This advisory has been updated.
Environmental Services is responding to a large-scale sewage release occurring underneath the N Columbia Boulevard overpass just north of Lombard Street in a heavily industrial section of North Portland.
City crews are in the process of closing a portion of N. Columbia Boulevard around the overpass overnight and through at least Friday morning to allow further investigations and assessment of the incident.
Crews are establishing a detour. The closure involves N Columbia Blvd from N Rivergate to N Burgard roads. The traveling public is advised to follow detour signs or avoid the area and use alternate routes.
In addition, an unknown volume of sewage has reached the Columbia Slough and the flow continues. The public is advised to avoid contact with the slough’s water to avoid exposure to elevated levels of bacteria. This incident is ongoing.
The suspected cause of the sewage release is a break in a pressurized pipe from a nearby pump station that carries sewage to the city’s main wastewater treatment plant. Crews are continuing their assessment and efforts to contain the flow. More information will be provided as this incident continues.
About Environmental Services
Environmental Services - the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility - protects public health and the environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds.