(November 5, 2019) - A leaking sewer pipe led to sewage discharging to the Willamette River from an outfall on the Eastside Esplanade just north of the Morrison Bridge, the Bureau of Environmental Services reported today.

City crews discovered the leak at SE Second Avenue and Alder Street around 10:30 a.m. and stopped the sewage release around 2:30 p.m. They will continue to investigate the cause and make repairs. Crews estimated the release at 3,000 gallons. 

As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the Willamette River downstream of the area for 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. 

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

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.