City crews on Thursday afternoon responded to a sewage overflow from a maintenance hole near the 2600 block of NE Rocky Butte Road, near the intersection with 92nd Avenue. Crews cleared roots and debris, including rags and wipes, from the system, stopping the overflow.
They estimated about 1,800 gallons of sewage was released and flowed to the ground alongside the road in an area inaccessible to the public.
Environmental Services advises that sewage overflows often are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with wipes, fats, or grease as well as tree roots are the most common cause of sewage overflows. Environmental Services advises the public to prevent clogs and protect public health, property, and our environment by following these tips:
- Avoid flushing rags, wipes, or anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Wipes clog pipes.
- Place grease and cooking fat in a container and then in the trash, not down kitchen drains. Food establishments are required to take additional measures to prevent grease from entering sewer lines.
- Outside the home, avoid pouring anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only.
To report sewage odors, which may indicate a sewage release, call the City’s maintenance hotline at 503-823-1700. That line is operated all hours, all days. Here is more information on what not to flush.
Source: Portland Bureau of Environmental Services