At approximately 10:45 pm on March 12, City crews responded to reports of a sewage release from a maintenance hole and stormwater inlet near 2601 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd between NE Russel and NE Sacramento Street.
The cause of the overflow was due to roots in the main sewer. Crews identified the sewage release, cleared the sewer main, and restored service.
The overflow was stopped around 1 am on March 13. Crews estimate that 1,875 gallons overflowed.
Due to heavy rains during that time, most of the release flowed and washed back into the combined sewer system. As a precaution, maintenance crews have placed warning signs near the release. The public should obey posted signs in the area.
Tree roots are a common cause of sewage releases, but Environmental Services reminds the public that most are preventable. The most common causes of sewage releases are pipes clogged with household debris, such as cooking grease that is sent down kitchen drains or wet wipes that are flushed. Both belong in the trash, not down the drain.
Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs and overflows in homes and businesses and to prevent sewage releases:
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable).
- 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.
- Don’t put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only.
If you experience or see a sewer overflow, contact the City’s hotline at any hour of the day at 503-823-1700.
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.