Extreme weather caused a sewage pipe to fracture within the Fanno Pump Station in SW Portland last night, leading to a sewage release to Fanno Creek.
As a precaution, anyone venturing out in this weather should heed travel warnings from authorities, as well as avoid contact with Fanno Creek downstream of SW 86th Avenue for at least 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. People should obey warning signs posted in the area, including along Fanno Creek Trail.
The pump station is on the 6800 block of SW 86th Avenue and is not accessible to the public. Crews responded to the release around 9 p.m., stopping the flow around 11 p.m. The volume is unknown. This incident remains under investigation.
Environmental Services operates 99 pump stations that help push sewage through pipes to the City’s main wastewater treatment plant in North Portland. The Fanno Pump Station’s tanks are unique to this station and Environmental Services does not anticipate similar issues at other pump stations.
About Environmental Services
Environmental Services - the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility - protects public health and environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds. www.Portland.gov/bes/news.