Sewage overflowed to the Columbia Slough in two short incidents today from a City pump station at the end of Inverness Drive in NE Portland.
The sewage releases occurred around 12:30 p.m. today and 1:45 p.m., each lasting under 30 minutes. Crews estimate about 4,000 gallons left the pump station with a portion of that reaching the slough.
As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the slough for 48 hours and heed posted warning signs to avoid the possibility of contact with bacteria.
The releases occurred as crews were making repairs to the pressurized pipe that connects the pump station to the City’s main wastewater treatment plant on Columbia Boulevard. Environmental Services is reviewing the incident to determine additional steps to prevent future incidents.
The Inverness Pump Station and related 12-mile pressurized pipe serves about 60,000 customers in northeast Portland and is in deteriorating condition. Long term upgrades are being planned for the system.
Environmental Services protects public health and our environment as the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility. We collect and recover resources from wastewater. We prevent pollution and flooding from stormwater. We protect and restore Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds for all Portlanders — now and for future generations. Follow our news on Twitter @BESPortland and portland.gov/BES/news.