SEWER PIPE UPDATE- COCKRELL CREEK

Northumberland County Sanitary District discovered a ruptured sewer pipe located under Cockrell Creek on January 15, 2024.  The Sanitary District staff immediately contacted Crofton Industries located in Portsmouth, VA.  Crofton Industries arrived on January 16, 2024, and had a diver on site for initial findings.  All wastewater was removed at the pump stations by vac trucks before reaching the damaged section of the pipe to prevent any further release of wastewater into Cockrell Creek.   On January 17, 2024, divers gained access to the pipe and identified a two (2) inch hole located in the pipe.  On January 18, 2024, a temporary patch was placed on the pipe, which allowed for the flow of wastewater back through the pipe.  A permanent fix is being further investigated and put in place as soon as possible as the pipe running under Cockrell Creek is a non-standard size.  Regulatory agencies continue to be updated on this matter.

Northumberland County would like to thank Smith Point Sea Rescue for getting staff on-site to investigate the issue, Omega Protein for the use of their vessel and the crew of Hopeful Harvest to get equipment on site, Charles Williams III for the use of his boat ramp, W. C. Lowery Inc. for assisting in the pump and haul, and Crofton Industries during this operation.  Northumberland County would also like to thank the Sanitary District staff for their hard work on this matter and continued operations.

Date: 1/19/2024

Time: 2:00 p.m.

By: Luttrell Tadlock, County Administrator