Environmental Services News

2020 News Releases News Media Contact:

Diane Dulken (503)823-5328 c:(503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov For breaking news and other announcements, please see our Twitter feed: @BESPortland. To receive press releases via email, contact diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov.

(September 21, 2020) – Sewage overflowed from a manhole on a residential property on SW Bertha Boulevard near SW 27th Avenue, where it impacted a tributary of Fanno Creek. The release stopped around 9 a.m. on September 21 and crews placed warning signs in the area. The cause of the release appeared to be roots. Service has been restored. The public is advised to avoid contact with the creek for 48 hours due to the presence of bacteria in the water. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland.

Environmental Services releases results of CS gas residue sampling in City stormwater pipes;

$20,000 penalty to federal government in order to access a contaminated storm drain (Sept. 10, 2020) - Environmental Services found elevated levels of several contaminants in stormwater and sediment samples taken earlier this summer around the Multnomah County Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland, the epicenter of weeks of nightly protests. Sampling results also showed that contaminant levels dropped to within a normal range before reaching the Willamette River, the City’s stormwater and sewer agency announced today. Environmental Services provided the information in a report to the Department of Environmental Quality, giving a snapshot of how CS gas residue and related chemicals mixed with general road debris to travel through City pipes towards the river. “While pollutant levels that enter the Willamette River are thankfully low, the City is concerned about any and all additional pollution loads to the river that Portlanders love and continue to work hard to restore,” said Bureau Director Mike Jordan. “We will use this report to work with DEQ on additional steps for the downtown core and elsewhere in the city to address CS gas residue.” “It’s good news tear gas and pepper spray residues were at normal levels where Portland’s storm drains reach the Willamette River,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “That said, the risk tear gas and pepper spray create for our health, our environment and our ability to focus on ending systemic racism are too great. That’s why I announced earlier today an executive order banning the use of tear gas for crowd dispersal. We all need to help reduce the violence. That starts with an end to the use of tear gas for crowd control.” The City’s stormwater and sewer utility took three sets of samples on August 6 from stormwater pipes: A control set outside the protest area at SW Park and Salmon Street, a set at SW 3rd and Salmon Street at the corner of the courthouse, and a set at SW 1st and Jefferson Street near the outfall to the Willamette River. At the direction of DEQ, Environmental Services sampled for 12 contaminants. Those include metals such as zinc, copper, and lead that are found in crowd dispersal products but also are commonly found in stormwater from motor vehicle brake pads, roof runoff, and other urban sources. Researchers also tested for barium, perchlorate, and hexavalent chromium, substances found in CS gas but are far less common in stormwater. Environmental Services found elevated levels of barium, copper, lead, and zinc at the federal courthouse site, with levels of all four metals dropping before reaching the river. Additional sediment sampling at six storm drains also showed higher levels at the federal courthouse than at the control site outside the protest zone. After sampling, Environmental Services also cleaned out the six storm drains in an effort to prevent those pollutants from reaching the river. Enforcement action Federal officials so far have denied access to the bureau to inspect and clean out a seventh storm drain, which is behind a fence erected illegally around the perimeter of the courthouse. Because of that, the bureau today is taking enforcement action against the federal General Services Administration, which manages the courthouse and other federal buildings. The bureau is notifying the agency that it was in violation of City code and assessing a $20,000 penalty. The enforcement action orders the agency to move the fence by Monday so the City can access the storm drain. If the fence is not removed by Monday, Environmental Services will start assessing additional penalties of $20,000 daily. The General Services Administration has been responsive to the City’s direction to change cleaning practices to capture contaminants instead of washing them into the street and storm drains. In addition, Environmental Services is waiting for information on chemicals deployed in August from the Department of Homeland Security. As part of its research, the City’s sewer and stormwater utility asked for CS gas and related data from both Portland Police and federal agents. It received information from Portland Police. No information has been received to date from DHS. DHS said this week it intends to provide information soon. ### The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. Media contact: Diane Dulken 503-457-7636

(Aug. 5, 2020) - In an effort to prevent tear gas residue and other pollutants from reaching the Willamette River, the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is planning today to clean six storm drains around the Multnomah County Justice Center and the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse. The action follows weeks of deployment of tear gas and other crowd-dispersal agents. Environmental Services has received reports from the public, and documented several instances of power washing that flushed contaminants into the street and to storm drains. It is against City Code to flush any material into the City’s storm system, which is for rainwater only. In some parts of the city, including portions of downtown, rainwater is sent through sewer pipes to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. In other areas, such as the blocks surrounding the courthouse and justice center, stormwater pipes flow directly to the Willamette River. Typically, rainwater mixes with dirt, motor oil residue, and other debris as it washes over city streets and to the stormwater system. But the sustained use of CS gas and other agents by Portland Police and federal authorities poses a new and unknown pollution source. “Our primary goal is pollution prevention,” said Matt Criblez, Environmental Services’ compliance manager. “We know that a certain amount of these chemicals have settled into the City’s storm drains. We are going to remove as much as possible to prevent that material from being flushed into the Willamette River.” Crews will vacuum out the drains, and send the sediment to a commercial landfill. Crews will clean out six storm drains and are working on getting permission to access a seventh, which is behind the courthouse fence. Additional actions Environmental Services is taking include: Sampling. An Environmental Services team already has taken samples from the storm drains for analysis. The samples are being analyzed for levels of zinc, lead, copper, and chromium - contaminants found in crowd control agents but also commonly found in stormwater due to motor vehicle and other sources. The samples also will be analyzed for substances specific to CS gas use: hexavalent chromium, perchlorate, barium, and cyanide. The results, expected to be available later this month, will help inform the City’s ongoing evaluation and response. Preventing additional discharges to the stormwater system. Environmental Services is working closely with City bureaus, the community, and local contractors to prevent wash water from being flushed to the storm system. It is believed that chemical residue has settled on the leaves of trees and soil in the area, as well as on buildings and sidewalks. As downtown cleanup continues, Environmental Services will continue to have teams in the area to educate and enforce as appropriate to control those discharges. Monitoring. Environmental Services will follow the state Department of Environmental Quality’s direction and take additional samples from an outfall to the Willamette River when the next substantial rainfall occurs. The samples will be taken in the pipe system before discharge to the river. DEQ has directed Environmental Services to test for chromium, hexavalent chromium, lead, zinc, copper, barium, and perchlorate. The public can play a role in protecting the Willamette River. Because of the federal Clean Water Act and the City and the public’s actions, the river is improving for salmon and fish habitat, and is clean enough for swimming and other water recreation. The public is asked to: Prevent pollution - only rain goes down storm drains. When cleaning pavement, commercial properties should put buffers around storm drains and use a wet/dry vacuum to collect wastewater. Don’t toss cigarette butts and other litter, and clean up pet waste, which is a source of E. Coli bacteria. Become a Green Street Steward - green street planters throughout the city are landscaped areas that collect and filter rainwater runoff, preventing pollution from reaching the river. The City has more than 2,000 green street planters with more being constructed each year. www.portlandoregon.gov/BES/GreenStreetStewards Enjoy your river - Environmental Services tests the Willamette River for bacteria weekly during the summer. All results this season are good. See results and COVID-19 safety tips for river recreation at www.portlandoregon.gov/BES/CheckTheRec. - —- The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. Media contact: Diane Dulken 503-457-7636

(July 31, 2020) – Sewage overflowed from a manhole at Bridlemile Elementary School in SW Portland this afternoon and a portion of the 600 gallon flow reached nearby Bridlemile Creek. Crews responded to the school at 4300 SW 47th Drive at 12:30 p.m. and stopped the release by around 3 p.m. The public is advised to avoid contact with the creek for 48 hours due to the presence of bacteria in the water. Crews report the creek water is a cloudy gray in the area. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. Media contact: Taffy Spencer 503-823-8601

(July 10, 2020) – An electrical failure at an Environmental Services pump station at 6809 NE 59th Place last night led to a sewage overflow that reached the Columbia Slough. Untreated sewage from the pump station overflowed onto a private industrial property parking lot and then via storm drains to the Columbia Slough. The release began late last night and was stopped this morning around 7 a.m. City crews cleaned up residue on the private parking lot and the storm drains. An unknown amount of sewage reached the slough. The public is advised to avoid contact with the slough for about 48 hours between NE 63rd and 47th avenues due to increased bacteria in the water. Environmental Services operates 98 pump stations that work together with the City’s network of sewer pipes to send sewage to the City’s main wastewater treatment plant on Columbia Boulevard. The treatment plant operates 24/7 to manage waste from more than 600,000 households. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland.

July 7, 2020 - Applications open Wednesday, July 8, for the Small Business Program for Utility Relief (SPUR), designed to help small businesses with their City of Portland sewer, stormwater, and water bill during the ongoing public health and economic crisis. PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline is July 22. No applications will be accepted after this date. SPUR: Small Business Program for Utility Relief The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services have pledged $1 million in financial support for small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Credits for City of Portland utility bills are expected to assist between 200 and 300 small businesses and will range between $1,000 and $10,000. The City of Portland utility bureaus partnered with Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, to develop for a program for providing relief to impacted businesses. SPUR builds on the work done for Prosper Portland’s Small Business Relief Fund which provides relief for small businesses affected by the pandemic economic and public health emergency. Small businesses are invited to apply beginning Wednesday, July 8, through July 22 at portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. The application is simple.

Applications will be prioritized using a racial equity and vulnerability lens.

Applications will not be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, but the July 22 closing date is a hard deadline for application submission.

Applications are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian. Interpreters are available for those who would like support in other languages. Call 503-823-7770 to request an interpreter. The City of Portland utility bureaus are prioritizing businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color (BIPOC) to direct dollars to traditionally underserved businesses. Recognizing that the BIPOC community is disproportionally affected by the pandemic, the City of Portland is dedicating SPUR resources toward these small business owners. A selection committee is made up of representatives from the following: Council for Economic and Racial Equity; Portland Utility Board; Oregon Native American Chamber; Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon; Black American Chamber; Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Oregon; Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Bureau of Environmental Services; and Commissioner Fritz's office. “The SPUR program invests in our beloved small businesses that embody the very character of our city, so they can recover and continue to serve the community,” said Water Bureau Director Mike Stuhr. “By investing in small businesses today, the utilities are also helping to ensure that these ratepayers can continue to invest in our sewer, stormwater and water infrastructure for decades to come.” The City of Portland utility bureaus continue to offer all customers no-interest flexible payment schedules. In response to the crisis, the utility bureaus have suspended late fees, collections and water shut-offs on accounts with past-due balances. The SPUR application is available at portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. If you have questions about the program or the application, email SmallBiz@portlandoregon.gov or contact City Customer Service staff at 503-823-7770. Limited staffing may result in longer response time. A representative from the Water Bureau is available for Skype interviews. To schedule, please call the PIO Phone at 503-823-8064. ABOUT THE PORTLAND WATER BUREAU The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. Find us on Twitter @PortlandWater and visit us at portlandoregon.gov/water. ABOUT THE PORTLAND BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. ABOUT PROSPER PORTLAND Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success. Follow us on Twitter @prosperportland or visit us at prosperportland.us.

June 24, 2020 - In response to Phase I reopening and community input, Environmental Services is postponing a sewer repair project on N Mississippi Avenue until fall 2020. Environmental Services earlier had scheduled the work to begin this month considering the light traffic and reduced business activity during the Governor’s COVID-19 Stay at Home order. A similar project on Hawthorne Boulevard that is nearing completion was shortened from four months to two months as crews worked extended hours during the COVID-19 slowdown. However, with Multnomah County now in Phase I reopening, Environmental Services has heard and is responding to requests from the Mississippi Avenue community to wait until after the summer to complete this work. The stretch of Mississippi Avenue between Shaver and Fremont streets where sewer repairs are needed is a popular restaurant destination. Rescheduling the project will allow the street to remain open to all users, and allow restaurants to work with PBOT in arranging expanded street seating through its Safe Streets/Healthy Business initiative. A specific start date for fall construction has not yet been determined. Construction hours and duration of construction will also be determined later and will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions from the county or the state. The N Mississippi Avenue sewer repair project will replace and upsize over 1,000 linear feet of sewer pipe. The sewer main is over 100 years old and deteriorating due to age and is also too small for the area. The replacement and addition of new larger pipe will increase sewer capacity, reduce basement sewer backups and street flooding during heavy rainstorms, and help protect public health and the environment. Project updates can be found at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/nmississippi. The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portland.gov/bes/news



Media contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636; Aaron Abrams (June 25-29) 503-823-1138

(June 24, 2020) - Today, the City of Portland joins with 12 other governmental entities to announce a proposed nationwide class action settlement with Monsanto Company, Pharmacia, LLC, and Solutia, Inc., for $550 million. The settlement would resolve national PCB water contamination claims for a proposed class of over 2,500 governmental entities, including the City of Portland. Legal motions to approve the proposed settlement class are being filed today in federal court in the Central District of California, in a case before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. In addition to the $550 million in settlement funds, Monsanto is agreeing to pay attorneys’ fees separately. Over a dozen lawsuits have been filed by governmental entities since March 2015 seeking cost recovery for stormwater and environmental contamination caused by chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, which Monsanto manufactured between the 1930s and 1977. Monsanto was the sole manufacturer of those chemicals. The City initially filed suit in 2016 seeking cost recovery for environmental damages resulting from PCB use in Portland. This proposed settlement would resolve that lawsuit. PCBs are persistent and toxic contaminants that are expensive to clean up. The City had evidence that Monsanto became aware of how toxic and dangerous PCBs were during the time it manufactured its PCB containing products, and that the company concealed that information. “Monsanto was aware it was manufacturing harmful toxic chemicals and it continued to do so for many years,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Today, we are holding Monsanto accountable for its reckless actions that caused harm to our community. The impacts to PCBs on our community are not quantifiable, but this settlement is one way to address decades worth of harm.” The City intends to focus settlement funds towards Black, Indigenous, and communities of color that have been disproportionately burdened by both the contamination and the need for environmental cleanup. The City will continue to engage with community groups to inform this work. The City will know the exact portion of the $550 million settlement money it stands to receive after the proposed class action is approved by the Court. This process may take several months. The proposed class action must be approved by Judge Olguin prior to providing payments to the governmental entity class members. If approved, the settlement will provide all class members with a monetary benefit and will additionally provide funds for any governmental entities that have incurred or will incur significant expenses to protect and remediate America’s waterways. The City of Portland joins the named class plaintiffs leading the nationwide resolution, which include the Port of Portland, City of Spokane, City of Tacoma, the City of Berkeley, the City of Oakland, the City of San Jose, County of Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, City of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, City of Baltimore, and County of Baltimore. The cases were collectively litigated for over five years and were mediated and resolved through JAMS Mediator Judge (Ret.) Jay Gandhi. ### Media contacts: Diane Dulken, Environmental Services 503-457-7636, diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov Karen Moynahan, City of Portland attorney’s office 503-823-4538 Karen.moynahan@portlandoregon.gov

(June 16, 2020) – Construction begins this week on an urgent sewer repair project on N Mississippi Avenue, affecting travel between N Shaver and Fremont streets during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some Saturdays. Environmental Services – the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – is replacing and expanding the size of a 100-year-old sewer main that is deteriorating and is too small for the area. The project will increase sewer capacity, which will reduce street flooding and sewer backups to area basements, and help protect public health, property, and the environment. To minimize the impact to businesses and the community, Environmental Services is making the repairs now, while traffic is lower during the COVID-19 “Stay at Home” order that continues for Multnomah County. Crews will work expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to shorten the overall construction schedule. Construction is expected to be complete within eight weeks. The traveling public is advised to expect some travel delays and street closures. To perform this work as quickly and safely as possible, the two-block stretch of Mississippi Avenue between Shaver and Fremont may be completely closed at times to vehicle traffic during work hours. Environmental Services will minimize the amount of time full street closures are needed. The traveling public is advised to follow all traffic control signage. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrian, wheelchair, and bicycle use. Environmental Services encourages the public to support local businesses during this time. Many N. Mississippi Avenue stores and restaurants will be open and accessible for pickup and delivery of food and drink. Some pickup areas may be on the adjacent side streets of N. Fremont, Beech, Failing and Shaver. For project updates, visit: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/NMississippi. ### The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portland.gov/bes/news

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This news release was issued by our partner, the Portland Water Bureau, to announce a new program to help small businesses. Go directly to the program page here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. Read the news release below for more info about thIs new program, and other financial assistance programs for residents:

(June 3, 2020) - Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Amanda Fritz are taking additional steps to help City of Portland sewer, stormwater, and water small business customers with their utility bills during the ongoing public health and economic crisis with the Small Business Program for Utility Relief (SPUR). The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services have pledged $1 million in financial support for small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Credits for City of Portland utility bills are expected to assist between approximately 200 and 300 small businesses and will range between $1,000 and $10,000. The City of Portland utility bureaus are partnering with Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, to develop criteria for providing relief to impacted businesses. “Today’s actions build upon our continued efforts to help each other weather the COVID storm,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Portland is a small business town. Our small businesses are employers, neighbors, and mainstays of our neighborhoods. By helping small businesses, especially Black, indigenous, people of color, and women-owned businesses, we are contributing to the City’s resilience and recovery.” More information is available at the Water Bureau’s website, portlandoregon.gov/water/smallbiz. Business owners can sign up now to get an announcement when the application opens. Applications will be open for two weeks beginning July 8, and will be evaluated using a racial equity and vulnerability lens. Applications will not be evaluated on a first come-first served basis. “Small businesses give Portland its unique character and add to its vibrant economic fabric. This funding is designed to help our most vulnerable businesses weather the storm of the pandemic. We know that a racial wealth gap and barriers to capital exist,” Commissioner Amanda Fritz said. “We are designing a program that prioritizes assistance on utility bills for businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color (BIPOC) and women.” “Many local businesses are facing significant hardships,” said Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Branam. “We look forward to collaborating with the Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environment Services to create a program that provides equitable access to crucial utility payment assistance for small businesses in this challenging time.” In addition to this support for small businesses, the bureaus have expanded the financial assistance program for residential customers. Portland City Council recently approved an expansion of the Water Leak Repair Assistance Program, which more than doubles funding to help income-qualified homeowners make necessary water leak repairs to their homes. “We continue to look for ways to reduce barriers and get financial assistance to those in need,” Water Bureau Director of Customer Service Kathy Koch said. “We have temporarily relaxed eligibility requirements for our bill discount program, including the proof-of-income documentation requirement. We are seeing more people signing up for these programs and we are ready to help.” The City of Portland utility bureaus continue to offer all customers no-interest flexible payment schedules. In response to the crisis, the utility bureaus have temporarily suspended late fees, collections and water shut-offs on accounts with past-due balances. Financial assistance may not cover an entire bill, so bureaus recommend that customers continue to make payments that are manageable to them to avoid a potentially larger balance in the future. The financial assistance programs serve thousands of Portlanders and offer a menu of options for reducing or waiving portions of the utility bills. These include: Services for residential customers: Utility Safety Net Program and crisis assistance provides flexible, long-term interest-free payment arrangements for those with employment, medical, or other personal emergencies.

Bill discounts and crisis assistance are available for income-qualified customers.

Assistance for renters in multi-family properties in the amount of up to $500 is available through a partnership with Home Forward for renters at risk of eviction. Contact 211 for assistance.

Water leak repair assistance funds repairs of water leaks for income-qualified homeowners. Services for all customers: Monthly statements offer the option of paying each month to avoid a quarterly bill that includes three months of sewer/stormwater/water charges.

Clean River Rewards provide savings for those who manage stormwater on their property.

Water Efficiency offers free water-saving devices and rebates for toilet and irrigation upgrades. To learn more about how the City can help, or to view the detailed information about these programs, please start here. If you still have questions, email PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or contact City Customer Service staff at 503-823-7770. Limited staffing may result in longer response time. ABOUT THE PORTLAND WATER BUREAU The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 53 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,200 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. Find us on Twitter @PortlandWater and visit us at portlandoregon.gov/water. About the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. About PROSPER PORTLAND Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success. Follow us on Twitter @prosperportland or visit us at prosperportland.us.

“Invasive plants are a serious problem; removing them doesn’t have to be” (‪May 19, 2020‬) - To help Portlanders get outside while staying home, the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is encouraging people to maintain a weed workout (not that kind).‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Starting now, Environmental Services recommends people get out in their yards and identify and remove invasive plants: Bend, pull, dig, stretch. We can help with our Weed Workout video and additional tips: You will accomplish several things at once: Stay home, get fresh air, get exercise, and keep your yard beautiful. You also will help prevent ivy, clematis, certain geraniums and other invasive plants from spreading far and wide and damaging the natural areas and rivers we love and rely on. Don’t have a yard? See if you can safely help a neighbor. We’re all in this together and we’re all connected. Why this is important: Some of the fastest growing plants in your yard are weeds -and some of those weeds are aggressive enough that they quickly spread and take over. These invasive plants, which originated elsewhere and tend to overrun our native flora,are a leading cause of damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitat as well as the City’s stormwater infrastructure. “Invasive plants are a serious problem, removing them doesn’t have to be,” said Michael Jordan, Environmental Services’ Director. “Stay home, be outside, pull those weeds, and have fun knowing you are doing a great deal of good for your neighbors and for our environment.” Here are some plants and tips to get you started: Follow along on our video or skip ahead for more tips and resources. Look first . Spring is bird nesting season. If you’re lucky enough to spot a nest, either on the ground or up in a mess of ivy in a tree, please leave it and the weeds alone until those baby birds grow up and fly away.

. Spring is bird nesting season. If you’re lucky enough to spot a nest, either on the ground or up in a mess of ivy in a tree, please leave it and the weeds alone until those baby birds grow up and fly away. Start easy with shiny geranium and herb Robert geranium . These two invasive geraniums are easy to pull from the roots. With red stems and pink flowers, they look pretty BUT they quickly take over your yard and overrun other plants. Herb Robert geranium is also called stinky Bob because… it smells bad. You don’t want it in your yard. So pull these weeds now, and then come back through the season to pull new plants before they flower and go to seed.

. These two invasive geraniums are easy to pull from the roots. With red stems and pink flowers, they look pretty BUT they quickly take over your yard and overrun other plants. Herb Robert geranium is also called stinky Bob because… it smells bad. You don’t want it in your yard. So pull these weeds now, and then come back through the season to pull new plants before they flower and go to seed. Pick up the pace by pulling ivy. You know ivy - it’s all over Forest Park where the City is methodically removing this European transplant and restoring native plants. Let’s keep that progress going - your yard is also wildlife habitat. Prevent that ivy from climbing trees and forming mats on the ground. Clip, pull, repeat. You’re doing great.

You know ivy - it’s all over Forest Park where the City is methodically removing this European transplant and restoring native plants. Let’s keep that progress going - your yard is also wildlife habitat. Prevent that ivy from climbing trees and forming mats on the ground. Clip, pull, repeat. You’re doing great. Get a full-season workout with climbing Clematis Vitalba (Also called old man’s beard or traveler’s joy). This vine starts small, green, and innocent. But it has the power to climb tall trees and hedges, grow tough and woody stems, and wrap itself around anything it can. Once you meet it, you won’t forget it. So start pulling, and then keep monitoring. It will be back. But so will you. If you can’t pull it from a tree, consider cutting the stems in two near the base.

(Also called old man’s beard or traveler’s joy). This vine starts small, green, and innocent. But it has the power to climb tall trees and hedges, grow tough and woody stems, and wrap itself around anything it can. Once you meet it, you won’t forget it. So start pulling, and then keep monitoring. It will be back. But so will you. If you can’t pull it from a tree, consider cutting the stems in two near the base. Keep it going! The key to fitness is to repeat your workout. Over time you will see a difference - fewer weeds, healthier gardens and natural areas, and hopefully, you’ll feel great too. Give yourself a round of applause, then get back in the garden and bend, pull, dig, repeat. Are there more weeds? Yes. Environmental Services and our partners have additional resources for you so you can add variety to your workout and keep it going: Environmental Services’ invasive plant poster – here you can see pictures of other invasive plants and tips to remove them.

Environmental Services’ Green Street Stewards program has an illustrated weed guide.

Ask an expert. If you don’t know a plant, take a picture and post it with your question to Oregon State University’s Extension Service. Finally, with more space now that the weeds are gone, you may be ready to plant native plants and even become a certified backyard habitat. So stay home, get fit, and enjoy the benefits of your weed workout. Want to send us pictures of your own weed workout (not that kind)? Tag us on Twitter @BESPortland #weedworkout ### The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow @BESPortland and www.portlandoregon.gov/bes. Contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory) (May 20, 2020) - City crews on Friday afternoon discovered sewage from a private pipe on the 5700 block of SW Multnomah Boulevard discharging to Woods Creek, a tributary of Fanno Creek. Crews reported to the scene around 3 p.m. Friday and stopped the release around 9 p.m. They installed a pumping system to direct the flow from the private pipe into the city’s sewer system. Warning signs have been posted in the area. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with Woods Creek and nearby Fanno Creek for at least 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. The City is continuing to investigate this incident, which is similar to one that occurred in 2017 (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/646172) The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. #### Media contact: Diane Dulken 503-823-6724 - phone only, no email. Note: My email is down due to technical issues, please phone or text. For Monday, May 11, Aaron Abrams is PIO on duty. He may be reached then at aaron.abrams@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-1138

New signage coming to project sites: Critical work in progress, precautions in place (April 20, 2020) – During the COVID-19 emergency that affects us all, Environmental Services is taking extra measures to protect the public and construction crews as we continue to collect and treat wastewater from every household in Portland and work to upgrade the city’s aging sewer and stormwater infrastructure. More than one-third of Portland’s 2,500 miles of sewer pipes are over 80 years old. Environmental Services has about a dozen projects currently underway to replace or repair aging infrastructure. These construction projects reduce the possibility of sewage releases into homes, streets, rivers, and streams. You can find a list of construction projects at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/construction. Many of these sewer repair projects also include adding green infrastructure — such as green street planters and rain gardens. These natural solutions help collect and filter stormwater to reduce the burden on the sewer and stormwater system and protect our rivers and streams. Crews on all sites have been directed and supported to follow CDC guidelines for protecting themselves and the public. Protocols are in place for social distancing, hygiene, and safety. City inspectors are on site to monitor work and ensure that these protocols are followed. To further protect the public and crews, Environmental Services will post signs asking the public to maintain a healthy distance from staff who are conducting field inspections and maintaining pipes, pump stations, and other infrastructure. Emergency repairs While construction projects are geared to preventing sewage releases, emergency breaks do occur. City crews work 24/7 to respond to reports of sewage releases such as the broken pipe that led to sewage reaching Fanno Creek earlier this month. What you can do Report sewage backups, sewage releases to a public space, or a storm drain problem 24/7 by calling 503-823-1700.

If you see us in your neighborhood, keep your distance – Protect yourself and our crews by staying at home. If you’re outside, keep at least a 6-foot distance, wear a mask, and follow health official guidelines as they develop. Stay inside if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

Start your Weed Workout – What’s that? If you have a garden or yard, you can #StayHomeSaveLives and get outside. Do you know that some of the fastest growing plants are weeds? Some of those can be invasive and escape from your yard to take root in natural areas. You can help your yard, our watersheds, and your wellbeing by getting a weed workout. Bend, pull, dig, and stretch. Our Green Street Steward Weed Identification Guide shows the best way to rid your garden of common weeds.

Prevent sewage backups and clogs in your home. Only flush toilet paper. Never flush wipes – not even ones marked “flushable.” Pour unused cooking oil and other grease into cans, let cool (it will turn from a liquid into a solid), and place in the trash. For more tips, go to www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/FatFreePipes

Stay Home, Save Lives – As you stay home to save lives from COVID-19, our construction crews have benefited from reduced traffic around work sites. We thank you for responding to the public health emergency by continuing to adhere to Governor Kate Brown’s mandatory Order 2012. - ### - The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Find out more about BES: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes. Find out more about the City of Portland’s COVID-19 response at www.portlandoregon.gov.

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory) (April 9, 2020) – Environmental Services crews working at a Southwest Portland pump station discovered a sewage release from a broken pipe this morning. They estimate that about 3,000 gallons seeped from the underground break, a portion of which traveled overland to nearby Fanno Creek. Crews discovered the break around 10:25 a.m. and stopped the flow within 30 minutes. The location of the release is 3459 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway where Environmental Services operates one of 99 pump stations that help push sewage through pipes to the City’s main wastewater treatment plant in North Portland. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with Fanno Creek downstream of the area for 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. City crews continue to provide critical services during the COVID-19 crisis. If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700. Environmental Services also has ongoing construction projects to repair and replace aging sewer and stormwater infrastructure to protect public health, property and the environment. To see current projects, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/construction. ___ The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. @BESPortland www.portlandoregon.gov/bes

Correction: The location of the sewage release is the 6700 block of SW Capitol Hill ROAD. (April 3, 2020) - A grease-clogged sewer line led to an overflow on the 6700 block of SW Capitol Highway last night, just upstream from the Stephens Creek Nature Park. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with Stephens Creek, especially in the area of the nature park, through April 5, due to the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. People are also advised to obey sewer release warning signs posted on that one block stretch of SW Capitol Highway. An estimated 600 gallons of sewage overflowed onto SW Capitol Highway from a maintenance access hole, and to a storm drain that leads to the creek. City crews arrived on-scene around 7 p.m. and cleared the blockage at about 11 p.m. Most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes, and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows. Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases: Never pour grease down drains: Collect grease, oil, and fat in a can and then into the garbage. Grease that is liquid when poured down drains will become solid once in pipes.

Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable);

Don’t put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only. Many of the City’s storm drains feed directly into creeks. If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. @BESPortland. Www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. Media contact: Diane Dulken diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov. (503)457-7636

(June 1, 2020) - Recent events been incredibly tragic and painful, including but not limited to the murder of George Floyd. These violent incidents yet again highlight the tragedy of racism that continues to infuse our United States culture. Heartfelt compassion goes out to George Floyd’s family and friends, and to the black communities in Portland and throughout our nation that have endured generations and centuries of trauma and grief. This history is sadly current. The killing of George Floyd, and outpouring of protests, are taking place on top of the grim milestone of our country surpassing 100,000 COVID deaths, with African Americans disproportionately impacted. After many difficult weeks living with the COVID-19 pandemic, I know that many of you in our community are feeling tired, sad, anxious, angry, frustrated, or afraid. You may be experiencing a lot of different feelings at once – I certainly am. If you need help, please know that Multnomah County operates a free 24/ mental health helpline: 503-988-4888, and offers additional assistance: https://multco.us/mhas/mental-health-crisis-intervention You can report acts of hate to Portland United Against Hate at www.ReportHatePDXcom. Please read The City of Portland Equity Director, Dr. Markisha Smith’s Facebook post. I appreciated hearing her honestly and perspective. In this hour, our black community is hurting. We as a community must come together constructively. Please reach out to each other, check on your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to see how they are doing – especially our black and African American neighbors. As Mayor Ted Wheeler said: “We have to do better. We have to be willing to stand alongside our black community and not just call out racism when we see it, but meaningfully take a stand against it. We have to be willing to interrogate our own biases and the ways in which we have been complicit in the structuring of a society that makes black death routine.” I commit today to not being silent. To having conversations about racism with my friends and family. To questioning when and how I am complicit in systemic racism. To do the uncomfortable work of exploring when and how I am racist. To checking in with our employees of color and listening to their feelings and experiences and learning from them. And I encourage all of us to look honestly at our own biases and do our own work to help right inequities and dismantle racist systems that continue to harm people of color. We are one community. We are proud of our diversity. Let’s look out for each other. - Mike Jordan, BES Director

Bridge construction to close SW Boones Ferry Road at Tryon Creek: Detour begins March 30; COVID-19 precautions in place The $8.8 million bridge project will restore connections for people, fish, wildlife Visuals: Boones Ferry restoration video; detour map; project photos (links below) (March 25, 2020) – The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services on March 30 will begin the major construction phase of a habitat restoration and bridge-building project on SW Boones Ferry Road where it crosses Tryon Creek. Crews will build a new bridge over the creek to restore healthy water flows, reduce flooding risk, and improve passage for native fish. A creekside trail will complete a missing link to the existing area trail network, creating a safer crossing and connections for people and wildlife. Crews also will cover a sewer pipe that crosses the creek to protect it from damage. Single lane closures have been in effect this month. Beginning March 30, a full road closure will be in effect on SW Boones Ferry Road between SW Arnold Street and SW Comus Court. The closure and a detour will be in effect for up to seven months to allow crews to remove the roadbed and build the 125-foot steel girder bridge. A recommended detour directs Boones Ferry Road travelers to use SW Stephenson Street and SW 35th Avenue to reach SW Terwilliger Boulevard. The public is asked to travel cautiously, expect some delays, observe directions of reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes when possible. TriMet Bus Line 38 have alternate detour routes. Given the COVID-19 crisis that affects us all, Environmental Services is taking extra measures to protect the public, contract crews, and employees. Workers have been directed and supported to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and hand washing. Environmental Services also has consulted with area agencies to ensure emergency responders are aware of the detour and that response times will not be hindered. As the public has largely been following COVID-19 guidelines, Environmental Services and the Portland Bureau of Transportation have seen a noticeable drop in traffic at work zones throughout the city. “We are committed to continuing important construction projects that protect public health and our environment,” said Environmental Services Director Mike Jordan, “During this unprecedented crisis, we are working to take care of ourselves and each other while providing the critical services our community needs.” The $8.8 million SW Boones Ferry Bridge and Restoration Project involves many partners. It is being managed and funded primarily by Environmental Services. Metro is providing a $650,000 grant through its Nature in the Neighborhood program. Other project partners are: Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Water Bureau, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, and community groups including Tryon Creek Watershed Council, SW Trails PDX, Friends of Tryon Creek State Park, SWNI Transportation Committee, Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association and adjacent and nearby property owners. Video and project updates: see www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/boonesferry More photos: Flickr. Additional links: Feb. 12, 2020 news release Feb. 20, 2020 traffic advisory ### The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. Media contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory) (March 25, 2020) – City crews are clearing tree roots from a sewer line and making emergency repairs on the 1200 block of NE Davis Street after a mix of rain and sewage overflowed to the street yesterday afternoon. Crews estimate that about 600 gallons of rain mixed with sewage backed up to a nearby business’s floor drain and to a pipe outside that business. The mixture flowed about a block to a storm drain that leads to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The public is advised to obey warning signs that have been posted on the street. No creeks or waterways were affected. City crews continue to provide essential services during the COVID-19 crisis. If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700. Most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, “flushable” wipes, and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows. While this release was caused by tree roots, Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases: Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable);

Collect grease and fat in cans, then put in the trash not down sink drain. For other tips, see What Not To Flush: www.portlandoregon.gov/BES/WhatNotToFlush. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. @BESPortland www.portlandoregon.gov/bes Media contact: Diane Dulken diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov. (503)457-7636

March 18, 2020 - The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services reminds the public that during the Coronavirus crisis and every day: Only flush the 3P’s - toilet paper, pee, and poo. Any other material - such as cleaning wipes, “flushable” wipes, and paper towels - can cause clogs and sewer overflows that further impact public health and our environment. That’s because toilet paper breaks down quickly in water. Other material remains intact. In fact, wipes are a leading cause of sewage overflows and costly clogs to City pipes and pump stations. Another leading cause is fats, oils, and grease poured down sink drains. As more people stay home and correctly follow public health official guidelines, Environmental Services offers this advice to prevent the most common causes of sewage backups and overflows: Prevent wipes from clogging pipes. Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper. Other material belongs in the trash, not toilet.

Prevent fats, oils, and grease from clogging sink drains, and sewer pipes. Pour unused cooking oil and other grease into cans, let cool (it will turn from a liquid into a solid), and place in the trash. For more tips: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/WhatNotToFlush If you experience a clogged pipe in your home, call a plumber. If you experience or see a sewer overflow, call the City of Portland’s 24/7 hotline: 503-823-1700.

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services - your sewer and stormwater utility - provides Portland residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Follow on Twitter - @BESPortland. On the web: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/news. Contact Info:

Diane Dulken diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov Diane Dulken (503)457-7636

The Portland Water Bureau issued the following news release today on behalf of our joint water/sewer/stormwater customers: (March 12, 2020) - The Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services want to ensure that everyone has access to the utilities they need to stay healthy and take care of themselves and their families. With this emergency declaration, and until further notice, City of Portland Customer Service (Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services) will not disconnect water service for non-payment of sewer/stormwater/water bills. It’s important for customers to know they will continue to be responsible for sewer/stormwater/water charges due now and accrued during this time. Customers should continue to pay their utility bill. “We know that Portland is working through an affordability crisis in addition to a public health crisis,” said Portland Water Bureau Director Mike Stuhr. “We want you to know that we are here to help.” Customer Service offers flexible payment arrangements, discounts for low-income homeowners and renters and rent assistance for water users in multi-family properties and other options. Be proactive if you’re facing financial hardship: Call Customer Service at 503-823-7770 to work out a plan.

Joint fund with US EPA endorsement advances projects for safer, cleaner river (March 9, 2020) - The City of Portland today announced the success of its 2019 joint partnership with the State of Oregon aimed at assisting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet its goal of accelerating the Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup. To date, nearly 20 parties have signed agreements with EPA to finalize cleanup designs for 140 contaminated acres, according to the EPA. These cleanup designs serve as the blueprints for the subsequent cleanup construction. The EPA today credited the funds made available from the City-State partnership with “bolstering EPA’s negotiation efforts.” A total of $11.2 million has been claimed from the City-State fund, resulting in 57 percent of the 10-mile Superfund site now working under legally binding agreements with EPA on remedial design, the next major phase of cleaning up the contaminated riverbed. Much of the work under these agreement kicks off this month. Mayor Ted Wheeler applauds the progress by saying “This is a unique and bold approach by public agencies and it’s resulting in the most significant progress we have seen since the site was listed 20 years ago.” The City-State trust was created last year after the federal agency pushed to have responsible parties move forward on remedial design agreements by the end of December 2019. In response to that challenge, the City of Portland and State of Oregon each dedicated up to $12 million to a trust that offered $80,000 per acre to parties that signed agreements with EPA to complete cleanup designs. The trust pooled public resources and capped the public’s funding for remedial design. This innovative approach improved efficiency and effectiveness of public dollars, ensuring that funds would be used on actual cleanup design work instead of unlimited administrative costs associated with negotiating and participating at multiple locations. For each dollar spent from the trust, EPA agreed to provide the City and State with a dollar for dollar credit against their respective cleanup responsibilities. Parties that took advantage of the funding offer remain responsible for all design costs above the $80,000 per acre. Cleanup design agreements are now in-place for the entire western side of the Superfund site, and for large areas of the eastern bank. The Superfund Site stretches over 10-miles of the Lower Willamette River, roughly from the Broadway Bridge downstream to Sauvie Island. The City is hopeful that the momentum created with this effort will assist the remaining uncommitted areas to move forward towards a cleaner and safer river. For more information, visit epa.gov/superfund/portland-harbor. Contact: Annie Von Burg 503-516-4970

(March 2, 2020) – The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the traveling public to expect lane closures on NE Broadway Street between NE 24th and NE 25th avenues beginning March 3 and continuing through the end of March. The lane closures will occur on both eastbound and westbound lanes while workers extend the sewer system in that area. At least two lanes of the four-lane road will be open at all times. Lane closures may occur any time during work hours, which are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. The closures will allow Environmental Services contract crews to extend the public sewer system on NE Broadway between 24th and 25th. This work is part of the City’s ongoing effort to provide property owners a way to directly and independently connect to the public sewer system. The project also will help protect public health, property, and the environment by increasing the capacity of the public sewer system. The public is advised to travel cautiously, expect some delays, observe directions of reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes when possible. More information on the project may be found at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/NortheastExtensions. ### The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

(February 20, 2020) – The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the traveling public to expect intermittent lane closures on SW Boones Ferry Road near SW Arnold Street beginning Feb. 24 and continuing through March. SW Boones Ferry Road will be completely closed in both directions beginning March 30 for up to seven months. The closures will allow Environmental Services contract crews to build a new bridge on SW Boones Ferry Road where it crosses Tryon Creek to create better connections for fish, people and wildlife. The new bridge will allow the creek to flow freely, replacing an aging culvert that blocks healthy water flow and native fish. Crews also will build a pedestrian and wildlife trail under the bridge that connects to the area’s existing popular trail network. Lane closures will occur intermittently through March 30 while workers prepare the construction site. One lane will remain open at all times. Lane closures may occur any time during work hours, which are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. The public is advised to travel cautiously, expect some delays, observe directions of reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes when possible. For the full closure, a recommended detour directs SW Boones Ferry Road travelers to use SW Stephenson Street and SW 35th to reach SW Terwilliger Boulevard. The full closure will be in effect all hours, all days, to all travelers, including non-motorized use. See the project video and find more information at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/boonesferry. Photos may be found at Flickr. ### The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Media contact: Diane Dulken diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov (503)457-7636

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory - (this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory) (February 15, 2020) – A clog in a sewer line led to a sewage release on the 2800 block of NW Cornell around 10 a.m. today. City crews stopped the release at about 11:30 a.m. and are cleaning the street this afternoon. Crews cleared the blockage and estimate that about 6,000 gallons flowed along NW Cornell Road for about 1,000 feet to a storm drain. That drain leads to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. No creeks or other water body were affected. The public is advised to obey warning signs that have been posted around the release. The cause of the blockage is unknown. Most sewage overflows are preventable. Pipes that become blocked with grease, tree roots, wet wipes and other debris are the most common cause of sewage overflows. Environmental Services advises the public to follow these tips to prevent clogs in homes and businesses, and to prevent sewage releases: Only flush human waste and toilet paper (wet wipes are NOT flushable); collect grease and fat in cans and put them into the garbage not down drains; and to not put anything down storm drains, which are intended for rainfall only. This sewage release is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, commonly called the Big Pipe Project. That system protects the Willamette River and Columbia Slough from stormwater and sewage overflows during heavy rains. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Media contact: Diane Dulken diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov. (503)457-7636

(February 12, 2020) – The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services is beginning a restoration and bridge-building project on Tryon Creek at SW Boones Ferry Road to restore healthy water flows to the creek and improve connections for fish, wildlife, and people. Environmental Services advises the traveling public that construction of the project’s main feature – a 125-foot-long steel girder bridge - will involve lane closures later this month on SW Boones Ferry Road near SW Arnold Street, and a full road closure starting in late March for up to seven months. During lane closures, flaggers will be on site; people are asked to travel cautiously, expect some delays, observe directions of reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes when possible. For the full closure, travelers are advised to use a recommended detour that directs Boones Ferry Road travelers to use SW Stephenson Street and SW 35th to reach SW Terwilliger Boulevard. The closure will be in effect all hours, all days, to all travelers, including non-motorized use. Local access will be provided. To build the bridge, crews will remove a section of the road as well as an aging culvert underneath the roadbed. That culvert has been a longtime obstacle that blocks native fish and prevents healthy water flow, leading to erosion and storm surges along the creek. Crews will also build a pedestrian and wildlife trail under the bridge and along the creek that connects with the area’s existing popular trail network. “The culvert was a barrier, the bridge will be a connector,” said Environmental Services Director Mike Jordan, “Instead of squeezing the creek into a dark corrugated pipe, the bridge will allow one of the Portland’s healthiest streams to flow freely, unlocking upstream and downstream habitat for fish. For people and wildlife, the trail alongside the creek will create a safe pathway that connects to Southwest Portland’s extensive trail network. We thank the community for its partnership in helping us design a project that benefits both people and wildlife.” “Community groups have been long time advocates for this project, and we are particularly delighted by the steel girder bridge solution. Walking under the bridge will be much safer than walking over SW Boones Ferry Road,” said Hans Steuch, a volunteer with SW Trails and a member of the Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association. Tryon Creek is considered one of Portland’s healthiest streams, and is home to native cutthroat trout, Pacific lamprey, and other native fish. The larger watershed is home to beaver, deer and other wildlife. The Boones Ferry Road culvert is one of two major fish passage barriers on the mainstem of Tryon Creek. The other is a culvert near the mouth of the creek at Highway 43 where it connects with the Willamette River. Planning is underway for that Highway 43 culvert to be removed, which would open Tryon Creek’s prime habitat for endangered Willamette River salmon and steelhead. In addition to bridge and trail construction, the restoration project will install large wood and rock in key areas of the creek to reduce erosion and improve water quality and fish habitat. Crews under contract to Environmental Services will remove about 100 trees in the bridge construction zone, with many being reused to create wildlife habitat on the site; crews will also plant 6,050 shrubs, more than 3,000 plants, and more than 600 tree seedlings The SW Boones Ferry Bridge and Restoration Project cost is $8.8 million, with the majority being funded by Environmental Services. Metro is providing a $650,000 grant through its Nature in the Neighborhood program. Other project partners are: Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Water Bureau, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, and community groups including Tryon Creek Watershed Council, SW Trails PDX, Friends of Tryon Creek State Park, SWNI Transportation Committee, Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association and adjacent and nearby property owners. Updates will be provided, including the exact date of the full closure. Schedules may change due to a variety of factors, including weather, conditions underground, and other unforeseen events. More photos may be found at Flickr. See the project video and find more information at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/boonesferry. ### The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. Media contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov

(This is not a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) (January 24, 2020) - Sewage was discharged from a residence in SW Portland, reaching a storm drain leading to an unnamed tributary of Fanno Creek. The release occurred on SW 26th Place near SW Mitchell Court. The release was discovered at about 4:25 p.m. on January 24 and is ongoing. City crews are working to stop the release and investigate the cause. The amount of sewage released is unconfirmed. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the creek in that area, between SW 26th and where the tributary meets Fanno Creek at SW Dosch Road and Beaverton Hillsdale Highway for 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. This sewage release is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, which works during rainy weather to prevent overflows of stormwater and sewage to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

“I have always believed that government can be society’s greatest force for good, and that together we can do amazing things.” – Commissioner Nick Fish (Updated Feb. 12. 2020) - Environmental Services staff will join with the late-Commissioner Nick Fish’s family and the community in a celebration of his life on Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, 1825 SW Broadway. The event is open to the public, but seating is limited, says PSU. The memorial will be livestreamed at the student union and at https://www.nickfishforportland.com/. Commissioner Nick Fish, who oversaw the Bureau of Environmental Services as well as Portland Parks & Recreation, died of stomach cancer Jan. 2, 2020, just two days after sending this message to the community. Environmental Services mourns his passing and is grateful for his leadership and spirit of service. "We hope that this first public celebration will begin to release our grief toward healing as well as inspire service to the community in Nick’s memory, and we look forward to other gatherings," said Nick Fish's widow, Patricia Schechter. *** Here we share a special message and remembrance from Environmental Services Director Michael Jordan: Commissioner Nick Fish called his 11 years of service on the Portland City Council, “the great honor of my life.” He was loved and respected in City Hall and throughout Portland for his many years of service to the community. He was passionately committed to protecting and improving the environment, helping people experiencing houselessness, and working to bring more affordable housing to Portland, among many other initiatives and accomplishments. Commissioner Fish passed on in early January after battling abdominal cancer since 2017. He is survived by his wife and two children. Commissioner Fish after being named "Public Official of the Year" in 2019 by the Daily Journal of Commerce Nick was always proud to lead Environmental Services, and he admired and strongly supported our work. He was particularly passionate about the RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) initiative at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant and popularized the informal name “Poop to Power” project after his son coined that term. He was an advocate for our work helping salmon return to and thrive in Portland’s waterways, including the Crystal Springs and Oaks Bottom restoration projects. He also advocated for the Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup project and worked closely with BES staff to accelerate the EPA-led cleanup of river sediments. Commissioner Fish at a press conference marking the completion of construction at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge In addition to his work with BES, during his City Council career Nick oversaw the Water Bureau, Portland Parks and Recreation, and Portland Fire Bureau. His advocacy for affordable housing led to the creation of the Portland Housing Bureau in 2009. He supported the City’s work to fight climate change and was an advocate for increasing equity and inclusion in City government and the community. He championed Project SEARCH, which places young people with disabilities in the workplace, including at BES. He cherished his role as the City liaison to Elders in Action and supported their work to empower and engage older adults. His accomplishments are truly inspirational, and he was a role model for many of us. You can read more about his extensive record of accomplishments here. Nick was a kind, caring, and compassionate friend and will be remembered as a tireless, fierce advocate for all Portlanders. We can carry on his legacy and honor him by continuing our work to protect and restore Portland’s watersheds, working to promote equity and inclusion at BES and in our community, and by supporting each other during difficult times. I am grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Commissioner Fish and will always remember him with love and respect. BES' Hood to Coast team honors Commissioner Nick Fish at the start of his cancer battle

(December 30, 2019) - The City of Portland is working to contain and clean up an oil sheen on the Columbia Slough that originated from containers that were dumped on the roadway above the slough at NE Glass Plant Road near Alderwood Road. City contractors have placed booms in the water to contain and absorb the fluid. Environmental Services advises people recreating on the slough to avoid the immediate area around the NE Glass Plant Road bridge. Crews will keep the booms in place for several days. The source of the oil sheen are two containers that were dumped on the roadway and discovered around midnight Sunday. Each container holds a maximum of 275 gallons and were found to contain a mixture of oil and gas. Only a fraction of the amount each container could hold is believed to have reached the slough. Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Bureau of Transportation managed the initial response in the early morning hours of Sunday and cleaned up the residue on the roadway. Environmental Services will continue to monitor the slough. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Environmental Services’ spill response hotline at 503-823-7180. Callers’ information will be kept confidential upon request. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. -30-

Updated: The advisory has been updated to reflect the location of the leaking pipe, which is at SE Second Avenue and Alder Street. (This is not a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) (November 5, 2019) - A leaking sewer pipe led to sewage discharging to the Willamette River from an outfall on the Eastside Esplanade just north of the Morrison Bridge, the Bureau of Environmental Services reported today. City crews discovered the leak at SE Second Avenue and Alder Street around 10:30 a.m. and stopped the sewage release around 2:30 p.m. They will continue to investigate the cause and make repairs. Crews estimated the release at 3,000 gallons. As a precaution, the public is advised to avoid contact with the Willamette River downstream of the area for 48 hours because of the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. This sewage release is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, which works during rainy weather to prevent overflows of stormwater and sewage to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is NOT a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) (October 19, 2019) – City crews responding to a report of an odor discovered a sewage leak on an embankment near the NE 21st Avenue bridge that spans I-84. The report was made last night and crews stopped the leak today. The area is fenced off and not readily accessible to the public. There is a houseless camp nearby and warning signs were placed on the embankment at the location of the release and downhill to the railroad tracks that parallel Interstate 84. While crews stopped the release, further repairs will be needed. The cause is a suspected broken pipe. The City of Portland treats an average of 70 million gallons of wastewater each day. Over one-third of Portland’s more than 2,500 miles of sewer pipes are over 80 years old. This sewage overflow is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system. - 30 - The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

Update (Oct. 11, 2019) - Environmental Services congratulates the winning cities. We are inspired by the climate leadership of cities around the world. It takes all of us to create #TheFutureWeWant. To see all 100 leading projects, visit www.cities100report.org Crystal Springs Creek restoration makes list of leading global climate action projects; Community invited to Salmon Celebration Oct. 6 (October 2, 2019) – Commissioner Nick Fish will announce today at City Council that Portland’s Crystal Springs Watershed Restoration project has been named a global finalist for the 2019 C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards, which recognizes cities worldwide that are demonstrating climate action leadership. The Crystal Springs Watershed Restoration project in SE Portland improved the creek’s water quality and removed culverts so salmon and other fish can travel up the Willamette River tributary. As a result of the project, Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish declared Crystal Springs the city’s first salmon sanctuary in 2017. Led by the Bureau of Environmental Services, the project brought together community groups, government agencies, and indigenous communities to protect salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act. “Portland is proud to be a city where nature is celebrated and enjoyed,” said Commissioner Fish, who leads the Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Parks & Recreation. “We are replicating our success at Crystal Springs Creek throughout the city. We are humbled to receive this international recognition; it will fuel our continued work.” The international announcement today comes as Portland City Council proclaims October 6 as “Salmon in Our City Day” and invites the community to the 6th annual Salmon Celebration. This year’s event will be held on October 6 at Johnson Creek Park, where Crystal Springs Creek enters Johnson Creek. “As we restore our rivers, creeks, and natural systems and honor salmon as part of our natural and indigenous heritage, we restore opportunities for our future and better prepare our city for climate change,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. Council will also receive a presentation on the City’s progress in meeting its Salmon-Safe re-certification. Portland-based non-profit Salmon-Safe independently certifies land management practices and their possible effects on water quality and salmon habitat. Portland Parks & Recreation has been certified Salmon-Safe since 2004. In 2016, the City of Portland became the first city in the world to achieve certification. Following the Crystal Springs Watershed Restoration project, the Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a restoration project at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The project included replacing an old culvert with a “salmon subway” that allows fish to access the Refuge for the first time in over 100 years. City Council just approved another culvert replacement project in the Tryon Creek watershed. “I’m proud that both of my bureaus are leaders for salmon, for our environment, and for combating climate change,” said Commissioner Fish. Background Mayor Wheeler is scheduled to be in Copenhagen on October 10 for the C40 World Mayors Summit where the winner will be announced. Urban leaders from across the globe will share bold strategies and actions to meet the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement. C40 Cities is a network of the world’s megacities committed to climate solutions. It is funded in part by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the organization established by former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg that administers the Cities100 report and awards. This is the second time C40 Cities has recognized Portland’s climate leadership. Previously, Portland was recognized for its innovative Climate Action Plan as one of the first cities in the world to act at the local level. For more information, including a virtual tour of Crystal Springs and a video of wild coho spawning in the newly restored Crystal Springs habitat, see www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/crystalspring The Bureau of Environmental Services works with Portland residents and businesses to protect water quality, public health, and the environment through wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes @BESPortland Media contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is NOT a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) (September 24, 2019) – A pressurized sewer pipe at a NE Portland pump station ruptured this afternoon, leading to sewage overflowing to the nearby Columbia Slough. City crews discovered the break around noon today from the pump station at 8599 NE Alderwood Road and stopped the flow around 3:30 p.m. They estimate around 10,500 gallons overflowed to a storm drain at the pump station. The storm drain leads to the slough. The public is advised to avoid contact with the slough around Alderwood Road for at least 48 hours due to increased bacteria in the water. The public is asked to adhere to the warning signs posted in the area. https://goo.gl/maps/PPfLDtvXgc1vkStw8 Crews are working on repairs to the pipe. The cause is under investigation. This sewage overflow is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, which prevents overflows of stormwater and sewage to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough during rainy periods. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. Media Contact: Diane Dulken 503-457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is not a combined sewer overflow [CSO] advisory) (September 18, 2019) - Heavy rains last night overwhelmed a portion of the City’s sewer system at the 2700 block of NW Westover Road, leading to a mix of stormwater and sewage overflowing to the street from at least two manholes. In addition, the heavy rains led to a number of basement backups in nearby homes. https://goo.gl/maps/vUsS2ouiX1CTmuCD6 The mix is estimated to be about 90 percent stormwater and 10 percent sewage. Crews responded around 9:30 p.m. and cleaned out the main sewer line as a precautionary measure in case of blockage but did not find any. The overflow stopped around 10:15 p.m. The overflow to the street mixed with additional rain that fell overnight, further diluting and dispersing it. Warning signs were posted on the 2700 block of Westover only. Environmental Services does not advise any additional precautions. The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services treats an average of 70 million gallons of wastewater each day and manages a system of 2,500 miles of pipes, 2,000 green street planters and additional grey and green infrastructure. While not common, exceptionally heavy rains can exceed the capacity of combined stormwater and sewer pipes, leading to discharges. Sewer overflows are usually preventable and are caused most often when pipes become blocked with grease, tree roots and debris. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. -30-

(August 10, 2019) - Heavy rains led to a combined sewage overflow Saturday from a single outfall at NW 110th Avenue and NW Front Avenue to the Willamette River in Portland. The overflow began at approximately 4:46 p.m. and ended around 5:09 p.m. on Saturday. A preliminary estimate of the overflow amount is 60,000 gallons. Because of increased bacteria in the water, the public should avoid contact with the Willamette River in the vicinity of Linnton and Port of Portland Terminal 4 and downstream for the next 48 hours. A combined sewer overflow (CSO) is about 80 percent stormwater and 20 percent sewage. CSOs are rare and can occur during periods of heavy rain or snowfall. This is the first overflow in 2019. Since completing the Big Pipe project in 2011, a 20-year, $1.4 billion program to reduce overflows, the number of CSOs have dropped by 94 percent to the Willamette River and 99 percent to the Columbia Slough. The Big Pipe project constructed a series of improvements, from disconnecting downspouts on homes to allow rainwater to be absorbed naturally in the ground to the construction of big pipes on both sides of the river and along the slough to store and convey large quantities of flows to the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant. Before the project, CSOs occurred to the Willamette River from multiple outfalls an average of 50 times a year, with some instances lasting days. Today, overflows occur an average of four times per winter season, and once every three summers. Find out more information about CSO events, what they are and why they occur at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/398740. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and follow us on Twitter for news @besportland. Media contact: Taffy Spencer 503-823-8601 or taffy.spencer@portlandoregon.gov

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the public that a sewer repair project will close N Vancouver Avenue to daytime travel between NE Russell and NE Hancock streets Monday, July 15. The closure will be in effect for construction from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. People traveling by motor vehicle will be detoured to NE Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. People traveling by bicycle will be detoured to NE Rodney Avenue. Local access will be maintained for residents and people visiting businesses along N Vancouver Avenue. All lanes will re-open to traffic during non-construction hours. The closure and construction are part of the Eliot Sewer and Stormwater Project and will allow crews to repair and replace about two miles of deteriorating public sewer pipes that are 100 to 120 years old. The project also includes constructing green street planters in key locations to reduce the amount of stormwater entering the combined sewer system. These improvements will protect public health, property and the environment by reducing the possibility of sewage releases into streets, homes and businesses. Project information may be found at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/eliot. The Bureau of Environmental Services works with Portland residents and businesses to protect water quality, public health, and the environment through wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Media Contact: Taffy Spencer, 503-823-8601, taffy.spencer@portlandoregon.gov

Sanitary Sewage Release Advisory (this is NOT a Combined Sewer Overflow [CSO] Advisory) (July 9, 2019) – Sewage was released at Environmental Services’ Simmons Pump Station at 15831 N Simmons Road. Sewage leaked slowly from a flexible pipe at the pump station over a period of one to two days. City crews have repaired the leaking pipe and are cleaning the impacted area. The sewage was released mainly onto the pump station property, but some sewage did flow offsite and enter a catch basin which eventually drains into the Columbia Slough immediately south of the N Lombard Street bridge. Warning signs advising the public to avoid the area were posted. The volume of the release is estimated at about 200 gallons. The release was discovered at 8:15 a.m. on July 9, 2019 and was stopped at 8:25 a.m. that morning. City crews are testing the area of the Columbia Slough that may be impacted for E. coli bacteria, which is the primary public health concern. The public should obey the warning signs posted in the area. This sewage overflow is not related to the City of Portland's combined sewer overflow control system, which prevents overflows of stormwater and sewage to the Willamette River and Columbia Slough during rainy periods. The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. Media Contact: Taffy Spencer, (503) 823-8601, taffy.spencer@portlandoregon.gov

UPDATE (July 23, 2019) - this project has been extended through at least the end of July. (July 3, 2019) - The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the traveling public that a sewer cleaning project will reduce NW Front Avenue to one lane at NW Kittridge Avenue and extending part way to NW Doane Avenue for approximately three weeks beginning on July 8th. Sewer maintenance crews will be at work 24 hours a day. The lane closures will be in effect all days and nights, including weekends. One lane will be maintained at all times and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. The traveling public is required to follow signage and directions of flaggers when present. People traveling by motor vehicle or bicycle should expect delays during construction. Share the road and travel with caution. The closure will allow sewer maintenance crews to clean large diameter sewer main pipes in this section of industrial Portland. By working 24 hours a day, Environmental Services aims to both limit impacts to traffic and complete needed maintenance work more quickly. The Bureau of Environmental Services works with Portland residents and businesses to protect water quality, public health, and the environment through wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

(July 2, 2019) - The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services announces that Oregon Oils, Inc. will pay $538,500 to resolve discharge permit violations at its processing facility located at 2515 NW 29th Avenue in Portland. Of that total, $238,500 are civil penalties and $300,000 are sewer-related charges. The penalties and fees are the largest amount recovered by Environmental Services’ environmental compliance program. Oregon Oils neither admits nor denies the findings that were the basis of the City’s 2018 enforcement action. Oregon Oils operates a Northwest Portland plant that collects and processes fats, oils, and grease from area restaurants. Oregon Oils and other processing facilities are required by federal law to pretreat their wastewater before discharging into the City system. Pretreatment prevents clogs to City pipes and resulting sewage overflows. As a condition of the agreement, the company will also upgrade its pretreatment equipment and improve the City’s access to monitor the company’s discharges. Both of those steps will be required before the company can resume discharging wastewater into the City sewer system. In a separate criminal investigation handled by the Oregon State Police, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Oils pled guilty last month to two misdemeanor counts of Water Pollution in the Second Degree (ORS 468.943). The company was sentenced to 24 months’ probation and the standard condition to “obey all laws.” In addition, the sentencing included a special condition that Oregon Oils must comply with the terms of the City’s agreement, including the payment of all imposed fines and fees, as well as undertaking infrastructure improvements and procedural changes to better ensure future compliance. Attachment: Voluntary Compliance Agreement - BES-Oregon Oils The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. For news updates, follow @BESPortland on Twitter and visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/news - 30 - Media Contact: Diane Dulken, 503-457-7636, diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov

UPDATE (July 23, 2019) - This project has been extended through the first week of August. Projected opening date is Aug. 6 (July 3, 2019) - The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the traveling public that a sewer repair project will close a section of SW Hamilton Terrace that feeds into SW Terwilliger Blvd for two to three weeks beginning Monday, July 8. The closure will be in effect 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday and affects SW Hamilton Terrace between SW Terwilliger Boulevard and SW Bancroft Street. Drivers seeking to access SW Terwilliger Boulevard are asked to use alternate routes. A sidewalk will be open for people walking and bicycling. The work is part of the SW Hamilton Terrace Sewer Repair Project. Environmental Services is repairing 200 linear feet of sewer pipe and a manhole that is deteriorating due to age. The repair will extend the life of the sewer and protect public health, water quality and the environment. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/HamiltonTerrace. The Bureau of Environmental Services works with Portland residents and businesses to protect water quality, public health, and the environment through wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. Media Contact: Taffy Spencer (503)823-8601 taffy.spencer@portlandoregon.gov

(June 18, 2019) - The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services issues the following statement in response to a video of people emerging from a NW Front Avenue manhole: The City of Portland Environmental Services maintains a system of 2,500 miles of pipes and other infrastructure in order to protect public health and our environment by keeping sewage and stormwater away from people. It is extremely rare for anyone to intentionally expose themselves to the hazards of untreated sewage or stormwater as well as the dangers of being underground in a pipe that has limited oxygen and limited means of escape or rescue. It is both illegal and highly unsafe to do so. Environmental Services’ investigation of this incident has found that an unknown number of people have entered a pipe in Northwest Portland that mostly carries stormwater but can contain untreated sewage as well during periods of heavy rain. The pipe entryway is not visible to the public and is contained behind a screen and a fence. Environmental Services’ initial assessments have found that the pipe is in good working condition and there is minimal damage at the entryway to the pipe. Crews will repair that damage. In addition, the screen at the entryway is slated to be upgraded and enhanced barriers will be part of the design; the timeframe for that upgrade is next summer. Environmental Services also reminds the public of the penalties for illegally entering the system. Unauthorized entry is subject to up to $10,000 in civil penalties per day, per violation.