FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2008

Contact: Ross Caron, 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services has been working with contractor Anderson Pacific since Saturday, October 18th to install temporary slope protection where a landslide occurred at SW Burlingame Place and SW Terwilliger Blvd. on October 8, 2008.

On October 16, 2008, BDS Director Paul Scarlett declared that an emergency existed that threatened public health, safety and commerce due to the house at 6438 SW Burlingame Place sliding downslope. This emergency declaration allowed the Bureau of Development Services to hire a contractor to install temporary slope protection measures.

Since work began, plastic sheeting has been placed over the slope and most of the exposed soil. Temporary drainage systems have been installed to collect runoff from the plastic sheeting and roof drains. The runoff has been routed to the sewer system in SW Terwilliger Blvd.

Work will be completed by Anderson Pacific by the end of today and the City will continue to monitor the situation when additional rains come to ensure that the temporary system is functioning properly.

"We appreciate everything the contractor has done to get this work completed so quickly," said Paul Scarlett, BDS Director. "I'm hopeful that stabilizing the slope has brought the impacted homeowners some peace of mind so that they can concentrate on permanent recovery efforts."

These temporary protection measures are intended to remain in place while the Bureau of Development Services continues to work with property owners and their representatives to make permanent repairs.

About the Bureau of Development Services (BDS):
The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) promotes safety, livability and economic vitality through efficient and collaborative application of building and development codes. BDS staff reviews and issues approximately over 50,000 building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and sign permits, along with performing 217,000 permit inspections and 1,300 land use reviews for residential and commercial properties. For more information visit our website at www.portlandonline.com/bds.