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Port of Portland Storm Water Management Program Storm water is created when rain falls on impervious surfaces like rooftops, roads, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. The runoff has the potential to pick up pollutants that can be carried into waterways around the city. Proper storm water management reduces pollutants in runoff, seeks to decrease the volume of storm water discharged, and protects the water quality of streams and rivers near urban activities. Contact: Learn More: |
The Port operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit—or an "MS4" permit—issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The permit was re-issued on Jan. 30, 2011, and is held jointly with the City of Portland. In accordance with the permit, the Port has a comprehensive storm water management plan that emphasizes responsible management activities tailored to our different operating areas. The plan includes best management practices designed to address target areas DEQ has identified for improvement, such as illicit discharge detection and elimination, inspection of industrial and commercial facilities, and encouragement of low impact development (LID) techniques to reduce local impacts caused by increased storm water runoff from impervious areas. The Port will continue to implement proactive strategies to reduce runoff from new and re-development areas. Where possible, our goal is to mimic natural systems by using native vegetation and pervious surfaces so that rainwater can recharge ground water instead of running into the storm sewer system. Learn more about our porous paving at Terminal 6 below.