Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is NOT a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory)

(July 9, 2019) – Sewage was released at Environmental Services’ Simmons Pump Station at 15831 N Simmons Road. Sewage leaked slowly from a flexible pipe at the pump station over a period of one to two days. City crews have repaired the leaking pipe and are cleaning the impacted area. 

The sewage was released mainly onto the pump station property, but some sewage did flow offsite and enter a catch basin which eventually drains into the Columbia Slough immediately south of the N Lombard Street bridge. Warning signs advising the public to avoid the area were posted. 

The volume of the release is estimated at about 200 gallons. The release was discovered at 8:15 a.m. on July 9, 2019 and was stopped at 8:25 a.m. that morning. 

City crews are testing the area of the Columbia Slough that may be impacted for E. coli bacteria, which is the primary public health concern. The public should obey the warning signs posted in the area.

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