After the sewage spill on July 3rd, citizens still had questions about what happened. The Mirror contacted Town Staff and Town Council with a series of questions, which are published below:
From Town Manager Rick Keuroglian – The Town’s primary concern throughout this incident was protecting public health and safety. Because the wastewater system is owned and operated by Virginia American Water, many of the technical and operational questions are most appropriately answered by Virginia American Water. The Town will answer questions regarding its response and coordination efforts and will continue working cooperatively with Virginia American Water and the appropriate regulatory agencies as additional information becomes available.
How many gallons of untreated sewage were released into the streets?
The Town does not have an independent estimate of the volume released. Virginia American Water, as the owner and operator of the wastewater system, is responsible for determining and reporting the volume associated with the incident. I recommend contacting Virginia American Water for that information.
Editor’s Note: Virginia American Water has estimated that over 7,000 gallons of raw sewage entered the streets and storm drains. 14,000 gallons of sewage were removed by truck.
What is the estimated duration of the sewage discharge?
Based on information provided to the Town, the incident began during the evening of July 3 and was contained during the early morning hours of July 4. Virginia American Water can provide the official timeline and details regarding the duration of the discharge.
Were any homes, businesses, or private properties affected?
Based on information provided to the Town, two residential properties were impacted. Virginia American Water has been working directly with the affected property owners regarding remediation. Any additional questions concerning remediation efforts should be directed to Virginia American Water.
Did any sewage enter storm drains or waterways?
Based on information available to the Town, a limited amount of wastewater entered a nearby storm drain before the flow was contained. The Town’s Public Works staff responded promptly to assist with containment efforts. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Health were notified, responded to the site, and provided direction regarding any necessary response actions.
Current status of the water and wastewater systems?
Virginia American Water advised the Town that the bypass valve had been repaired on July 4, and the Town subsequently notified residents that normal water and sewer usage could resume. Questions regarding the current operational status or long-term reliability of the system should be directed to Virginia American Water.
How closely does the Town monitor Virginia American Water?
Virginia American Water owns, operates, and maintains the Town’s water and wastewater systems. The Town does not manage or operate that infrastructure. The Town maintains regular communication with Virginia American Water regarding service to the community and receives periodic updates, including public presentations to the Town Council concerning maintenance programs and capital improvement projects.
What maintenance has been completed at the Mason Avenue Pump Station?
Because Virginia American Water owns and operates the facility, questions regarding maintenance history, inspections, repairs, and capital improvements should be directed to Virginia American Water.
Had Virginia American Water identified prior issues?
The Town is not in a position to speak on behalf of Virginia American Water regarding its maintenance history or operational assessments. That question should be directed to Virginia American Water.
Does VAW plan to rehabilitate or replace the pump station?
Questions regarding future capital improvements or replacement plans should be directed to Virginia American Water.
Will there be a public report?
The Town expects that Virginia American Water will provide information regarding the cause of the incident and corrective actions. The Town also intends to discuss the incident publicly during its Council Work Session scheduled for August 5.
Why wasn’t the parade rerouted?
Public safety was the Town’s highest priority throughout the incident. The decision to proceed with the parade was made in coordination with Virginia American Water, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Department of Health, the Cape Charles Fire Department, Northampton County Emergency Management, and the Cape Charles Police Department. Based on the information available at the time, it was determined that the parade could safely proceed provided that spectators were not permitted to congregate within the affected area. Following the parade, the area was secured to allow Virginia American Water to complete repairs.
Were required notifications made?
Virginia American Water is responsible for the required regulatory notifications associated with the wastewater system. The Town understands that the appropriate agencies were notified and responded to the incident.
Current status of investigations?
Questions regarding regulatory investigations or agency findings should be directed to Virginia American Water and the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Will the Town conduct its own investigation?
At this time, the Town’s focus is on working cooperatively with Virginia American Water to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and any corrective actions being implemented.
Could the failure have been prevented?
It would be inappropriate for the Town to speculate regarding the cause of the failure or whether it could have been prevented. Those determinations are appropriately addressed by Virginia American Water and the applicable regulatory agencies.
What corrective actions are being implemented?
The Town will continue working with Virginia American Water to understand the corrective actions being taken to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
Will this be discussed publicly?
Yes. The Town Council has scheduled a Work Session on August 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. The purpose of the meeting is to receive information regarding the incident, discuss the response, and review any recommendations for future improvements.
Will the Town review emergency response procedures?
Yes. The Town intends to review its emergency response procedures and public communication protocols as part of the August 5 Work Session.
Will the Town review infrastructure oversight?
The Town will use the August 5 Work Session as an opportunity to discuss lessons learned, review coordination with Virginia American Water, and consider whether any additional procedures or communication practices would benefit the community.
Is the Town planning on invoicing VAW for the time our Public Works crew had to be used for the cleanup?
Not at this time. VAW has been a great community partner and has helped the Town in many other projects and has not sought reimbursement for their help. This can be discussed in our August 5th Work Session meeting with Council.
–When VAW purchased the plants, they were supposed to conduct a survey and report on the status of the infrastructure. Was that report ever supplied to the Town, and has anyone read it?
Please see the Council Agenda Packet on May 21st, 2026 for more information on all maintenance, inspections, repairs, and or upgrades that have been completed for their system.
–For situational awareness as well as public health and safety, does VAW keep the Town abreast of repairs and upgrades?
Yes, the Plant Manager, Matt Elliott, does call from time to time and did invite me to tour the facilities to see their infrastructure upgrades, in which I did last Summer. I also have spoken with VAW’s engineer, President, and VP on the repairs and upgrades that were communicated on May 21st 2026 Council presentation.
–How often has the Eastern Shore Health District tested the area and beaches for contamination?
William Pfeiffer, Environmental Health Supervisor, does regular testing of our beach and shares the Beach Sampling results. When levels are not safe for the public from the sampling, we notify the public immediately.
About the Author
Hey, Rocky, dude, maybe you have been hit in the head a time or two too many thinking this "rag"…
Isn't this site run by a liberal democrat? I'd be very surprised if not because this rag reads like commie…
He is a liberal democrat. There is no need to engage with them any longer. They have shown the world…
Hi Tom! Just checking - do you know the difference between Africa and Asia? Who is dim?
I hope and pray you and yours are well! The CCM had this from me this morning and I have…