City crews last night stopped a sewage overflow near the 3200 block of SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, identifying the cause as wipes and grease from a nearby apartment complex that clogged a pipe and maintenance access hole.
Environmental Services estimates that about 5,000 gallons overflowed to the street, with an unknown amount reaching Fanno Creek. Environmental Services advises the public to avoid contact with Fanno Creek downstream of the area for at least 48 hours, and heed warning signs posted alongside the roadway.
Crews responded around 5 p.m. and stopped the release around 10:20 p.m.
Environmental Services reminds the public that most sewage overflows are preventable. The most common causes are grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris that clog and block pipes.
Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases:
- Never pour grease down drains: Collect grease, oil, and fat in a can and then into the garbage. Grease that is liquid when poured down drains will become solid once in pipes.
- Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable).
- Don’t put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only.
If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700.
Source: Portland Bureau of Environmental Services