Officials warn public against visiting Tryon Creek after sewage overflow in Southwest Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Officials are cautioning the public after an estimated few thousand gallons of sewage overflowed in Southwest Portland Friday night.

At around 9 p.m., city crews responded to a reported sewage leak from a manhole near 2121 Southwest Multnomah Boulevard.

On arrival, they found some of the leak had entered a storm drain leading to Tryon Creek.

While crews manage to stop the leak, officials estimate a few thousand gallons overflowed from the manhole.

As a result, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is encouraging people and pets to avoid contact with Tryon Creek downstream of the manhole through 10 p.m. Sunday.

The cause of the overflow is under investigation. However, officials are reminding 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,” the agency added. “Both belong in the trash, not down the drain. Tree roots are another common cause.”