Portland Sewage Advisory: Heavy Rains Leads to Sewage Overflow Near SW Sunset Blvd and SW Richardson St

September 13, 2023 – City of Portland Sewage Advisory: Heavy Rains Leads to Sewage Overflow Near SW Sunset Blvd and SW Richardson St

City crews responded to a sewage overflow near SW Sunset Blvd and SW Richardson St this morning, identifying the cause as ongoing heavy rains. The release was first observed around 9:50 a.m. and stopped around 12:20 p.m.

Environmental Services estimates that about 3,000 gallons overflowed from a property cleanout on SW Sunset Blvd, ran down the street, and into a stormwater inlet that leads to a small unnamed creek that connects to Fanno Creek.

Environmental Services advises the public to avoid contact with Fanno Creek downstream of SW Dosch Road and Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy for at least 48 hours and heed warning signs posted near SW Sunset Blvd and SW Richardson St.

While the cause of the sewage overflow was heavy rains, 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.

About Environmental Services

Environmental Services – the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – protects public health and environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds. www.Portland.gov/bes

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