Sellwood Sewer Extension Project

Sewer and Stormwater

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Environmental Services is designing a sewer project to extend the public sewer system throughout the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhoods. This work is part of the City’s effort to provide property owners a way to directly and independently connect to the sewer system to meet current plumbing code.

Construction for this project is anticipated to begin in February 2024 and take up to two years to complete.

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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 February 2024 and take up to two years to complete. Work on each block is expected to take four to six weeks.

Extended Work Hours

To reduce overall impact to residents and businesses, Environmental Services has applied for a noise variance to work outside of regular construction hours on SE 13^th 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. 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.

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.

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.

For More Information

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 Tracie Heidt 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.

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Sign up for periodic email or text message updates 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.

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This project will help protect the health of the Willamette River and Johnson Creek watersheds.

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