The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team is in close coordination with agencies in Virginia regarding the ongoing environmental issue resulting from the South Hill warehouse fire that occurred on July 6.
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety also said the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has set up a website similar to Virginia DEQ’s to provide updates.
The warehouse facility contained a large quantity of agricultural chemicals and runoff from the firefighting efforts that has entered several water systems in southern Virginia, including the Meherrin River from its confluence with Mountain Creek, and the Miles and Dockery Creeks, upstream of the Roanoke River-Lake Gaston.
DPS reported this afternoon there is no immediate danger to the North Carolina public or to those near Lake Gaston.
There is no timeline on when, or if, contaminants will reach Lake Gaston or North Carolina in measurable concentrations.
Virginia DEQ is conducting regular water sampling operations, tracking the flow of contaminants, and has reported a fish kill in Dockery Creek.
North Carolina DEQ is in contact with Virginia DEQ and information sharing and coordination are occurring.
Fish consumption and recreation advisories have been issued for Dockery Creek and Miles Creek to its confluence with the Roanoke River and Lake Gaston, as well as the Meherrin River to the North Carolina state line.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that local health departments in the impacted areas issue recreational water advisories mirroring those in Virginia; the need for and timing of those advisories will depend on available data.
North Carolina DEQ is monitoring for potential impacts; staff plan to conduct additional water sampling once the wastewaters are believed to reach North Carolina water bodies.
If you discover any water sheens, odors, discolored vegetation, or dead wildlife in the potentially impacted areas call 1-877-623-6748.
NCDHHS is working with officials in Virginia to determine what the potential health impacts could be from this release.
This information will inform any future protective actions that may be needed in North Carolina. Additionally, NCDHHS is monitoring data from hospital emergency departments in the area for any patients who develop symptoms, such as skin irritation, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory irritation or nausea after coming into contact with area waters.
To be prepared DPS suggests the following:
Avoid swimming and fishing in any waters that have advisories issued.
Monitor reputable sources of information like verified government agency social media accounts, websites, and local media.
