Stormwater Maintenance
Public Works Maintenance is responsible for the day to day operation of the stormwater utility. These services include catch basin maintenance, street sweeping, stormwater facility maintenance and emergency utility services.
The City conducts a variety of activities focused on the prevention of typical stormwater pollutants (sediment, hydrocarbons, trash and debris, nutrients, metals) from entering the MS4 system. Such activities include the maintenance and repair of City streets; the maintenance of public parks and recreational areas with the intent of minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use; the maintenance of municipal facilities; control of potential cross-connections from the sanitary sewer system; and master planning for stormwater quality improvement.
Street and Surface Water Superintendent
Jim Bateman (503) 635 -0280
During the leafy season in the fall, catch basins can become plugged. The City works hard to ensure the basins are cleared and allow stormwater runoff to flow into the catch basins.
The City sweeps every neighborhood on a regular rotation using our main sweepers, Oscar and Sweep Caroline. They work zone by zone, Monday through Friday, and some weekends. While they can sweep the whole city in about a week during spring and summer, fall and winter take longer due to heavy leaf and pine needle buildup. Thank you for your patience as crews make their way through each zone.
You can help sweeping be more efficient by keeping leaves and yard debris out of the street. Please do not rake, blow, or pile leaves into the roadway, as this clogs and damages equipment and is also against City code.
