SALEM, Ore. — Recent rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions resulted in the City of Salem overflowing diluted untreated sewage into the Willamette River.
The discharge took place in the 100 block of Union Street NE. The overflow began at about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and was stopped at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19. About 2.844 million gallons of untreated sewage was spilled.
Five other overflows occurred at other locations across Salem due to the heavy rainfall. They were:
- 4700 block of Glendale Avenue NE: 99,300 gallons into East Fork Little Pudding River
- 1400 block of Greenwood Drive NE: an unknown volume into Claggett Creek
- 500 block of Idylwood Drive SE: an unknown volume into West Fork Pringle Creek
- 2000 block of Village Center Drive SE: an unknown volume into West Middle Fork Pringle Creek
- 4300 block of Nalani Court SE: an unknown volume into West Fork Pringle Creek
To protect public health, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River and the other locations due to potentially elevated bacteria levels. Water quality testing is underway and will continue until results confirm the issue has been resolved. Any bacteria introduced into the river should naturally flush out within the next few days.
If you notice an overflowing sewer manhole or want to report a spill, please contact the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
You can help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping fats, oils, rags and grease out of the sewer system. Learn more about preventing sanitary sewer overflows and the City of Salem’s efforts to reduce these events by visiting https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/household/water-utilities/wastewater/how-to-prevent-sewer-back-up.
For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6311 or email us at vice@cityofsalem.net“>service@cityofsalem.net.
