Update: This advisory expired on the evening of December 29

(This is not a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) 

(December 28, 2018) – Sewage overflowed from a sewer line to the ground and flowed into a storm sewer that released into the Willamette River on December 27. The sewage release was stopped, and the City sewer line was cleared of debris that caused the overflow at 7:10 p.m. on December 27.

The volume of the release is estimated at approximately 1,000 gallons. The release began at approximately 2:00 p.m. on December 27. Crews stopped the release and posted caution signs in the area. The water is being tested for E-coli levels as a standard procedure.

The public should obey the caution signs in the area and avoid contact with the River near SW Macadam Avenue 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. 

Media Contact: Taffy Spencer, (503) 823-8601, taffy.spencer@portlandoregon.gov