City crews responded this evening to a broken pipe that is releasing sewage down a hillside to the street on S Texas Street near S Virginia Ave. The sewage is flowing into a catch basin 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 area until the release has been stopped and heed warning signs posted alongside the roadway to avoid the possibility of contact with bacteria. City crews are investigating the cause of the release.
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 portland.gov/bes/news