Services, Guides, and Information
68 services and resources found
1200-Z Monitoring and Corrective Action Guidance
Information
Business and industrial 1200-Z stormwater permit holders can find general guidance about monitoring and corrective actions to meet permit requirements for areas within the City of Portland.
2020 Source Control Manual
Manual
The 2020 Source Control Manual became effective Dec. 14. The manual sets City policy for drainage and discharges resulting from development and post-development activities for site-specific activities like waste storage, loading and unloading, exterior storage and processing, and dewatering.
The 2020 Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) became effective Dec.14, 2020. The manual sets City policy and design requirements for stormwater management on all development, redevelopment, and improvement projects on both public and private property in Portland.
Alternative Discharge Control Mechanisms (ADCMs) authorize businesses to discharge wastewater to the City of Portland's sanitary sewer system. Learn more about the different types of ADCMs on this page.
Apply for a Construction Dewatering Permit
Information
Businesses may request temporary discharges of groundwater or impounded stormwater generated from construction or demolition activities to the City's sanitary or stormwater sewer systems. Learn how to apply for a Construction Dewatering Permit on this page.
Your company may need a permit to discharge process wastewater to the City sewer. Download the Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit application here.
Apply for a 1200-Z general NPDES stormwater discharge permit for an industrial site in City limits. Environmental Services receives and processes applications for general stormwater permits. The City is the authorized agent for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
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, duration, and frequency. Learn how to apply for discharge authorization procedure on this page.
Discharges are prohibited from entering the City's stormwater system. For discharges into the sanitary sewer, businesses must get authorization before discharging, and businesses must certify compliance annually. Find forms and instructions to request authorization and to apply for certification.
Catch basins can help protect our watersheds by preventing stormwater from washing pollutants into our rivers and streams. Learn more about catch basins and best management practices for maintaining them.
In many places in Portland, storm drains flow directly into a river or stream. To protect our rivers and streams, City Code prohibits pouring or dumping anything into a storm drain. Learn about requirements and ways you can prevent pollution. Remember, only rain goes down a storm drain.
Environmental Services has made changes to the Pretreatment Enforcement Response Plan (ERP). Changes to the ERP are effective March 1, 2022.
Your company may need a permit or other authorization before discharging any wastewater into City sewers. To find out, first complete this environmental survey. Environmental Services will review your completed survey and notify you if your company requires a permit or authorization.
Producers of craft fermented beverages such as kombucha, beer, wine, spirits, or other breweries or distillers, are required to apply for a discharge authorization and then to file annual certification forms each year. Find and download the required forms here.
The EPA requires the City to implement amalgam waste management rules for dental practices. All dental practices that discharge wastewater to a Portland-owned wastewater treatment facility must verify that they are in compliance with these rules.
Dust Control for Pollution Prevention
Information
Dust controls may be needed on sites for various activities, including land disturbance, demolition, or material handling. Dust may contain pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or other contaminants. Rain can wash dust and its contaminants into the stormwater system or into a river or stream.
Enroll in the Submeter Program
Service
To be eligible to participate in the Environmental Services Submeter Program a business must submit a completed application.
EPA Guidance Manual for Conditional Exclusion from Storm Water Permitting Based On “No Exposure” of Industrial Activities to Storm Water
External Resource
Guidance document from the Environmental Protection Agency for industrial stormwater permittees who would like to apply for No Exposure Certification. Publication date: June 2000.
Sediment from erosion sometimes contains harmful pollutants. When this sediment washes into our rivers and streams, it can harm fish and other aquatic life. Learn how to help protect public health and the environment by managing erosion and sediment.
Some businesses, like food service establishments, pay extra strength charges in addition to the base sewer rate because the wastewater they discharge to the sewer contains more waste. These charges appear on the bill as biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids charges. Learn more.
The FAQs on this page cover important questions industrial wastewater discharge customers may have about forms, surveys, reports, inspections, and more. Learn more on this page.
Fats, Oil, and Grease
Information
Water containing high concentrations of fats, oil, grease (FOG), and other food waste can build up and block sewer pipes. Clogged sewer pipes can cause raw sewage to back up into homes and businesses or overflow into streets and streams.
Restaurants and other food service establishments are the main sources of fats, oil, and grease (FOG). FOG can cause sewer backups and overflows if it is allowed to go down drains. These best management practices can help you better manage FOG at your business to prevent costly sewer problems.
Grease Interceptors and How to Maintain Them
Information
A grease interceptor is a device located between kitchen drain lines and sanitary sewer lines. Grease interceptors capture the fats, oil, and grease flowing down kitchen drains and stop them from flowing to the sewer. To work properly, interceptors must be maintained regularly.
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, duration, and frequency. Learn more about the batch discharge authorization procedure on this page.
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