VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEMS
Administrative Rule Adopted by Bureau of Transportation Engineering & Development Pursuant to Rule-Making Authority
ARB-TRN-10.15
I. Definition
Vapor recovery systems consist of wells with perforated casings and/or perforated piping, collection piping (and sometimes gravel packs and filter fabric). The perforated piping permits volatile hydrocarbons to evaporate from the soil into the casings and pipe. The collection pipes may be attached to vacuum pumps and/or air may be injected into the soil to speed the process. The system may vent directly to the atmosphere or may be filtered prior to discharge.
These systems may be quite invasive and are discouraged in the right of way. If the system is permitted, the permit shall be renewed on an annual basis as long as the system is in place.
II. Administrative Rules for Vapor Recovery Systems
1. Application may be made through Portland’s Office of Transportation, Street Systems Management. Call 503.823.5185 and ask to speak with the technician that issues vapor recovery system permits.
2. The applicant must explain the scope and limits of the cleanup problem including boundaries, depth, level of contamination, and types of contaminants. The applicant must also justify the need and appropriateness of a vapor recovery system compared with other options. While the DEQ may recommend a specific system and/or location for remediation, the City makes the final decision on what is allowed to be placed in the right of way.
3. If groundwater is contaminated, the applicant needs to describe the boundaries, depth, contamination levels and types of contaminants. The applicant needs to justify the need and appropriateness of a groundwater extraction and scrubbing system compared with other options.
4. Applicant prepares a site plan showing the proposed system together with the name of the contractor and the name of the property owner.
5. The applicant submits five copies of the site plan and supporting information to Street Systems Management.
6. A Performance Bond is required. This Bond is the City's assurance that the wells will be decommissioned and removed when they are no longer needed (see Performance Bond information attached).
7. Once ownership and decommissioning costs are established and insurance, Street Opening Bond and traffic control plan are approved, a construction permit is prepared showing:
• Name and address of permittees (both the construction contractor and the owner of record)
• Location of vapor recovery wells and piping
• Purpose of the system
• Required traffic control measures, if in metered district
• Backfill and resurfacing requirements
• Expiration date for installation of the system (30 days from issuance)
• Expiration date for the permit for the system (12 months after issuance)
• Vapor recovery system permit fee is assessed per current fee schedule per City Code Title and Chapter 17.24.020.
8. When the system is no longer needed, the permittee shall notify the City of their intent to remove the system. The permittee will need to obtain traffic control approval, parking removal, meter hoods, etc. as necessary. The permittee shall notify the City when the removal is complete.
III. Reference
City Code Title & Chapter 17.24
HISTORY
Filed for inclusion in PPD December 19, 2003.
Request to Perform Work in Public Right of Way form removed from PPD September 30, 2008.