Sewage overflows Northeast Portland street, into three basements

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Sewage made its way into three basements after overflowing a Northeast Portland street for about half an hour Tuesday night, officials said.

The sewage came from a pump station near the intersection of NE Broadway and Weidler Street near 86th Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. Crews were able to stop the release by 11 p.m.

The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services said crews then “cleaned the street and worked with affected residents on clean up plans” before posting warning signs of the sewage through the area.

“Crews identified the cause as a failed sensor which prevented the pumps from operating,” according to the bureau. “They repaired the pump station and restored service.”

The pump is one of nearly 100 pump stations in the city that send sewage to wastewater treatment plants through a citywide pipe system.

Officials encourage anyone who smells “sewer odors” to report the issue to the City of Portland.