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 business and industry to meet these requirements.
Mobile fueling is the dispensing or delivery of fuel from mobile vehicles (tank trucks) to the fuel tanks of vehicles or equipment onsite. Mobile fueling is often conducted by an outside contractor but may be conducted by onsite staff. If not handled properly, mobile fueling can introduce pollutants into the stormwater system through spills and leaks. Many storm drains in Portland flow directly to a river or stream. Pollutants in stormwater runoff can impact surface waters, reduce water quality, and harm fish and other aquatic life.
Rules and Regulations
The 2020 Source Control Manual describes requirements for mobile fueling that all new and remodeled facilities must meet. The requirements go beyond what is described on this page and include operational controls required to keep mobile fueling area leaks, drips, and spills contained to prevent mobilization of contaminants.
Portland City Code 17.39 prohibits the discharge of a substance with a sheen into the stormwater system. The discharge of fuel may result in investigations, issuance of penalties, and required corrective actions.
Prevent Pollution through Best Management Practices
Prepare to Prevent Spills
- Centralize fueling activities in one location designed with spill protection and containment features.
- Equip the mobile fueling vehicle with adequate spill kit materials, including but not limited to drain covers and absorbent material in case of an accidental spill or hose breakage.
- Place storm drain/catch basin mat covers over nearby catch basins during fueling.
- Train employees and contractors on the proper methods of fueling, spill response, and equipment emergency shutdown procedures.
- Ensure the mobile fueling service has a spill prevention and response plan, including an on-call environmental cleanup contractor available to respond in the event of a large fuel spill.
- Store mobile fueling vehicles in a manner that minimizes exposure to stormwater.
- Routinely check secondary containment structures and fueling equipment for leaks or degraded components.
While Fueling
- Ensure employees or contractors performing fueling activities always remain with the vehicle being fueled.
- Use drip pans or absorbent pads under the nozzle when fueling and drip tubes for fuel nozzle storage.
- Equip fueling nozzles with an automatic shut-off mechanism.
- Periodically observe mobile fueling activities to ensure procedures are being followed.
Leaks and Drips or in Case of Spill
- Clean leaks and drips immediately and properly dispose of used absorbent material.
- Post the City of Portland Spill Response notification phone number (503-823-7180) and Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) spill number (800-452-0311) and directions for notification in or on the mobile fueling vehicle.
Failure to implement applicable best management practices may result in the discharge of pollutants, which is a violation of Portland City Code. The City will issue enforcement action in the form of a civil penalty if pollutants are discharged from your site. Appropriate measures to prevent the discharge of pollutants are required.