Overview
The NE 33rd Drive Pump Station collects sanitary sewage and stormwater from neighboring properties and two smaller pump stations in the area. It then pumps combined flows to the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant. Impacts from climate change, pump blockages, and corrosion have contributed to the pump's overall deterioration. In addition, mechanical and electrical equipment are approaching the end of service life. Upgrades are needed to enhance the structural integrity of the pump station and to safeguard against extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other environmental factors.
This project will replace all outdated equipment, control systems, damaged pipes, and a larger pump station will be developed. The modernized facility will not only help to ensure safer and reliable transmission of underground stormwater to the treatment plant. It will play a major role in decreasing flooding and sewage backups in the surrounding community.
Project Area
The project site is located at 7548 NE 33rd Drive, adjacent to the Columbia Slough.
General Schedule
Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2025 and will take up to two years to complete.
Permitting is anticipated to take place in Spring 2025, followed by bidding and procurement. Once City contractor is approved, a construction schedule will be supplied to the traveling public.
What's Happening Now?
The project is at the 90% design milestone and plans will be finalized by the end of 2024. To prepare for construction, the project site is expected to undergo nuisance plant and tree removal in the first quarter of 2025.
Environmental Services and its partners will continue site visits and evaluations, utility locating, and conducting surveys at the project site and near adjacent properties. The purpose of these activities is to collect information on existing features such as curbs, sidewalks, fencing, trees, structures, public utilities, and to locate existing survey markers to record the right of way lines for the project. This information helps consultants and contractors hired by the City of Portland to determine what sewer construction methods will best reduce impacts on the neighborhood.
Project Background
The NE 33rd Drive Pump Station will feature modern equipment and controls to meet current and future demand on the public sewer system.
Planned improvements for the pump station include the following:
- A new electrical and controls building to house electrical and controls equipment with accessible restrooms for maintenance staff.
- A new stand-by generator and force main inspection port will be added.
- A new below ground valve vault will be installed adjacent to the wet well.
- A new temporary bypass pumping system will be installed to help prevent overflow into the Columbia Slough.
- All mechanical, electrical, and control equipment and systems will be replaced.
- The existing below ground wet well and dry pit will be reconfigured into one larger wet well with increased storage capacity.
- The existing fence and gate will be replaced to provide increased security.
- Seismic upgrades that meet the City’s structural resiliency requirements.
Pump Station Design and Maintenance
Portland’s system includes grey and green infrastructure to help manage sewage and stormwater to protect people, property, and the environment. In addition to green street planters, rain gardens, eco-roofs, trees, wetlands, and streams, it includes more than 2,500 miles of pipes, two treatment plants, and nearly 100 pump stations. Pump stations and their design play a critical part in the removal of sewage to processing plants and redistribution of clean water.
What Is a Pump Station?
A pump station, also known as a pumphouse or lift station, help to collect sewage and excess rain. Sewage, which is 99 percent water, flows downhill. Gravity is the main force that moves flow through pipes. However, pump stations with large underground tanks (also known as wet wells) push sewage up so that gravity can take over again in low-elevation areas. Pump stations are equipped with specialized pipes that are designed to handle the pressure of sewage being pushed through them. Pump stations also have equipment that can control odor and protect its infrastructure.
How Do We Take Care of Pump Stations?
Pump stations require periodic maintenance and upgrades to help accommodate growth and future demands on the sewer system. Modernization of mechanical, electrical, and other control systems improves pump station reliability, operation, and safety. In Portland, operators at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant monitor the City’s pump stations remotely to ensure proper functionality. They can quickly respond to emergencies like power outages or pump blockages.
Visit the About our Sewer System webpage to learn more about how pump stations fit into the larger public sewer and wastewater system.
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. The following resources will help you stay informed and report concerns:
- Project Webpage: Visit portland.gov/bes/NE33rdPS for regular project updates.
- Questions? Call the message line or email city staff, stating your project of concern. Outreach staff will contact you by the next business day.
- Sewer Emergency: In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding, call the City Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7.
Sign Up for Project Updates
Sign up for periodic email or text message updates for the NE 33rd Drive Pump Station Upgrades 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 Columbia Slough Watershed.