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

(September 24, 2019) – A pressurized sewer pipe at a NE Portland pump station ruptured this afternoon, leading to sewage overflowing to the nearby Columbia Slough.

City crews discovered the break around noon today from the pump station at 8599 NE Alderwood Road and stopped the flow around 3:30 p.m. They estimate around 10,500 gallons overflowed to a storm drain at the pump station. The storm drain leads to the slough. The public is advised to avoid contact with the slough around Alderwood Road for at least 48 hours due to increased bacteria in the water. The public is asked to adhere to the warning signs posted in the area.

https://goo.gl/maps/PPfLDtvXgc1vkStw8

Crews are working on repairs to the pipe. The cause is under investigation.

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