Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Contact: Shannon Whalen McDaniel 703-228-3685 (voice) 703-228-4711(TTY)
Update: Arlington Lifts Advisory for Four Mile Run
Recommends Normal Stream Precautions
ARLINGTON, Virginia – Arlington County has lifted the advisory it issued on Thursday, August 7 for the Four Mile Run stream from Westover Park to the Potomac River. The advisory was issued following a second release of portable lavatory waste into the storm sewer system that empties into the park near N. Kennebec Street and the bicycle trail at I-66.
The County took the precautionary measure of warning residents to avoid contact with the waters downstream from the spill site. The precaution was meant to allow the normal ecological process in the streams to reduce the potentially elevated bacteria levels caused by the release.
Following a clean up procedure using a vacuum truck and several days of stream flow, Arlington County now recommends that residents resume adherence to its normal protective precautions for safe use of its urban streams. You can find information and safety tips on Arlington streams on the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services Web site.
Arlington’s Fire Marshall’s Office and Department of Environmental Services continue their investigation into this second dumping incident. The first discharge occurred at the same location on Thursday, July 31. Residents in the area of Westover Park can assist the County in this investigation by calling 911 to report any suspected illegal dumping.
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.
