Sewage Spill In Northeast Portland Was Preventable, City Says

PORTLAND, OR – A clogged sewer line caused an overflow. The city says it – and others like it – are preventable.

It happened Thursday afternoon on the 5200 block of Northeast Glisan Street.

Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services says that around 1,700 gallons were released but largely contained to a street planter. It took nearly two hours to contain the flow. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

Officials say that it was caused by rags and other debris clogging the line.

While some debris – such as grass, tree roots, and other street debris – may be hard to keep from getting into the system, others – such as grease, rags, and wipes – are.

The city wants people to remember that grease should be place din a container and thrown out, not poured down the drain. The only things that should be flushed are toilet paper and human waste.

Do not flush wipes, rags, or paper towels.

Photo via BES.