Updated October 22, 2019

Environmental Services is nearing completion of a project to upgrade the 40-year-old Fremont Pump Station, a sewage pump station located on NE Fremont Drive near NE 89th Avenue. While the pump station building largely remains unchanged, aside from new roofing and minor repairs, the pumping system has been upgraded. The improvements replace aging equipment, meet current noise and odor control standards, and will ensure safe and reliable operations.

Click here for details about the pump station improvements. This project will help to ensure the pump station operates safely and efficiently to protect public health, water quality, and the environment.

Project Map

Schedule

Construction is anticipated to be completed by early December 2019.

Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with construction the same hours on Saturday as needed.

Developments of Note

The project recently completed a successful seven-day test of the new pumping system. The upgraded pump station is now running on new equipment. The new generator, which will provide standby power in an emergency, is expected to be operating within the next month; meanwhile, a temporary generator will continue to operate when needed.

Upcoming Activities

The City's contractor, Stettler Supply Company, continues to work on-site at the Fremont Pump Station. Over the next month, the contractor will focus on the following activities:

• Complete installation of electrical equipment for the heating system
• Complete installation of the spiral staircase inside the pump station
• Remove temporary pumping equipment from the front yard of the site
• Remove temporary power line feeding into the site
• Relocate and reinstall the permanent water line
• Coat the wall of the manhole in the front yard of the site
• Restore the yard with top soil and plantings
• Paint the exterior of the pump station
• Clean up the site

What Not To Flush

One factor that led to this upgrade project was severe clogging of the pumps. An abundance of so-called “flushable” wipes observed at the pump station required on average 12 hours per week maintenance response to unclog the pumps. It’s important to know that products advertised as flushable – like some wipes and diapers – don’t break down in water and frequently block sewer pipes. Putting the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system, cause sewer backups in your home, and cause sewer releases to the environment. For more information about what not to flush, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/WhatNotToFlush.

For More Information

If you would like more information about the project or have questions and concerns you’d like to discuss, please call or email:

Cheryl Kuck
Community Outreach
Phone: 503-823-7898
Email: Cheryl.Kuck@portlandoregon.gov