The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services is continuing our work to repair and replace critical sewer and stormwater infrastructure. Environmental Services will continue to provide information and updates on construction schedules and activities during the COVID-19 emergency. 

Updated July 7, 2020

Environmental Services has completed upgrades to 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 and is now running on new equipment. The improvements replace aging equipment, meet current noise and odor control standards, and will ensure safe and reliable operations.

Project Map

Schedule

Major construction was completed in the spring of 2020, with permits closed shortly thereafter.

What Not To Flush

The Fremont Pump Station pumps sewage and stormwater from the Gregory Heights sanitary sewer basin, primarily east of NE 82nd Avenue south of the Grotto, to the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant in north Portland. The pump station service area contains 298 acres of commercial, industrial and residential properties and undeveloped area not currently connected to the public sewer.

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. 

Pump Station Improvements

Improvements to the pumping system include the following:

• Replaced two of the existing drywell pumps with a single upgraded pump to alleviate clogging
• Replaced the piping and sumps to current standards
• Replaced the portable standby power generator with a quieter floor-mounted unit
• Installed additional noise reduction equipment
• Replaced all mechanical, electrical and control equipment and systems
• Installed new flow meter and vault
• Upgraded the heating and lighting systems
• Installed a ventilation system and provisions for future odor controls to address intermittent odor concerns
• Replaced the water service to the pump station to the water meter in Fremont Drive
• Replaced the reduced pressure backflow prevention system
• Made several minor exterior and interior repairs, including a fresh coat of paint to the pump station’s exterior
• Replaced one ailing tree with two smaller trees on site.

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