News Release from City of Salem
Posted on FlashAlert: December 1st, 2023 10:30 AM
On Thursday, November 30, 2023, a sanitary sewer overflow was reported at Clark Creek at approximately 3:00 p.m., located at 2925 Cottage Street SE. The overflow was caused by tree root intrusion, blocking the flow. Approximately 265 gallons of untreated sewage were spilled into the creek. Public Works Department’s Environmental Services crews were dispatched immediately and cleared the intrusion, stopping the overflow by 3:53 p.m. The City of Salem is asking residents to avoid the marked sections of Clark Creek and obey all signs to avoid contact with the waterway in the area. Staff will continue to take water samples and any bacteria at the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days.
Everyone can do their part to prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping sewers free of fats, oils, rags, and grease. Learn more about Sanitary Sewer Overflows and the steps taken by the City of Salem to reduce these events.
If you see an overflowing manhole or wish to report a spill, please call the Public Works
Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6333.
