City crews last night responded to a broken pipe that is releasing sewage to the street and ditch near the 1660 block of SW Montgomery Drive where the street bends sharply.
The sewage is flowing along a ditch and into an inlet to the City’s combined sewer system which leads to the wastewater treatment plant.
As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the ditch in that area until the release is stopped and heed warning signs posted alongside the roadway to avoid the possibility of contact with bacteria. The flow along the ditch extends roughly 200 feet or about the length of a downtown city block. The road will remain open as crews investigate the cause of the release and make repairs.
City crews today will deploy a camera to investigate the sewer line, the cause of the break, and make repairs.
While the cause of this incident remains under investigation, Environmental Services reminds the public that most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows.
Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases:
- Never pour grease down drains: Collect grease, oil, and fat in a can and then into the garbage. Grease that is liquid when poured down drains will become solid once in pipes.
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable);
- Don’t put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only.
If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700.
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. @BESPortland. Www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/news.