Services, Guides, and Information
268 services and resources found
Flood Safety
Information
Flooding can damage property and threaten lives. Stay informed, be prepared, and stay safe. This information is useful if you know a flood may be coming. For long term preparation of your home, see How to Prepare if You Live or Work in a Floodplain.
We work with multifamily, industrial, and commercial property owners to grow tree canopy on private property in low-canopy neighborhoods. Find answers to many commonly asked questions about the program on this page.
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.
Green Street Steward Business Partners
Information
The Green Street Steward program isn’t just for individuals. Businesses and non-profit organizations can volunteer to adopt green street planters in their neighborhoods, too. Caring for a green street is an easy way to be a good neighbor. Keep the area near your business looking green and inviting.
Businesses and industries that discharge wastewater from fermentation and distillation processes are subject to environmental regulations. These businesses include but are not limited to breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, meaderies, and kombucharies.
This is an overview of environmental requirements for cannabis industries as currently understood by the City of Portland. The City may impose additional requirements for businesses as more information regarding the pollutants of concern outlined below or others becomes available.
Environmental Services issues permits to industries based on the quality and volume of their wastewater discharges. The permits require industries to treat wastewater to meet pollutant limits, monitor for pollutants, submit compliance reports, and follow other requirements outlined in their permits.
Anyone needing to enter the city's sewer or stormwater system must apply for a permit. Environmental Services requires authorized access in order to protect the public, city workers, and the systems. The city can refuse access if the applicant's request is not in the public interest.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 50 percent of mercury entering public wastewater treatment facilities comes from amalgam discharged by dental practices. To reduce this toxic metal in treatment facilities, the EPA established the Dental Amalgam Rule.
Wash water generated from commercial mobile washing activities is prohibited from entering the City's stormwater system, streets, or right-of-way. To discharge wash water to the sanitary or combined sewer system, businesses must apply for and obtain a Mobile Washer Discharge Authorization.
The Submeter Program is for business customers who discharge a volume of water to the sewer significantly more or less than the incoming water. Customers install submeters on their business’ internal plumbing to accurately measure and bill for water that is discharged to the sewer.
When you repair a sewer lateral or need a new connection to the public sewer system either in the right-of-way or in a public easement, a permit is needed. This guide provides sewer contractors and property owners information about Environmental Services' UR and UC Permits.
Hourly Rainfall Data: City of Portland HYDRA Rainfall Network
External Resource
The HYDRA Rainfall Network provides rainfall data from various locations across Portland. Data is updated hourly, subject to revisions, and released on the condition that neither USGS, the United States Government, nor the City of Portland may be held liable for any damages resulting from its use.
Thank you for managing the rain on your property! Follow these important steps to make sure your rain garden, basin, planter, swale, disconnected downspouts, or other stormwater management facility keeps working safely and as designed.
Use the guidance below to determine if your right-of-way project triggers requirements of the 2020 Stormwater Management Manual.
Low-lying areas by creeks and rivers are called floodplains and have a higher chance of flooding. Do you live or work in a floodplain? Find out about your flood risk and ways to protect yourself and your property.
How to Properly Empty Your Pool or Hot Tub
Information
Heated, chlorinated or salt-treated waters from pools and hot tubs, and cleaning wash water are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Learn how to prevent pool waters from entering the stormwater system such as through a storm drain, from where it could flow directly to a river or stream.
Material storage areas exposed to rain and runoff can introduce pollutants into the stormwater system and impact our rivers and streams or soak into the soil to contaminate groundwater. These pollutants can harm fish or remain in the soil for many years. Learn how to prevent pollution.
About 135 species of birds breed around Portland. The majority of these birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects the birds, their nests, eggs, and feathers. Learn about best management practices to protect birds and their nests when working on City projects.
How Trees Work to Manage Rain and Stormwater
Information
Trees are a readily available, natural way to manage the rain on your property. Trees are easy to plant, low-cost, and most property owners can do the work themselves. Learn about the types of trees best suited for your property before planting.
How We Manage Stormwater
Information
Portland may be the Rose City, but we’re just as well known for our rainy weather. We get an average of 37 inches of rain each year. You might wonder, “where does all that rain go?” Read on to learn how rain becomes stormwater, and how Environmental Services manages the challenges it causes.
How You Can Help Keep Our Rivers Healthy
Information
You can help keep our rivers, streams, and watersheds healthy. There are many ways to get involved, from simply picking up after your dog to volunteering for a cleanup event.
Industrial Pretreatment Awards
Information
Each year, Environmental Services recognizes industrial customers who are working to protect the environment and keep our rivers, streams, and watersheds healthy.
Installing Your Private Sewer Line
Information
When you receive notice that sewer is available in your area or that you have a nonconforming sewer, you may be required to connect to the sewer branch at your property line or install a sewer lateral from your property to the public sewer. This page has resources to help you through that process.
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