CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – The phrase “it smells like Christmas” typically evokes scents like cinnamon and pine, but for some Chesapeake residents this year, it stunk. They awoke to the smell of sewage in their neighborhood.
A blockage in a pipe that began Christmas Eve is what HRSD crews say caused sewage to overflow near Great Bridge Boulevard and Neal Street in Chesapeake.
Crews responded and worked to contain and remove the spilled sewage as quickly as possible. They also installed a bypass to prevent any more spillage.
Approximately 2,500 gallons spilled before it was contained in the early hours of December 25, according to HRSD.
An update Friday confirmed the city also experienced wastewater spills from its sewer system because of the same HRSD blockage.
Some of the overflow ended up in drainage structures that lead to Newton Creek, a tributary of the Elizabeth River.
Water quality testing was conducted on Tuesday. 10 On Your Side is working to find out the results of the testing.
HRSD confirmed there was no interruption to services and no traffic impacts from this incident.
A news release from HRSD reminded residents to avoid contact with raw sewage, but to wash their hands well if they do.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
