The Halifax County Health Department said that as of today the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports there has been no indication that a chemical plume resulting from a July 6 chemical storage fire in South Hill had made its way to Lake Gaston or any other waterway in the county.

Virginia DEQ reports that the chemical plume is moving slowly.

The department said the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Branch has begun syndromic surveillance of hospitals used by Halifax, Northampton and Warren residents. 

This effort, mirroring Virginia’s Department of Health, is focusing on tracking symptoms including eye and skin irritation, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness or dizziness, respiratory irritation, nausea, and loss of consciousness reported in emergency departments. 

The department encourages anyone who might have been in the affected waterways and who experience these symptoms to seek medical care and notify their practitioner of the waterbody exposure.

Those who notice any plumes, sheens, or fish kills in these waterways should avoid contact and report the conditions by calling 1-877-623-6748.

Area drinking water utility suppliers have been notified of the issue, and out of an abundance of caution, continue to test all drinking water for Halifax County. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia DEQ are testing the affected waterways routinely and reporting those results to the county health department and partner agencies. 

On Friday the Virginia Department of Health issued a recreational swimming and fish consumption advisory until further notice for surface waters, including the Meherrin and Roanoke rivers, that extend to the North Carolina-Virginia border.

According to a special page set up on the Virginia DEQ website, the advisory extends from the location of the warehouse fire off Route 1 in South Hill to two impacted watersheds — the Roanoke and Meherrin rivers. 

From Route 1 in South Hill; the advisory extent includes:

Dockery Creek south to its confluence with Miles Creek

Miles Creek from its confluence with Dockery Creek to its confluence with the Roanoke River/Lake Gaston near the Route 1 bridge

The Roanoke River/Lake Gaston from its confluence with the Miles Creek near the Route 1 bridge down to the North Carolina state line.

Mountain Creek north to its confluence with the Meherrin River above Route 637

Meherrin River from its confluence with Mountain Creek to the North Carolina state line