The project will also help protect public health, property, and the environment by increasing the capacity of the public sewer system, reducing the potential for basement backups, and reducing the likelihood of emergency work in the future.
Project Area
The project area is generally bounded by SE Insley Street to the north, SE Linn Street to the south, SE Oaks Park Way to the west, and 99E to the east with a few areas north of SE Lambert Street. See map for details.
General Schedule
Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2023 and take up to two years to complete. Work on each block is expected to take four to six weeks.
Proposed Extended Work Hours
To reduce overall impact to residents and businesses, Environmental Services will be be applying for a noise variance to work outside of regular construction hours on SE 13th Avenue and SE Tacoma Street. While most work will occur during the day, two evening shifts are expected to occur on each block within the extended work hour areas shown on the map. Equipment that generates noise includes equipment trucks, dump trucks, track excavator, water jet trucks, front-end loaders, compaction rollers, pumps, and lights. Allowable extended work hours are between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sundays when needed. Overnight work is not expected.
Submit comments to Portland Noise Office
Your comments regarding the proposed schedule to work both days and nights are valuable, and you can submit them to the Portland Noise Office by letter, email, or phone. Please submit comments by Friday, April 7, 2023, to:
- Portland Noise Office, 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 110 Portland, OR 97204
- Email: noise@portlandoregon.gov
- Phone: 503-823-7350
What’s Happening Now?
As design continues, crews will be in the project area gathering information that will help them design the sewer project. Activities may include inspecting sewer pipes and maintenance access holes, locating underground utilities and marking them with paint or small flags, surveying the land and taking various measurements, and drilling holes in the street to collect soil and pavement samples.
We Want to Hear from You
We would like to hear from you about special events, school activities, and community services in your neighborhood you think may 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 minimize the impact to your neighborhood during construction.
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. We encourage you to:
- Visit this project webpage regularly for updates.
- With questions or comments, please contact April Hasson by email or phone 503-865-6492.
- If you have a question or concern, please be sure to include your name, property address, and project name (Sellwood Sewer Extension) in your voicemail and email so we can provide you more details about what to expect in front of your property.
- 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, all hours and all days.
Business Impact Survey
If you have a business within the project area, please complete this Business Survey so we can learn more about your business and what needs you may have during construction.
Project Background
Properties that do not have a direct, independent, and approved route of connection from their private sewer line to the public sewer system are considered nonconforming. This project will extend the sewer system in 54 locations (see map above) and provide 123 property owners a way to directly and independently connect to the public sewer system, enabling them to bring their sewer connections into compliance with current City plumbing code.
The Nonconforming Sewer Office has contacted homeowners who will be directly impacted by the project. For more information on nonconforming sewers, visit the nonconforming sewer webpage.
Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for periodic email or text message updates for the Sellwood Sewer Extension 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.