LAKE OSWEGO – The City of Lake Oswego Public Works Department experienced a sanitary sewer spill on the afternoon of Friday, June 7th, 2019. The spill took place at George Rogers Park, in the lower parking lot and near the footbridge over Oswego Creek. Public Works personnel responded to the incident immediately upon discovering the spill.
As a result of the spill, some wastewater has entered Oswego Creek and flowed into the Willamette River. As a precaution, City officials advise the public – including pets - to avoid any contact with water in Oswego Creek and downstream water in the Willamette River for the next 72 hours (through Monday, June 10). This includes swimming, fishing, boating and recreating in the beach area at George Rogers Park and in Oswego Creek. Signs have been posted at George Rogers Park advising visitors of the areas to be avoided.
The sanitary sewer spill was discovered by Public Works personnel at approximately 2:30 p.m. and was contained at 2:40 p.m. The total release is estimated at 1,800 gallons. The spill is believed to be caused by someone tampering with a temporary sewer force main that is in place as part of the rebuilding of the Marylhurst Pump Station.
The City notified the State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shortly after the release and is coordinating its remediation efforts with them. In addition, the Oregon Emergency Response System has been activated.
For more information about this sanitary sewer spill, contact Phil Lawrence, Wastewater Superintendent, at 503-534-5677 or plawrence@ci.oswego.or.us.