UPDATE: Advisory Lifted

City of Richmond Update to Tredegar Pipeline Trail Pipe Repair

August 1, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond and ending at Osborne Landing in Henrico County. The advisory was issued July 17, due to a sewer release near the Pipeline Trail, along the James River.

The City has met regularly with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and VDH since this incident, and DEQ and VDH have been actively monitoring the situation. Water quality sampling results collected by DEQ on July 29 and July 30, indicate bacteria concentrations in the James River in the prior advisory area are at levels acceptable for all recreational water use.

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs [COMPLETED]
   1. The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   2. Both plugs have been installed.
2. Temporary patching to the impacted areas of the pipe [COMPLETED]

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • The temporary patch installations are complete.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe [IN PROGRESS]
   1. A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe.
   2. This work will begin the week of August 5, 2024.        

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination process as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

 The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves). Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

Residents, businesses and visitors rely upon the James River as a water supply source, an economic driver and a recreational resource. The City continues to undertake significant construction projects to protect and preserve the James River while partnering with stakeholders to help identify and prioritize ways to enhance the river.

VDH Lifts Recreational Water Advisory for the James River - Newsroom (virginia.gov)

July 24, 2024 

The City of Richmond continues to work with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding two isolated events which occurred during July 2024 at the Tredegar Pipeline Trail. These are two separate incidents and not a continual leak. Initial investigation showed that the first leak on July 2 was related to a wet weather event and was exacerbated by a stormwater connection from an adjacent commercial property. The City reported this to DEQ within 24 hours as required. The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities confirmed there were no leaks on July 3. There were also no citizen reports of the pipe leaking for the two weeks between the two incidents. The July 2 incident has been closed by DEQ.

The second incident was reported to the City on July 15, and the city immediately responded. The repairs are ongoing and the updates are outlined below.

The Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continue to monitor the impacts to the river. Sampling will continue to determine when the Recreational Water Advisory for the James River from Manchester Bridge to Osborne Landing will be lifted by VDH, when VDH determines bacteria levels are acceptable for recreational contact. The City is meeting regularly with DEQ and VDH to continue collaborative conversations regarding repairs.

Repair Updates

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs
   
   • The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   • Installation of the large inflatable plugs started July 18, 2024 and one plug was successfully installed. Installation of the second plug is in process.
2. A temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe (i.e. under the belly of)

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • This work began Monday, July 22, 2024 and has been challenging as crews have had to consider workarounds based on the location and complexity of the impacted area.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe
   
   • A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe. This work is expected to begin the first week of August 2024.               

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves).  Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

July 17, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond to Osborne Landing in Henrico County. For the safety of people and pets, VDH is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided.  

The City of Richmond’s drinking water is upstream from the impacted site and is not impacted.  

This advisory is being released out of an abundance of caution due to a leak in a sewage pipe on the Pipeline Trail, which was reported on July 16. City crews joined with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), immediately responded to assess the site, and performed testing which confirmed high levels of bacteria. Investigation revealed that a bypass pumps had gone off-line. Crews were able to re-establish the bypass pumping operation to remove all flow from the pipe thereby severely diminishing the sewage release. Repairs of this 42” pipe will begin within the next 24 hours. Repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe. The City believes this immediate response will eliminate further impacts to the river. The long-term solution requires more in-depth design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge. 

Signage has been installed at the public access points. Public access points to the James River in the impacted area include Great Shiplock Park and Chapel Island, 14th Street Takeout, Dock Street Park, Wharf Street / Intermediate Terminal, Ancarrow’s Landing, and Osborne Landing.  

FAQs 

 As a City of Richmond resident, should I be concerned about my drinking water? 

No. The City of Richmond’s drinking water source is not impacted. Drinking water samples continue to meet Virginia Department of Health (VDH) standards.  

Should I swim in the river? 

Not until the advisory is lifted. Recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided. However, activities, which are not likely to result in water submersion (boating, fishing, canoeing), may continue with proper caution to avoid contact with the water. 

Why did this happen? 

The pipe has been identified as being put into service over 50 years ago and is further environmentally compromised based on its exposure to the elements and its location – which is suspended above the river.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the short-term? 

The City is working with a contractor for both temporary and permanent repairs. The temporary repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and the service of a welder to create a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the long-term? 

The long-term solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge.  

Richmond receives additional $39M to replace aging natural gas pipes

Richmond, VA – Today, the City of Richmond was awarded $39 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This award is the largest award in the country and adds to the $10 million awarded to Richmond in April of 2023. The grant funds will strengthen the region’s natural gas distribution system, managed by the Department of Public Utilities, and improve the city’s environmental responsiveness by accelerating the modernization of gas pipelines that will keep citizens safe and energy costs down.

City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney accepted the grant award, as he thanked the Biden-Harris administration and our federal partners, DOT and PHMSA, as well as our representatives in Congress – Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. Mayor Stoney says, “These grant funds are hugely important as we continue to mitigate safety risks from legacy natural gas distribution pipes, particularly in underserved communities. Investments like this show a collective commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities. My administration has focused on equity since day one, which is why I’m proud Richmond can continue the work of providing access to reliable and affordable energy without further burdening ratepayers.”

Presenting the award was Massoud Tahamtani, PHMSA’s Deputy Associate Administrator. He remarked that, “This first-of-its-kind infrastructure grant program is both making communities safer and helping those rural and urban communities most in need, save money on their energy bills. We are helping communities that are still relying on pipes from the 1800s modernize their systems and reduce emissions of harmful pollution.”

The combined grant funds ($49 million) will repair, rehabilitate, or replace nearly 50 miles of pipe, resulting in a significant reduction in methane pollution emissions.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program, which provided nearly $1 billion in funding over the course of five years to modernize community-owned natural gas distribution pipes and help to keep communities across the country safe from dangers associated with pipeline leaks. This current grant funding is part of $392 million in grants to support 130 projects aimed at fixing aging natural gas pipelines, helping reduce air pollution and reducing costs for ratepayers in 26 states.

More information about the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities’ gas division can be found here: https://www.rva.gov/public-utilities/news/richmond-gas-utility-overview.

Media Advisory

Media Contact:  

Rhonda Johnson          

804-646-5463

*** NEW UPDATE ***

Lane Closures – 6800 - 7100 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews) 
 
WHAT:  Travel lanes in the 6800 – 7100 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue are impacted
 
WHEN:  Additional traffic impacts begin Friday, May 17 

WHERE: 6800 - 7100 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue (between Joe Brooks Boulevard and Hathaway Road)

BACKGROUND:  The City of Richmond became aware of a collapsed sewer main in this section of Forest Hill Avenue in April 2024. Temporary measures were taken which included stabilizing the ground to prevent additional collapse as well the installation of a bypass system to ensure no impact to sewer services.

City and contracted planners and engineers have developed a plan of action to replace the failed pipe and assess other areas of concern. Permanent replacement work will begin on Monday, May 20. The Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) barriers and notices will be installed beginning Friday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Work will require that the eastbound traffic lanes of Forest Hill Avenue be closed between Joe Brooks Boulevard and Hathaway Road. Both eastbound and westbound lanes of Forest Hill Avenue traffic will share use of westbound lanes for the duration of the project. Access to businesses on Forest Hill Avenue will remain open during construction.

The detour will remain in place permanently until project completion, with the entire project anticipated to be complete by December 2024. Work hours are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. During the work there will be large trucks and other construction equipment operating daily, which will result in an increased level of noise during working hours.

Motorists are reminded to pay attention to signage in the area, and to use caution while traveling through the work zone. Riders of GRTC buses are encouraged to check updated schedules (via ridegrtc.com or the GRTC mobile app) for changes to bus stops or schedules before travel.

Most sewers were installed in the early 1900’s and have deteriorated to the point that they have begun to leak, have failed (collapsed), or are at risk of failure. If not addressed, settling of road surfaces, back-ups, and other problems may occur.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while this critical infrastructure work continues. There is no impact to the water service in the area; your water supply remains safe for drinking and recreational activities.

Full project details can be found here: https://www.rva.gov/public-utilities/news/forest-hill-avenue-sanitary-sewer-replacement-project

###

Traffic Advisory

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews) 
 
WHAT:  Eastbound lane and right turn lane closures
 
WHEN:  Eastbound Lane is currently closed; turn lane closures have been added

WHERE: 6800 - 6900 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue

BACKGROUND:  The eastbound outer lane of Forest Hill Avenue between Hathaway and Cherokee Roads is closed due to a collapsed sewer main. Right turn lane closures have been added, to protect the safety of the workers in the work zone.

Emergency sewer line replacement will be required and will be underway soon. Currently, bypass features are in place to ensure there is no impact to sewer services. Most sewers were installed in the early 1900’s and have deteriorated to the point that they have begun to leak, have failed (collapsed), or are at risk of failure. If not addressed, settling of road surfaces, back-ups, and other problems may occur.

City and contracted planners and engineers are developing a plan of action to immediately replace the failed pipe and assess other areas of concern. Updates are forthcoming that will include additional impacts and timeline.

Planned pipe rehabilitation will be proceeding in phases in the curb lane from the Windsorview Drive and Forest Hill Avenue intersection area to the Powhite Parkway. This rehabilitation, called cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP), will help prevent future sewer failure. More details on that process can be found here. CIPP work will be contingent on closed-circuit-television (CCTV) footage that will be obtained beginning April 9.

Motorists are reminded to pay attention to signage in the area, and to use caution while traveling through the work zone. Riders of GRTC buses are encouraged to check updated schedules (via ridegrtc.com or the GRTC mobile app) for any changes to bus stops or schedules before travel.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the traveling public while this critical infrastructure work continues. There is no impact to the water service in the area; your water supply remains safe for drinking and recreational activities.

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities urges customers to enroll into MyHQ – a new electronic billing platform.

In February 2024, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities launched a new electronic billing platform, MyHQ. MyHQ replaces MyCheckFree, a platform that close to 13,000 of DPU’s customers are enrolled in. Fiserv, the parent company of MyCheckFree, recently announced the platform’s retirement effective March 14, 2024. The final day customers can access their account information through the MyCheckfree.com website is March 13.

Over 5,600 customers have enrolled in MyHQ to date. All utility customers are encouraged to take advantage of this free, easy and paperless electronic billing and payment option to ensure safer delivery of utility bills and timely receipt of payments.

MyHQ functions the same as MyCheckFree, and offers additional enhancements. With MyHQ, customers can:

• Make ACH payments without a fee
• Choose from multiple notification types
• Automatic or manual payments
• View bills and payment history (up to 36 months)
• Setup AutoPay
• Configure notifications
• Create an easy to use wallet

Notices to impacted customers have occurred frequently since February, including direct emails and bill messages. All customers are encouraged to take action now to ensure a seamless transition.

Customers can sign up and explore other payment options by clicking here.

Here is what happens with MyCheckFree on March 14, 2024:

MyCheckFree.com service and customer accounts will be permanently disabled. Login access to MyCheckFree will be permanently disabled.

• All electronic payments scheduled for payment AFTER Thursday, March 14, 2024, will be permanently canceled.
• Customer will be unenrolled by Fiserv for all of their eBills received at MyCheckFree.com. The bill delivery preference on file with the bill provider will be used to resume delivery of bills. This bill delivery preference may include, without limitation, delivery by the US Postal Service (USPS) to the mailing address on file with the bill provider or paperless delivery supported by the bill provider.
• Automatic bill payments (“autopay”) will be disabled at MyCheckFree.com.
• All electronic payments with a scheduled payment date after Thursday, March 14, 2024, will be permanently canceled. Payments scheduled with a payment date of March 14, 2024, and before will be processed.
• Access to eBill and payment history will no longer be available at MyCheckFree.com service and customer accounts will be permanently disabled. Login access to MyCheckFree will be permanently disabled.

Don’t Delay, Enroll Today – it’s quick, it’s easy and it’s FREE!