Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub roles and responsibilities

The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) develops and implements strategic planning, programs, and policies to continually advance the City's mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.

The Portland Fire and Rescue (PF&R) protects communities through a combination of prevention and all-hazard response to fire, medical, natural disaster, and other emergencies. The City’s Fire Marshal also reviews permits for storage tanks over 60 gallons that contain hazardous material and conducts inspections of the facilities every two years.

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) sets the Comprehensive Plan policies and Zoning Code that regulates land uses. BPS also runs the Franchise and Utility Program, which regulates access to the public right-of-way through franchise agreements. BPS also sets the Renewable Fuel Standard for fuel sold within city boundaries.

Portland Permitting and Development (PP&D) reviews applications for any new, expansion, or alteration of a building, structure, or tank at bulk fossil fuel facilities to ensure compliance with City development codes and state building codes.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) issues permits for improvements in the right-of-way, including pipelines, and establishes the freight routes for trucks hauling goods, including fuel, through Portland. 
 

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has responsibility for three programs: air quality permits, seismic stability assessments, and oil spill response. DEQ issues air quality permits based on the industry type, level of activity and toxicity of the source’s emissions. DEQ manages the Fuel Tanks Seismic Stability program, which regulates large fuel distribution facilities located in Lane, Multnomah and Columbia counties. The program requires the facilities to assess their vulnerability to earthquakes and develop a plan to minimize risk of damage from earthquakes. DEQ oversees the High Hazard Rail Planning program, which requires railroads transporting liquid fuel, including oil, to prepare spill response plans.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) conducts inspections of facilities; manages the Community Right to Know program; and coordinates local emergency planning committees. The Oregon Community Right to Know and Protection Act (ORS 453.307-414) requires Oregon businesses to report hazardous substances, including where they are stored and the associated hazards. Information is provided to emergency planners, first responders, health professionals, and the public.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates and maintains a statewide emergency services system for emergency and disaster communications. Their responsibilities are defined and authorized in ORS 401.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) acts as an agent for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and inspects track, rail cars, signals, crossings and operating practices. ODOT receives quarterly reports describing the type and quantity of hazardous materials transported via rail to inform emergency response.

The Building Codes Division (BCD) through the Board of Boiler Rules regulates the construction, installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of pressurized piping for chemicals and petroleum products. They are responsible for the review and inspection of improvements to the piping at the fuel terminals.

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) serves as a repository for energy data, provides education and technical assistance on energy challenges, manages the siting of energy facilities in the state, and supports the state's decarbonization efforts. The DOE leads a coordinated effort with multiple agencies and the public to develop and implement Oregon’s Energy Security Plan.

The Federal Rail Administration (FRA) is responsible for regulating railroad safety, including the handling of hazardous materials and operating practices.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) is responsible for regulating the operation, maintenance, and emergency response of interstate oil and natural gas pipelines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) receives notice on hazardous material spills.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the lead agency for pollution incidents that happen in the coastal zone – which is loosely defined as any waterways that are tidally influenced. In our area, that means the Columbia River up to Bonneville Dam, and the Willamette River up to Willamette Falls. The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) certifies that oil-carrying vessels have the financial ability to pay in the case of an oil spill. When spills do occur, the NPFC provides funding for quick response, compensates claimants for cleanup costs and damages, and takes action to recover costs from responsible parties.