Large-scale sewage leak shuts down portion of Portland road

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Crews are responding to a large-scale sewage leak underneath the North Columbia Boulevard overpass just north of Lombard Street, which is causing detours and road closures in the area. 

The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services said in a release that city crews are already in the process of closing down a portion of the road and setting up detours. The section of road affected includes North Columbia Boulevard from North Rivergate to North Burgard roads — which is expected to be closed overnight and through at least Friday morning.

The cause of the sewage leak and its total volume is not fully known. However, BES said they suspect it happened because of a break in a pressurized pipe from a nearby pump station that carries city sewage to the main wastewater treatment plant. Further investigations and assessments will take place amid the road closures.

This sewage has also overflowed into the Columbia Slough, into which it remains actively flowing. Due to elevated bacteria levels, the public is advised to avoid making contact with the slough’s water.