Officials Close Some Virginia Waterways To Shellfishing

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- State health officials have closed all tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to shellfish harvesting because of potential contamination from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida.

The Virginia Department of Health says the ban is effective until Nov. 18. It includes Eastern Shore bayside and seaside tributaries, and all but the center of the lower James River, from Burwell Bay to the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge. The harvesting ban covers oysters, clams and scallops -- but not crabs or fish.

Heavy rainfall and tidal flooding in upland areas may wash animal waste, human sewage and chemicals into the bay. The agency says shellfish harvested from areas affected by the emergency closure aren't fit for human consumption.