Governor Kaine Declares Emergency To Coordinate Response To Water Outage In Goshen Information and Assistance Center Set Up For Residents By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia, directing state agencies to take all necessary actions to aid in the response and recovery from a water outage in the town of Goshen in Rockbridge County on Thursday morning, June 21. A declaration of emergency allows the Governor to immediately deploy state personnel, equipment, and other resources, and to coordinate state and local response to an emergency. In addition, the Governor has authorized the activation of Virginia National Guard personnel and equipment to assist in the distribution of water to Goshen residents. A National Guard unit is scheduled to arrive on Friday, June 22 to assist with response and recovery efforts. "These National Guard personnel will help get water to those in need," Governor Kaine said. "Other agencies, including the Virginia Departments of Health and Emergency Management, have been on-the-ground for several days, assisting local officials as they work to resolve this situation." Robert Parker, Regional Public Information Officer for the Virginia Department of Health reports that mental health counseling is now available for those experiencing stress, irritability, or other mental or emotional difficulties. An Information and Assistance Center has been established for Goshen residents and they can call 540-997-7267 or 540-997-7268 for updates. A shipment of 4,032 gallons of bottled water was delivered to Goshen's 400 residents on Friday afternoon, June 15. Another shipment of 4,032 gallons arrived Thursday morning June 21. Crews are delivering the water door-to-door, and it also is available for pickup at the Goshen Town Hall. In addition, two large water trailers with more than 10,000 gallons of water are also available in Goshen to provide water for toilets and other non-drinking uses. State and local water operators continue to work around the clock to restore the water supply. The Town’s water system contains a network of lines that were installed between 1936 and 1987. On June 13, lightning struck pumps that force water through the pipe system. As the water pressure decreased, some of the pipes cracked. Operators are placing valves along the water lines, then pressurizing the system one section at a time to isolate leaks and repair them. Thus far, nine leaks have been located - the most recent one at 2:30 am. Thursday morning June 21 - and eight of those leaks have been repaired. Repairs on the ninth leak are underway as of Thursday morning. Most of the leaks are in the older portion of the system, along Route 39 west of Town Hall, in the line that provides water from the spring-fed source to the entire town. It is unknown when water service will be restored as leaks continue to be found and repaired. It is estimated that the water system will remain out of service into the weekend, and for an indefinite time therafter. Even after the water has been restored, the Boil Water Advisory issued on June 15 will remain in effect. It will not be lifted until testing is done to ensure that the water is safe for drinking. Additional information about the Boil Water Advisory is available online at www.vdh.virginia.gov. Even though water may begin to appear in the Town system, a voluntary conservation request has been issued, and Goshen resident are asked not to use the water. Conserving water will enable operators to more accurately locate leaks, and to more quickly restore the system to normal operation. Residents also are asked to make sure that all taps and faucets are closed. Dozens of state and local water operators and emergency personnel, including staff from the Towns of Goshen and Craigsville, Rockbridge and Augusta counties, the Virginia Rural Water Association, Virginia Departments of Health and Emergency Management, and local contractors McClung Brothers and Enviro-Clean have responded since the beginning of this event last Thursday. Donors providing resources and other support include Waterworks Water Treatment, Inc. and Lee Hi Trucking Company. Local Fire Departments have been placed on stand-by to ensure adequate fire protection services.

* * * * *