80K gallons of sewage spills into ocean at Cannon Beach

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Cannon Beach officials are asking people to avoid the Gower Street beach access area after 80,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the ocean.

The Cannon Beach Emergency Management Team said the sewage overflow happened at the Pacific Pump gas station at 1200 Pacific Street.

Officials believe the blockage was caused by “high rainfall volumes and the accumulation of toilet paper around a flow sensor device previously installed in the manhole to collect data associated with high bacteria counts at this location.”

The City of Cannon Beach says the spill has been cleaned up and is taking fecal matter samples to confirm the cleanup was successful.

However, the Oregon Health Authority says people should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean.

“Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly persons and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria,” OHA said.