RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia public health officials have closed a portion of the James River to shellfish harvesting because of waters that have been fouled by sewage.

The closure announced Tuesday by the Virginia Department of Health is in the Newport News area of the James. It was prompted by heavy rains that spewed sewage into the river.

The ban involves oysters and clams, but not crabs or fin fish.

The closure is scheduled to be lifted on Oct. 1.

An outline of the closure area is available on the department’s website: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/EnvironmentalHealth/Shellfish/documents/emer_cond069M.pdf

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