Working for Clean Rivers

Environmental Services provides Portland residents with water quality protection, watershed planning, wastewater collection and treatment,sewer installation and stormwater management. The bureau has more than 400 employees. Five work groups operate under the Office of the Director - Watershed Services, Pollution Prevention Services, Engineering Services, Wastewater, and Business Services. 

Office of the Director 

The Office of the Director provides policy direction, coordinates activities of the bureau's five operating groups, and assures timely and appropriate response to the public, ratepayers, and regulatory agencies. The Director's Office manages public information, community outreach, environmental education, Environmental Intergovernmental Relations, and the Portland Harbor Program.

Watershed Services 

The Watershed Services group develops watershed plans and works to improve water quality through stormwater management plans and activities.  The group oversees restoration efforts in the Willamette River, Columbia Slough, Johnson, Fanno and Tryon Creek watersheds.  The group plans for future wastewater collection and treatment needs.

Pollution Prevention Services 

The Pollution Prevention Services group works with Portland industries required to pretreat wastewater discharges to prevent damage to the treatment system and the environment. The group works with industrial and commercial customers to manage onsite stormwater through best management practices. The Group investigates citizen complaints of spills and pollution in rivers and streams and oversees water quality testing and analysis at the Water Pollution Control Laboratory.

Engineering Services 

The Engineering Services group manages maintenance, repair and expansion of Portland's wastewater collection system. The group manages the combined sewer overflow (CSO) program. Engineering Services reviews development plans, issues permits for connections to the City sewer system and manages stormwater runoff from private property. Engineering Services manages the capital improvement plan and oversees design and construction of capital projects. The Watershed Revegetation Division works with landowners to restore native vegetation to degraded stream bank and upland areas.

Wastewater

The Wastewater group collects and cleans wastewater from homes and businesses. Solids removed during the treatment process are recyled into a soil amendment. The group monitors, operates, and maintains nearly 100 sewage pump stations, the Columbia Boulevard and Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plants, and the sanitary sewage and stormwater collection system.

Business Services 

The Business Services group provides accounting, budgeting, financial and facilities management, and loss control services. The group manages the business opportunities program for minority and emerging small businesses.