Sewage Advisory: Crews stop sewer overflow in NE Portland

Press Release
Published

City crews on Tuesday afternoon stopped a sewer overflow on public property near 10420 NE Klickitat Street. 

An estimated 6,000 gallons of sewage overflowed from a maintenance hole, traveled for about 30 feet in an unpaved area and then flowed into a storm drain. Warning signs have been posted in the area, which is a remote location with restricted access. As a precaution, people are  advised to avoid contact with the area to avoid the possibility of increased bacteria. 

The cause of the overflow was a debris blockage. Crews cleared the blockage and restored service. The type of debris is unknown. 

Sewage overflows often are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, and debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows. 

Environmental Services advises the public to prevent clogs and protect public health, property, and our environment by following these tips:

• Place grease in a container and then in the trash, not down kitchen drains. Food establishments are required to take additional measures to prevent grease from entering sewer lines. 

• Avoid flushing rags or wipes or anything other than toilet paper and human waste.

• Outside the home, avoid pouring anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only. 

To report sewage odors, which may indicate a sewage release, call the City’s maintenance hotline at 503-823-1700. That line is operated all hours, all days. 

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The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portland.gov/bes and @BESPortland.

Contact

Diane Dulken

Public Information Officer