(July 26, 2018) -  Sewage overflowed from a manhole in the 9700 block of NW Caxton Lane this morning and reached an unnamed tributary of Cedar Mill Creek.

Maintenance crews stopped the overflow around 11 a.m., estimating that about 340 gallons was released to the environment in a period of less than two hours. Crews identified the cause as tree roots blocking the main sewer line and cleared the blockage. 

As a precaution against exposure to bacteria, the public is advised to avoid contact with Cedar Mill Creek for 48 hours. 

This sewage overflow is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, which prevents overflows of stormwater and sewage to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough during rainy periods.

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