Sewage release closes part of Lower Machodoc Creek to oysters and clams through Oct. 29

A second Virginia shellfish emergency landed the same day, on a different river and for a different reason. The Department of Health closed a portion of Lower Machodoc Creek in Westmoreland County to shellfish harvest because of a sewage release. The temporary closure runs Oct. 9 through Oct. 29, 2026. VDH said the water may be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Shellfish taken from the closed area are not acceptable to eat. The department warned that eating them now could cause gastrointestinal illness, including norovirus, hepatitis A, and shigellosis. It also asked people to rinse or wash anything that touched the water, including fishing gear, life jackets, ropes, and paddles.

The affected animals are filter-feeding bivalves, including oysters and clams. Crabs and finfish are not included. Emergency Condemnation Number 005-083B makes it unlawful to take shellfish from the mapped stretch except under a Marine Resources Commission permit. A map of the closed water is posted on the Division of Shellfish Safety page.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Virginia Department of Health — Closes portion of Lower Machodoc Creek to shellfish harvesting (Oct. 9, 2026). Order text: Emergency Condemnation #005-083B.