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Raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek

The lobby of Salem City Hall. (Salem Reporter files)

Raw sewage spilled into Claggett Creek in Northeast Salem, the city of Salem announced Friday afternoon.

The city said in its press release that it does not know how much sewage spilled into the creek, near 2965 Surf Court N.E. The spill happened around 1 p.m.

The spill resulted from a clogged sewer pipe, the city said, blocked “possibly with tree root and grease.”

“Public Works Department crews were immediately dispatched to this location,” the city wrote in its release. “City of Salem Environmental Services staff were also dispatched to collect surface water samples.”

“Any bacteria that entered the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days.”

City spokesperson Heather Dimke said spills happen more often when water levels are high, but clogs can happen intermittently.

“These clogs of various causes tend to happen now and then as well and when they do our crews are sent right out to make sure it’s stopped,” she said.

The city recommended people to report spills or overflowing manholes by calling the Public Works Department Dispatch Center, 503-588-6333.

Have a tip? Contact reporter Troy Brynelson at 503-575-9930, [email protected] or @TroyWB.