South Fork Roanoke River contaminated with ‘PFAS,’ VDH says water still safe to consume
The DEQ said they received information from the Western Virginia Water Authority that results of the water found GenX, a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, also known as PFAS, in source water and drinking water from the South Fork Roanoke River watershed.
Officials say no danger to public as two feet of water flow over Carvins Cove dam
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The spillway of the Carvins Cove dam in Roanoke County is seeing two feet of flowing water. Two feet of water flowing over the spillway is not an indicator of imminent dam failure, however, according to the Western Virginia Water Authority, which owns the dam. Officials with the Water Authority told 10 News the flood of 1985 was the last time there were two feet of water flowing over the dam. Four feet of water flowing over the dam would trigger a “Stage III” emergency, which could mean dam failure is imminent. Water Authority officials said they don’t expect the dam to reach a Stage III designation and there is no danger to the public on Wednesday night.
Heading outdoors this weekend? Here’s where you can and can’t go
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA – As people in Southwest Virginia prepare to get fresh air this weekend, some popular spots are now closed to limit the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Matthew Webb, a 19-year-old student from North Carolina, drove all the way to Virginia to camp along the Appalachian Trail this weekend. Hiking and biking trails will stay open, but you need to stay in groups less than 10 people. The U.S. Forest Service temporarily closed all trail heads, facilities and access points to the Appalachian Trail (AT). “But I’ll live with it.”Different cities and towns across southwest Virginia have made different decisions about whether or not to close playgrounds or parks, so it’s important to check before you go.