Services, Guides, and Information
268 services and resources found
Invasive Plant: Yellow Archangel
Information
Yellow archangel is a groundcover native to western Europe. It has become very popular in recent years and is seen in natural areas around the Portland area.
Invasive plants can reproduce rapidly and spread quickly, taking space, nutrients, water, and light from other plants. If uncontrolled, they can damage parks, streams, and infrastructure. Learn more about the damage caused by invasive plants.
Johnson Creek Flood Gauge
External Resource
This resource from the National Weather Service shows the current and predicted flow and flood stage of Johnson Creek at the Sycamore Gauge below Powell Butte and near SE Foster Road and 150th Avenue.
Johnson Creek Watershed
Information
The Johnson Creek watershed is the largest drainage basin in the city, and is important habitat for salmon, steelhead, and trout including several threatened and endangered species. The watershed spans 34,560 acres covering parts of two counties and four cities in the Portland metropolitan area.
Johnson Creek Watershed Report Card
Information
This report card summarizes conditions in the Johnson Creek watershed. Recent floodplain restoration projects have improved hydrology scores, but fish and wildlife still struggle in this watershed.
The Portland Harbor program invites community members to serve on this year's grant review committee. Portlanders who represent communities disproportionately affected by the contamination and cleanup are strongly encouraged to submit an interest form.
The Portland Brownfield Program provides technical assistance to anyone who is interested in learning more about a brownfield within Portland or who is working on a project on property where contamination might be an issue. Find resources on this page.
Stormwater management solutions such as rain gardens, rain barrels, ecoroofs, or trees can help manage the rain on your property to protect our rivers and streams. Learn more about the different stormwater management solutions here.
Mandatory Sewer Connections
Information
Most properties in Portland are connected to the City sewer system, but some still use private septic systems. Environmental Services builds new sewer mains to serve more properties and protect the environment. When this happens, property owners may receive a Required Sewer Connection Notice.
Find commonly used technical resources for public works permitting projects including transportation, sewer, stormwater, trees, and water manuals and standards.
The Bureau of Environmental Services maintains the Manufacturing Standards for Precast Concrete Products manual. The manual covers the requirements for the manufacture of precast concrete pipe, maintenance holes, and inlets for use in City of Portland infrastructure projects.
This page details the sanitary sewer service options that are available to builders and developers who are considering Middle Housing Land Division (MHLD) projects in Portland.
City code prohibits mobile washing businesses from discharging wash water to the City's stormwater system. Discharge to the sanitary sewer requires authorization before discharging and annual certification. Find application and certification forms and instructions.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit
Information
Portland’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit, or MS4 permit, regulates discharges from the City’s municipal stormwater system, which is separate from the sanitary sewer system. Learn more about the City's MS4 permit on this page.
The City of Portland administers National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits on behalf of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to regulate pollutant levels in wastewater and stormwater discharges. Learn more about NPDES permits on this page.
The Neighborhood to the River application process includes a pre-application phase. If your pre-application is approved, the Grant Coordinator will invite you to complete a full application. Learn more about how and when to apply for a Neighborhood to the River grant on this page.
Congratulations! Your project has been selected to receive a Neighborhood to the River grant. Find out more about what to do during project implementation and completion.
Neighborhood to the River Grant Eligibility
Information
The eligibility information covers who and what types of projects are eligible for Neighborhood to the River grants. This section also outlines eligible and ineligible project expenses.
Environmental Services evaluates Neighborhood to the River grant project submissions based on three criteria: watershed and environmental benefits, community involvement and partnerships, and equity and leadership. Find more details about the selection criteria on this page.
Planning to wash your car in your driveway or host a charity car wash and wondering what to do about the wash water? Some non-stormwater discharges are allowed by the City's stormwater permit. Learn more about what's allowed and how you can stop pollution from reaching a river or stream.
Nonconforming Sewers
Information
The City of Portland code requires individual properties to have direct and independent connections to the public sewer. Typically, a nonconforming sewer property does not have a separate lateral connection to the City's sewer, or the property's lateral crosses another property's lot.
At the end of the 2-year maintenance warranty, public works permit applicants must deliver to the City well-established and functioning stormwater management facilities. Environmental Services offers applicants two options for maintenance during the warranty period.
Oregon Explorer: Willamette Basin
External Resource
Oregon Explorer is a collaboration of Oregon State University Libraries and the Institute for Natural Resources. Access maps, charts, tables data collections, and other information related to natural resources in the Willamette River Watershed.
Partnership Agreement for Tree Planting and Care
External Resource
Trees manage stormwater and help to protect public health and the environment. Thank you for partnering with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services to plant and care for trees on your property. Learn more about the terms of the partnership agreement and submit an agreement.
Learn more about PFAS, what the environmental concerns are, what Environmental Services – Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – is doing about them, and how you can help.
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