Blockage leads to over 3,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Gibson Creek
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Over 3,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Gibson Creek in West Salem Monday night after a grease blockage in a sewer line.
The city announced the overflow in a statement Tuesday morning.
Around 7:15 p.m. Monday night, raw sewage overflowed near 3421 Wallace Rd. N.W. immediately dispatched crews to address the issue. The overflow was stopped around 9:40 p.m.
A grease blockage happens over time as grease used in cooking gets poured into drains, which then collects along the insides of sewer pipes.
In total, the city estimated that 3,550 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Gibson Creek, which flows through north West Salem and joins with Glenn Creek.
The city statement said signs are placed around Gibson Creek and east of Wallace Road to warn residents to avoid water contact due to a potentially high amount of bacteria.
City crews will take water samples to test bacteria levels until test results prove the water is safe. Remaining bacteria is expected to be flushed out of Gibson Creek in the next few days, the statement said.
Anyone who sees an overflowing manhole or spill is encouraged to call the city’s Public Works Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311.
The spill comes about six weeks after a large sewer spill caused by multiple line breaks that left West Salem’s 34,000 residents without sewer service for two days. The December breakage led to 19 million gallons of sewage flowing into the Willamette River.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She covers addiction and recovery, transportation and infrastructure.
