For immediate release
Heavy rains cause sewage overflow and local flooding in Washington County
Hillsboro, OR — January 19, 2012 —
Heavy rains swelled local streams and filled some sanitary sewers to near capacity in several parts of Washington County on Thursday causing localized flooding and at least one sewage overflow. More heavy rain is forecast this weekend. The public should avoid contact with rivers and streams and all flood water because the water may be contaminated with bacteria. The public can help reduce pressure on the sewer system by reducing water usage in the next 24 hours by delaying the use of washing machines and dishwashers.
On Thursday afternoon, Clean Water Services crews responded to sewage bubbling from a manhole in downtown Beaverton near 4105 SW Watson Boulevard. Crews estimate less than 150 gallons overflowed onto the street. As rain subsided, the overflow stopped.
Clean Water Services Rock Creek, Durham, Hillsboro and Forest Grove wastewater treatment facilities are fully operating near capacity with rain swollen flows. Clean Water Services and City crews are monitoring urban Washington County's 41 sewage pump stations, sewer lines and manholes to watch for overflows, but no other spills have been reported from the system. The public is advised to call Clean Water Services or their city to report dislodged manhole lids or sewage bubbling from manholes. The public should avoid suspected overflows and not try to replace the lids.
Local flooding
Clean Water Services crews have also been responding to local flooding problems in low lying areas of urban Washington County since early Thursday. Crews have been working to clear leaf-clogged stormwater grates, inspect and clear culverts and monitor known problem areas to ensure the public drainage system is operating properly.
The public can help relieve localized flooding problems by keeping stormwater grates clear of leaves and debris and keeping yard debris and leaf piles away from drainage ditches and streams so that rising water does not carry the material downstream and block a culvert.
Clean Water Services, Washington County and several local cities and agencies have self-serve sandbagging stations operating throughout urban Washington County. For information about sandbag sites in Washington County, contact the Office of Consolidated Emergency Management at (503) 642-0369 or ocem.org. The sand is for flooding prevention use only. Bring your own shovel.
Wet Weather Tips in the event of flooding or sanitary sewer overflow
1. Avoid high water—Always stay out of flood waters and swollen creeks. In heavy rain and flood conditions, even without a sewage spill, there is always a risk of bacteria, chemicals and other pollutants in the water.
2. Heed the signs—If there is a sewage spill, signs will be posted in areas accessible to the public. Please pay attention to the signs and keep people and pets out of the area.
3. Wash with soap—If you come into contact with floodwater or water where there has been a sewer overflow, keep it out of your mouth and wash with soap and hot water. Wash shoes and other items that contact the water.
4. Report it—If you see signs of a sewer overflow (water coming out of a manhole cover, sewage debris in water), please report it by calling Clean Water Services at (503) 547-8100 or after hours (503) 681-3600.
Clean Water Services is a water resource management utility for more than 520,000 people in urban Washington County and small portions of Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment facilities, constructs and maintains flood management and water quality projects, and manages flow in the Tualatin River to improve water quality and protect fish habitat. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is a separately managed and financed public utility.
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