City of Portland crews responded this morning to a broken pipe that was releasing sewage to Ivy Creek in Southwest Portland, near SW 42^nd Place and SW Hamilton Street.

The release was caused by a fallen tree, which damaged a concrete sewer pipe. The release began at about 4 a.m. on Saturday, September 18 and was stopped at 12:30 p.m. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the area for 48 hours to avoid the possibility of contact with bacteria. 

While the cause of this incident was a fallen tree, Environmental Services reminds the public that most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris are the most common causes of sewage overflows.  

Follow these tips to help 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.  

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 portland.gov/bes/news