Infrastructure

It’s been a rough week for Oregon Hill and the City in general.

The water crisis has lead to several pipe breaks around the city, including one on S. Laurel Street.
Residents are thankful that it is being addressed quickly, despite the falling snow.


Also, a driver reportedly ran into and knocked down two streetlights along Belvidere. They first slammed into the one at the end of Albemarle Street and then must have drove off and hit another one at the end of Spring Street. Both streetlight poles are down and residents have dragged them off the street for safety’s sake.

One resident reported it was a dark red SUV and the incident had smashed the front headlight out on the passenger side.

Trash/Recycling Pickup Moves To Thursday Due To Storm Aftermath

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which usually means trash and recycling pickup, but because of the recent storm, pickup will move to Thursday.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If it seems like pickup did not happen, use this online form:
https://cvwma.com/programs/residential-recycling/recycling-service-request-form/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In international recycling news, American recycling ‘industry’ claims that European Union is moving too fast in introducing more regulations. Look for a rebuttal…

In perhaps more promising national news, SolarPanelRecycling.com (SPR) has announced the launch of what it claims is the first dedicated bifacial solar panel recycling line in the United States. The company says its new line enables clean glass separation of bifacial modules at recovery rates of 99 percent or higher.

In more local recycling news, VPM has a report that outlines 2024 findings as well as what may happen in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly.

Snow Conditions


A pair of snow persons in Pleasants Park yesterday evening


Cherry Street RMA 195 overpass


Slick, icy sidewalks are a hazard on the 100 block of S.Cherry this morning, but I think the scooter was in the tree before any snow fell.

More snow possible this coming weekend.

Richmond Water Emergency UPDATED

Yesterday afternoon, rumors appeared on social media about problems with Richmond’s water utility in the wake of the winter storm.

The new mayor, Danny Avula held a news conference at 8 am this morning. He said water pressure may begin to be restored across the city in the next 4 to 6 hours.
A boil water advisory remains in effect and is expected to last approximately 48 hours due to the ongoing issues.

The City of Richmond’s Human Services partnered with the Richmond Sherrif’s Office and the American Red Cross to coordinate the distribution of bottled water on Monday to vulnerable populations and has been in close communication with providers serving the City’s most vulnerable communities. Water was distributed in high priority areas including homeless services providers, public housing, and residences that house older adults. Targeted outreach and distribution to areas of high need and vulnerable populations will continue.

UPDATE:
Per the Mayor/City Administration:

https://rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/city-richmond-restores-water-production

City of Richmond restores water production

As of 12:00 p.m., the City of Richmond has restored water production.
However, water pressure will take at least several hours to build up before it can be distributed through the network.
Residents are asked to continue conserving water when possible.
The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect for residents who have water access until all required testing is complete and approved in accordance with drinking water quality standards.
Until the Advisory is lifted, all residents should continue to boil water before consuming it.
The City will communicate new information as it becomes available through rva.gov and its social media pages. 
As a reminder, residents experiencing emergencies should call 9-1-1 and can call RVA311 (3-1-1 or 804-646-7000) to submit a service request.

Trash/Recycling Pickup Moves To Thursday With Holiday

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which usually means trash and recycling pickup, but because of the holiday, pickup will move to Thursday.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If it seems like pickup did not happen, use this online form:
https://cvwma.com/programs/residential-recycling/recycling-service-request-form/

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.