Run Stream
County officials take steps following sewage spill in Bluemont Park
CONTACT: Ingrid Vaicius, 703-228-0590
ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington County health authorities are advising residents to avoid the waters of Four Mile Run Stream, from Bluemont Park to the Potomac River, as a precautionary measure following a sewage spill.
Arlington County alerts residents
Arlington County learned of the spill Friday, after a resident reported sewage odor in Bluemont Park. Crews who arrived on the scene discovered a broken sewage pipe. While crews worked to repair the damaged pipe, the County issued an Arlington Alert to subscribers as a cautionary measure. Residents are advised to stay away from the affected waters and to keep their pets away until further notice, to eliminate the risk of exposure to untreated sewage from this spill.
The County posted flyers along the affected area of Four Mile Run and posted news of the spillage and clean-up efforts on its Web site.
Residents are advised not to fish in or have any contact with the waters – including wading or swimming – until further notice. The advisory to avoid all contact is considered an extra precaution to allow the effect of the sewage spill to be diminished by natural flushing of the streams.
NOTE: Residents are reminded that stream water can contain microorganisms that can make people sick, whether the stream is located in an urban area or in the middle of a forest. Even after the spillage is naturally flushed from the streams, the County’s normal precautions for safe use of streams apply. You can find information and safety tips on Arlington streams on the Web site of the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services.
The recreational areas affected include the following parks adjacent to the stream: Bluemont; Glen Carlyn; Barcroft; Shirlington; Jennie Dean; Allie Freed; Bicentennial Gardens.
Background:
Earlier today, a resident reported a leak into Four Mile Run stream near Bluemont Junction. Teams worked to staunch the leak and repair the pipe. Water downstream from Carlyn Springs Road to the Potomac will be affected.
Arlington residents with questions or concerns over the weekend can call the Water, Sewer, Storm drain Hotline at 703-228-6555.
Sign up for Arlington Alert
Now is a good time to sign up for Arlington Alert, a free service that sends emergency text messages to mobile devices and e-mail accounts.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
