Service
Batch discharge authorizations are issued to businesses or projects that need to discharge to the sanitary sewer or, in rare cases, to the stormwater system. Discharges are limited in volume and duration and are often for specific or infrequent operations. Learn how to apply for authorization.
The City's Role
The federal Clean Water Act requires cities to set rules and regulations to protect the city's sewer and stormwater systems and its watersheds. Environmental Services works with businesses and industries to meet these requirements.
Rules and Regulations
- Portland City Code 17.39 prohibits nearly all discharges to the stormwater system including any type of wash water, wastewater, chlorinated water, and discharges that are discolored, turbid, oily, or have a sheen. Learn more about the very limited times when discharge to the stormwater system may be authorized.
- Portland City Code 17.32 prohibits directing water from any source to run onto any City sidewalk, street, easement, or right-of-way without first obtaining authorization or approval.
- Portland City Code 17.34 and Administrative Rules ENB-4.03 require batch discharge authorization before discharging to the sanitary sewer system.
Summary of Batch Discharge Requirements
- Batch discharge authorizations limit the types and amount of pollutants in the wastewater. See Table 1 in the authorization procedure.
- Batch discharges can only occur during dry weather (period without rain in previous 8 hours).
- Flow rates must be equal to or less than 50 gallons per minute (gpm). Any flow greater than 50 gpm requires modeling and analysis and may not be approved.
How to Apply
- Download and complete the Batch Discharge Authorization Application
- Email completed application to BatchDischarge@portlandoregon.gov.
Emailed applications are preferred.
You can also mail it to:
City of Portland Environmental Services
Water Pollution Control Lab
Attn: Batch Discharge Program
6543 N Burlington Ave
Portland, OR 97203-5452
- Please allow a minimum of two weeks for processing. Incomplete or unsigned applications cannot be processed.
Fees and Charges
(Valid through June 30, 2023)
Batch Discharge Authorizations are currently $160 each.
Construction Dewatering Permits are $280 each.
If applicable, the batch discharge volume to the sanitary sewer will charged at the fiscal year's commercial/industrial sewer rate. The current sewer rate $12.172 per 100 cubic feet.
For Questions and More Information
- For general questions and for discharges to the combined or sanitary sewer system, contact Batch Discharge Authorization Requests.
- For questions about discharges to the stormwater system, contact Industrial Stormwater.
Contact information is on this page.