City crews responded to a sewage overflow on NE 160th Avenue just north of Burnside Street to find a sewer line clogged by grease. They reported to the area around 2 p.m. and cleared the blockage around 6:30 p.m.

The sewage overflowed from a manhole on NE 160th Avenue and traveled around 200 yards, or the length of two football fields, before entering a catch basin and sump. The quantity is estimated at about 1,000 gallons.

The public is advised to heed warning signs posted in the area. 

Most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows.  

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. Many of the City’s storm drains feed directly into creeks.

If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 reporting hotline: 503-823-1700.  

 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. @BESPortland.