State health officials have closed a portion of the Rappahannock River to shellfish harvesting, saying recent rains may have washed sewage and animal waste into the river.
The ban took effect Saturday and will continue through July 13 — but it could be lifted earlier if testing shows the water is safe. The restricted area stretches from the Rappahannock northeast of Eubank southeast to Stove Point.
The restriction prohibits harvesting of oysters, clams and other bivalve mollusks, which could be contaminated and cause consumers to get sick if eaten. Crabs and finned fish are not part of the ban.
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