October 9, 2026
Media Contact: Stephanie Hudson, Eastern Region PIO, (804) 396-9640
stephanie.hudson@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health Closes Portion of Lower Machodoc Creek to Shellfish Harvesting
RICHMOND, Va.— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that a portion of Lower Machodoc Creek in Westmoreland County is closed to shellfish harvesting due to a sewage release. These waters may be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The temporary emergency closure is set to be effective from October 9 through October 29, 2026.
Shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure are unacceptable for consumption. Eating shellfish taken from the closed areas at this time could cause gastrointestinal illnesses including Norovirus, Hepatitis A and Shigellosis. The Virginia Department of Health urges the public to rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles, to minimize exposure to contaminants.
A map of the affected area is posted on the Division of Shellfish Safety’s home page at www.vdh.virginia.gov/Shellfish/. The affected shellfish are filter-feeding bivalve mollusks, including oysters and clams, but not crabs or finfish.
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