UPDATE (April 10, 2018) - Environmental Services' sampling for E. coli bacteria show that the sewage release did NOT reach Tryon Creek. this advisory is lifted.

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory

(this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory)

(April 8, 2018) - Rags clogging a sewer pipe coupled with heavy rains caused an unknown quantity of sewage to overflow from a manhole on the 9400 block of SW Lancaster Road earlier today. The sewage flowed onto the street, into a private yard and possibly reached nearby Tryon Creek. 

 As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with Tryon Creek for 48 hours. 

 City crews cleared the blockage and restored service about 2 p.m., about four hours after the release is believed to have begun.

 Sewage overflows often are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with wipes, debris, grease, and tree roots are the most common cause of sewage overflows. 

Environmental Services advises the public not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. “Flushable” wipes are not flushable and can clog sewer pipes. 

In addition, the public is advised to pour grease into a tin and then when it hardens, place in the trash, not down drains or the compost. Other tips include avoiding putting anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only. 

This sewage overflow is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system.

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. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland.

Media Contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov