Seaside Reports Sewer Overflow Event

SEASIDE, Ore. – Feb. 28, 2024 – Due to heavy precipitation in the region, the City of Seaside wastewater treatment system began overflowing into Neawanna Creek on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The City is asking residents to avoid direct contact with waterways as raw sewage may be hazardous to health. Regular monitoring of bacteria levels has begun and will continue until levels return to baseline. The spill has been reported to the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) and local media have been notified.

Where is the overflow located?
The sanitary sewer system is overflowing from a manhole on N. Wahanna Rd near Shore Terrace. This overflow eventually enters Neawanna Creek.

How much is overflowing?
An estimated 40 gallons per minute is overflowing. This may be revised as the event is ongoing.

How did this overflow happen?
Heavy rainfall from recent storms has overwhelmed the sewer at the N. Wahanna Rd location.

When will the overflow stop?
The sewage system will catch up when the rain and runoff stops or slows for long enough. City staff will test the river and report results to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), who will ultimately issue an all clear.

How is an overflow remedied?
The flushing action of rushing water in the river will clean up the overflow. Testing will monitor the return to baseline. 

Additional information will be provided in an updated release after the overflow has ceased.

**end of release**