Schedule
Environmental Services will pause the Lower Northwest Sewer Capacity Project after the design plans are almost complete later this year. We anticipate the project starting up again in summer of 2028 when we will complete the design plans and prepare for construction.
Environmental Services is undergoing a multi-year effort to shift our limited financial and workforce resources to address our high-risk priorities. This shift will result insignificant changes to our work over the next five to ten years. Funding for Lower Northwest Sewer Capacity project has been redirected to projects supporting the bureau’s highest risk work including work that is critical for life safety, property protection, and economic vitality.
Staff will continue to repair urgent sewer and stormwater issues as they arise. If your basement sewer backs up or your property or street floods, please report it immediately to the City’s Maintenance Operations hotline at 503-823-1700. It is staffed 24/7, at all hours and all days.
Project Area
The map below illustrates the project area where sewer and stormwater pipes and stormwater facilities (underground vaults) are being proposed. The project bounds are NW 25th Ave and Westover Rd to the west, NW 12th Ave to the east, NW Lovejoy St to the north and W Burnside St to the south.
Project Background
The purpose of this project is to provide additional sewer capacity to reduce basement sewer backups and maintenance hole flooding. This will be accomplished through the approach of stormwater separation. The project’s scope of work includes new stormwater pipes, upsizing existing combined sewers, new water quality treatment vaults (stormwater facilities), pipe repair and new sewer extensions.
We Want to Hear From You
Please let us know if you have a concern or question about work near you. Be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (Lower Northwest) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property. Also, please write “Lower Northwest” in the subject line of your email.
We would like to hear from you about special events, school activities, and community services in your neighborhood you think might be impacted by this project. Also, we want to know if you have any concerns related to business operations, disability or mobility issues, medical or business deliveries, and proposed night work. Your input will help us minimizes the impact to your neighborhood during construction.
Get Support for your Green Project
Do you have an idea for a green project that will improve your community and the environment? Environmental Services has resources to help keep our watersheds healthy and our rivers and streams clean.
Project ideas include, but are not limited to:
- Planting trees in your yard and encouraging neighbors to join you
- Installing a rain garden or native plants at a place of worship, business, non-profit or school
- Removing pavement and replacing it with trees or plants
- Engaging your community group in watershed education opportunities
To learn more, contact: 2theriver@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-5729
Please Take the Business Survey
If you have a business within the project area, please complete this questionnaire so we can learn more about your business and what needs you may have during construction.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for weekly email or text message updates for the Lower Northwest Sewer Capacity Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.
This project will help protect the health of the Willamette River Watershed.