On Friday, July 3, around 3 PM, there was a sewer pump failure at the Mason Avenue pump station in the Town of Cape Charles. Three onsite discharge pumps failed to keep up with the incoming flow, resulting in a localized sewage overflow.
Immediate actions were taken to make repairs and contain the discharge, including installing sandbags on the roadway and constructing a sand berm around the storm drain to limit the migration of wastewater and reduce the potential impact to Cape Charles Harbor.
Upon occurrence of the discharge, Virginia American Water personnel with assistance from the Town of Cape Charles Public Works Department and American Water contractors implemented containment measures to prevent wastewater from entering the storm drain system and receiving waters. Following containment, all contaminated sand and soil were collected and disposed of in accordance with applicable disposal procedures.
The roadway and surrounding affected areas were subsequently cleaned (water jetting, wash water removed with Vac Con trucks) and stabilized with lime. Cleanup activities were completed, and the site was restored to normal operating conditions on July 4. Additional personnel were either on-site or on call to respond to any operational issues that might arise during the holiday weekend.
Virginia American Water thanks Town staff for their support during this event. The Town Manager’s Office, Public Works Department and Police Department were instrumental in containing and reducing the impact of the discharge. Virginia American Water also thanks the Town of Cape Charles’ residents for their patience and cooperation while the issue was being addressed.
Since acquiring the wastewater system in April 2024, Virginia American Water has invested more than $3.4 million in wastewater system improvements. Plans to upgrade the Mason Avenue pump station are being implemented in phases. Phase 1, which began in March of this year, includes installing a permanent bypass system with electric and diesel pumps. Phase 2 will include rehabilitating the pump station wet well with new pumps, followed by installation of a new generator and switchgear system integrated with an upgraded control system.
