Residents warned to avoid part of Labish Ditch after sewage spill - Statesman Journal

Residents warned to avoid part of Labish Ditch after sewage spill

The overflow was caused by a buildup of grease and rags in the sewer line.
Tracy Loew

Salem is warning residents to avoid marked sections of Labish Ditch and especially avoid water contact after 12,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the ditch.

The overflow was reported to the city at about noon Monday at 6515 Whisper Creek Loop NE. The city sent out a public alert late Tuesday morning.

The overflow was caused by a buildup of rags and grease obstructing the sewer line, according to city officials. Crews cleared the obstruction by 2 p.m. Monday.

Staff will continue to take water samples and any bacteria at the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days.

Sewage can pollute water, harming aquatic life and render public waters unsafe for human consumption, recreation and commercial or agricultural use. It also threatens public health through direct human contact or through contact with insects that have been in the sewage.

Fecal bacteria can live for about two days outside the body of humans or other warm-blooded animals, according to the state Department of Environmental Quality.

City officials ask residents to help prevent sewer backups and overflows by keeping sewers free of fats, oils, rags and grease.

To report an overflowing manhole or spill, call the Public Works Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6333.

Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew