Sewage Advisory: Crews respond to sewage release at Riverdale Grade School playground in South Portland

Press Release

Crews stopped a sewage release to the playground of Riverdale Grade School. The playground is closed to protect the public, and allow the school to proceed with cleanup.

City crews on Thursday afternoonresponded to, and stopped, a sewage release from a maintenance hole to the playground of Riverdale Grade School at 11733 S Bergman St.

The playground is closed, the school has posted the closure notice to its website, and advisory signs are posted in the area.

Crews estimate about 4,000 gallons overflowed to the ground. They stopped the release within an hour of responding, and cleared out the clogged sewer line. The cause is under investigation.

Environmental Services reminds the public that most sewage releases are preventable. The most common causes of sewage overflows are pipes clogged with household debris such as cooking grease that are sent down kitchen drains or wet wipes that are flushed. Both belong in the trash, not down the drain. Tree roots are another common cause.

Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs and overflows in homes and businessesand to prevent sewage releases:

• Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable).
• Never pour grease down drains: Collect grease, oil, and fat in a can and then into the garbage. Grease that is liquid when poured down drains will become solid once in pipes.
• Don't put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only.

If you experience or see a sewer overflow, contact the City's hotline any hour of the day at 503-823-1700.

About Environmental Services
Environmental Services - the City of Portland's sewer and stormwater utility - protects public health and environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city's wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland's rivers, streams, and watersheds. Portland.gov/bes/news.