The Virginia Department of Health has reopened the James River adjacent to Newport News to shellfish harvesting.

The emergency condemnation, imposed on Sept. 9 after heavy rain caused pollution, was lifted Tuesday, according to a news release.

“(The) VDH Division of shellfish sanitation has monitored the water quality in the river since the flooding occurred. Sample results confirm that the area is now safe to open for harvesting,” according to the release.

No Suffolk waters were included in the closure.