On February 6, 2016, due to a clogged pump and the bypass pump failing to start, the City of Newport’s wastewater personnel observed 48th St. pump station spilling raw sewage into a creek at approximately 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The spill rate was approximately 5 gallons per minute with an estimated spill of 300 gallons. The sewage overflowed from the pump station into the creek, which flows across the beach and into the ocean. OERS was notified and samples will be taken to ensure fecal levels return to normal.

The 48th Street Pump Station is currently being served by a backup diesel pump while the main pumps are being rebuilt. One pump is already in place and the second should be reinstalled later this week. City crews are also arranging to have the debris pumped from the wet well to help reduce future plugging issues. Signs warning of the sewage overflows are posted at the affected areas. Contact with water contaminated with bacteria can increase the risk of disease. Please avoid contact with these waterbodies until further notice.

Please contact the City of Newport Public Works at 541-574-3366 with any questions.

Information provided by City of Newport