City of Coos Bay release – The City received a citizen concern regarding liquid coming out of a manhole. After investigating, it was discovered that a sanitary sewer line along N. 12th Street was blocked causing sewer to back up through the manhole. This is referred to as a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO). The SSO has been contained and approximately 380 gallons discharged from the location but did not enter any waterway and has been cleaned up by the City. The City confirmed that the blockage was due to excessive Fats, Oils & Grease and “flushable” wipes in the line. Please always remember only toilet paper is to be flushed down the drain as wipes can cause large backups in the sanitary sewer system. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Emergency Response System were notified of the incident. Any questions can be directed to the Coos Bay Public Works Department at 541-269-8918 extension 3564.