About 1,350 gallons of raw sewage spilled near a Keizer apartment complex and possibly into Claggett Creek, the city of Salem announced in a news release Thursday afternoon.
A blocked city sewer line caused an overflow, reported around 3 p.m. near the Verda Crossing Apartments, 4937 Verda Ln. N.E.
Salem’s sewage treatment plant, Willow Lake Wastewater Pollution Control Facility, is located in Keizer.
Environmental services crews cleared the blockage by 4 p.m., according to the city news release.
The city has posted signs warning residents to stay out of the creek and avoid any contact with the waterway. “Staff will continue to take water samples and any bacteria that entered the site should be flushed out of the water body in the next few days,” according to the statement.
Overflowing manholes and sewage spills can be reported to the city’s Public Works Department center by calling 503-588-6333.
The spill comes less than three months after about 12,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Labish Ditch on July 31, which was also caused by a blocked city sewer line.
A buildup of obstructions including rags and grease led to that overflow at 6515 Whisper Creek Loop N.E. in Keizer, near Gubster Elementary School.
Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.
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Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered criminal justice and housing for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.
