Salem, OR. — About 1,700 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the Willamette River early Dec. 17 after a power outage disrupted operations at the Union Street Sewer Lift Station, city officials said.
The sanitary sewer overflow occurred around 1 a.m. in the 100 block of Union Street NE and was resolved by approximately 1:30 a.m. The outage was caused by an overnight winter windstorm that knocked out power to the lift station.
As a precaution, the City of Salem has posted warning signs along the Willamette River advising residents to avoid contact with the water due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm conditions have returned to safe levels. Officials said any bacteria introduced into the river should naturally flush out over the next several days.
Residents who notice an overflowing sewer manhole or suspect another spill are asked to contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
City officials also reminded residents that sewer backups and overflows can be reduced by keeping fats, oils, grease, rags, and similar materials out of the sewer system. More information on preventing sewer overflows is available on the City of Salem’s website.
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