The Virginia Department of Health has closed several river portions to shellfish harvesting over concerns about Hurricane Dorian’s impact.
From September 7 through 27, an emergency closure is in effect on the Lynnhaven and Back Rivers and the lower James River. During that time, according to a health department notice, “it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to take shellfish from these areas for any purpose except by permit granted by the Marine Resources Commission.”
The health department says due to the severe weather Dorian brought to Hampton Roads, each of the areas has potential microbiological and chemical pollution hazards, and shellfish taken from those waterways aren’t safe to eat.
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