UPDATE: All Clear Following Sewer Overflow Event

SEASIDE, Ore. – Dec. 15, 2023 – The City of Seaside, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), issued an all-clear notice today following sanitary sewer overflows resulting from sustained and heavy precipitation in the region. Excess water caused the wastewater treatment system to begin overflowing into points of the Necanicum River and Neawanna Creek on Dec. 5 and, as a result, the city asked residents to avoid direct contact with waterways. In total, approximately 18.43 million gallons of diluted sewage overflowed the system and entered the waterways during this event.

Testing of the two waterways indicate levels have now returned to normal. Regular monitoring of bacteria levels began on Dec. 6. The City works closely with ODEQ to monitor the river and creek following any release of sewage.

Going Forward – Help Us Protect Waterways

Any heavy rainfall event with overland flooding limits the sewer system’s ability to convey water to the treatment plant. There are many ways to make a difference during periods of excessive rainfall or flooding. Less water added to the system equals less pollution.

Here are a few ways you can reduce water use during weather events:

• Choose a shower over a bath, and opt for a quick shower.
• Delay washing clothes until the situation improves.
• Only flush the toilet when necessary during storms.

**end of updated release, original release follows**

Seaside Reports Sewer Overflow Event

SEASIDE, Ore. – Dec. 5, 2023 – Due to sustained and heavy precipitation in the region, the City of Seaside wastewater treatment system began overflowing into points of the Necanicum River and Neawanna Creek on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The City is asking residents to avoid direct contact with waterways as raw sewage may be hazardous to health. Regular monitoring of bacteria levels will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and 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?
Rain has been falling across the entire city and therefore manholes and pump stations in lower elevations are overflowing.

How much is overflowing?
An estimated 200 gallons per minute is overflowing. This may be revised as the storm event is ongoing.

How do overflows happen?
High tides plus too much rainfall in a short period of time can fill city pipes and cause sewage to overflow.

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

How is an overflow remedied?
Over time, the flushing action of rushing water in the river will clean up the overflow.

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

**end of original release**