Crews work to stop Southwest Portland sewage overflow affecting Stephens Creek

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Crews are working to stop a sewage leak in Southwest Portland after thousands of gallons overflowed on a private property, authorities said.

The sewage leak also flowed onto a small private creek that connects to Stephens Creek and officials are now advising against making contact with the water in the area, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

"As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid the creek downstream from this location. City maintenance crews are placing warning signs near the spill. People and pets are advised to avoid contact with Stephens Creek downstream of the 2000 block of SW Vermont Avenue through Friday, October 11 because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water," Portland BES said in a release.

Since the release of the estimated 2000 gallons of sewage happened from a private maintenance hole, a private company crew is working to stop the flow.

The cause of the overflow is under investigation.

Portland BES said sewage releases are preventable and advised against putting cooking grease or wet wipes into drains and avoiding putting anything down storm drains as these are common causes. More information on how to prevent sewage overflows can be found on the City of Portland's website.