Before registering a UIC
Applicants for proposed UICs (sumps, perforated pipes, soakage trenches) in the public right-of-way or on City-owned property must include a Sump Data Table (template below) with plans for any proposed sump prior to submitting a registration request.
The standardized UIC Data Table required for public right-of-way sumps should include drainage area size, infiltration capacity, and hydrant flow rate. For any proposed hybrid vegetated stormwater facility, applicants must include the Vegetated Stormwater Facility Data Table.
How to register a UIC
The registration and permitting process for City-owned UICs is managed by Environmental Services under the City’s Water Pollution Control Facilities (WPCF) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Stormwater Permit, which is different from rule authorization or permitting of private UICs. See Chapter 1 in the Stormwater Management Manual for more information.
- New UICs for the right-of-way: The Environmental Services UIC Permit Program manages the registration and permitting of City-owned UICs proposed for construction or redevelopment. Public works permit applicants should notify the City at the 60-90% design phases if UICs are being considered for infiltration of runoff from the public right-of-way. Environmental Services will complete the review in accordance with WPCF permit requirements and provide a notice to proceed when it determines the proposed UIC meets permit requirements. For design requirements for City-owned sumps, please refer to Section 4.2.2.1 in the Stormwater Management Manual.
- New UICs on City-owned property outside of the right-of-way: Any UIC managing stormwater runoff from a City-owned or managed property outside of the public right-of-way, such as roofs or parking lots, must be registered and permitted by the City and processed in accordance with the City’s WPCF permit. Pretreatment is likely required for UICs registered on a City-owned property.
- Existing UICs that need to be registered. Any existing, unregistered UIC found in the right-of-way or on City-owned property needs to be registered as soon as discovered.
- UICs on private streets: A UIC on a private street is not registered and permitted by the City. Applicants must apply directly to State of Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) UIC program for rule authorization or a permit. The design requirements for these facilities are in Chapter 3 of the City's Stormwater Management Manual.
Registration process
Step 1. Complete an application form
Applicants for proposed UICs in the public right-of-way or on City-owned property should file a registration form with Environmental Services early in the design process — at either the 60-90% design phases.
Download and complete the top portion of the UIC Registration and Approval Form. A separate form is required for each UIC.
Please provide as much of the following information is known. Incomplete forms are accepted.
- UIC type (sump, hybrid, perforated pipe, etc.)
- Latitude and longitude in decimal degrees
- UIC depth
- Pretreatment type
- Square footage of impervious drainage area
- Design discharge rate in gallons per minute
Step 2. Provide supporting documents
In addition to the completed form, please attach supporting documentation which could include:
- Engineering plans, including completed UIC data table (template above) and drainage basin overview sheet
- Geotech reports
- Maps and/or as-built drawings
Step 3. Submit materials
Submit completed forms and supporting materials to BESUIC@portlandoregon.gov.
Review and approval process
After the form is received, the Environmental Services UIC Permit Program staff will confirm compliance. If the design does not meet the compliance requirements, our staff will contact you to discuss options.
Once the UIC is approved, Environmental Services will provide a DEQ registration number. The DEQ registration number must be added to the plans prior to inspection. Please use the table template provided in the Stormwater Management Manual Section 4.2.2to record the DEQ registration number and the approved UIC depth on the appropriate plan sheet.
How to decommission or retrofit a UIC
DEQ must be notified a minimum of 30 days before decommissioning or retrofitting a UIC sump, as outlined in the City’s UIC Management Plan Appendix D: Decommissioning Procedure for UIC Systems. An inspection is required prior to decommissioning. The inspection may lead to required sampling. Refer to the Section 1.7.2 or the Stormwater Management Manual.
City Project Managers, download and submit a request for Coordinated Site Assessment Services. Request UIC pre-closure work.
Related code and rules
The UIC permit requires permittees to adopt, update, and maintain adequate legal authority to control and enforce pollutant discharges. See related Portland City Code:
- Title 10 Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations outlines requirements for development and construction-related activities to control sediment and prevent erosion during construction and development.
- Chapter 17.38 Drainage and Water Quality sets requirements for managing stormwater, groundwater, and drainage to protect and improve water quality in Portland.
- Chapter 17.39 Storm System Discharges authorizes Environmental Services to ensure the City stormwater and drainage systems are operated in a manner that protects public health and the environment.