Services, Guides, and Information
267 services and resources found
Track-out is dirt, mud, or other debris tracked out of a facility or onto a paved roadway by a vehicle or material handling equipment such as a forklift. When it rains, this sediment can mix with rainwater and cause pollution. Prevent pollution from track-out with these best management practices.
Preventing Pollution from Sawcutting Slurry
Information
Slurry and wash water from sawcutting concrete, brick, tile, and granite is prohibited from flowing into the city's stormwater system and requires authorization to be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Learn about best management practices to prevent pollution and meet city requirements.
Protecting Nesting Birds: Standard Operating Procedure for When Bird Nest Surveys are Required
Information
August 1 to January 31 is the recommended window for vegetation work and habitat impacts. February 1 to July 31 is the bird nesting window when habitat disturbing activities should be avoided. Find the Environmental Services procedure for when a bird nest survey is required.
Public Sewer Easements
Information
A public sewer easement grants the City rights to construct, maintain, and access public sewer or storm assets located on private property while allowing and restricting certain activities. The City reviews easement encroachments and quitclaims to ensure they don't interfere with the City's rights.
Public Works Appeal Process
Service
Public Works appeals apply to the City's requirements for improvements made to the public right-of-way as part of the development process.
Public Works Permitting
Guide
Permitting information from City of Portland infrastructure bureaus regarding permitting and construction for public infrastructure improvements triggered by private development projects.
Rain Barrels
Information
Rain barrels are an easy way to collect, store, and use the rainwater that falls on your property. Keep roof runoff to use later to water your lawn, garden, or indoor plants.
Receiving Your Clean River Rewards Discount
Information
Once you've met Clean River Rewards qualifications and submitted the appropriate registration form, what happens next?
Register for Clean River Rewards
Service
If the rain that runs off your roof, driveway, or parking lot safely soaks into the ground on your property instead of running into a stormwater or sewer pipe, you may be eligible to receive a discount on your sewer/stormwater/water bill. Register for the Clean River Rewards program here.
Register or Decommission a UIC
Service
Registration is required for all City-owned UICs, including those in the right-of-way or on City-owned properties. Find the forms and process to register or decommission sumps, soakage trenches, hybrids, or other facilities that infiltrate stormwater below ground.
Environmental Services is working to reconnect Johnson Creek to its historic floodplain, reduce flooding on private property, restore habitat, and improve water quality in the creek. This work is revising the 100-year floodplain maps, which may cause changes to property insurance requirements.
Our green street planters can get clogged, littered with trash, or need maintenance. If you notice a problem with a green street planter, please notify us. We welcome your help in keeping our rivers and streams clean.
Report a Sewer Odor
Service
Please report sewer-related odors to us. Do you smell a foul odor from the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant? Does a storm drain, manhole, or green street seem to have a sewer smell?
Report a Sewer Problem
Service
If you have a sewer backup in your home or business or you notice sewage being released into the environment, call us to report it.
Report a Spill or Pollution
Service
Call our hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report pollution or spills. For example, if someone is washing paint down a storm drain or if you see a strange discharge coming from a pipe, call us.
You must have prior permission to enter city stormwater, sanitary, or sewer systems. Environmental Services issues authorization.
If you disagree with a decision you've received from the Bureau of Environmental Services, such as an enforcement notice or assessment, you may request an administrative review unless it is non-reviewable. In most cases, you have 20 business days after your notice was mailed to submit a request.
Residential Rain Gardens
Information
Residential rain gardens are a natural way to manage the rain on your property while adding beauty to your landscape. They can be a good solution for flatter spaces where the soils allow water to quickly and safely soak into the ground.
Roof Gardens
Information
Roof gardens are an innovative way to manage the rain on your property. Roof gardens are thicker green roof systems that manage rain but typically also provide access with benches and pathways.
RV Pollution Prevention Program
Information
Portland residents living in recreational vehicles (RVs) parked on the street are eligible for the pump out program. Please call to request a pump out or to find out when the truck will be in a certain area. There is no application.
Salmon Sanctuaries in Portland
Information
In the recent past, salmon were on the brink of extinction in Portland. Thanks to restoration efforts that support salmon recovery, salmon are returning to Portland’s rivers and streams. Salmon Sanctuaries show that it is possible to create healthy urban habitats for these threatened species.
Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Rates and Charges
Information
Environmental Services delivers sanitary sewer and stormwater services to Portland residents and businesses. Rates and charges are based on the cost of providing services.
See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.