Challenges for Portland's Storm Drains

According to National Clean Water Laws,  Portland must stop raw sewage from dumping into Casco   Bay ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here's the bottom line: The City of Portland's wastewater system is old and needs reinvestment. It's a big system and needs a lot of repairs: 133 miles of combined sewer pipe 62 miles of sanitary sewer pipe 133 miles of storm sewer pipe Thousands of catch basins, manholes, detention ponds, underground waste  underground waste water storage facilities, and sewer pump stationswater storage facilities, and sewer pump stations manholes, detention ponds, underground waste water storage facilities, and sewer pump stations Nearly half of the storm drain system is in fair to poor shape. This causes pollution in Casco Bay and floods in local streets and basements. Portland's wastewater system was built in several stages during the two last centuries. The oldest parts of the system are on the peninsula and other areas of the city. The wastewater system blends sewage from buildings and factories with runoff and melting snow into a single set of pipes that take the water to the East End Wastewater Treatment Plant. When too much runoff or melting snow enter the system, it overwhelms the pipes and treatment plants and overflows. Sometimes excess water backs up into families' basements, sometimes onto the streets, and sometimes into local brooks and Casco Bay.

Jennifer Bell Joins Environmental Business Solutions

Jennifer Hale-Ball Joins Environmental Business Solution as Storm Regen Business Development Manager

For those of you that have not met Jennifer Hale-Ball, allow me to introduce you to the newest member of the EBS Storm Regen™ Team. As Manager, Business Development, Jen has been tasked with the exciting responsibility of generating collaboration opportunities and further developing existing relationships and interest in the patent pending STORM REGEN technology.

Jen will be working in the Portland-Salem metro to help introduce the Storm Regen solution to industries that could best benefit from a reduction in client liability, transportation, labor and disposal costs.

"I am excited to be newly partnered with EBS, and anxious to witness the development, growth and continued successes of the exciting new patent pending STORM REGEN technology. I am particularly excited at the opportunity to be able to continue to foster so many business relationships that have been years in the making in this new role," said Jen.

Clark County loses Clean Water Act

Legal Victory: Less pollution from Clark County runoff

Home » Blog » Top Stories » Legal Victory: Less pollution from Clark County runoff

Clark County’s rivers and streams will see less pollution in the years ahead due to a legal victory limiting the County’s discharge of stormwater pollution. Polluted stormwater harms salmon, contains toxics, and erodes streambanks. After Clark County refused to comply with statewide requirements to control the flow of the polluted runoff, Columbia Riverkeeper partnered with the Rosemere Neighborhood Association and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center to bring a legal challenge. Where was the Department of Ecology? Pressured by the County, Ecology signed an agreement that gave Clark County a special exemption around the statewide pollution rules. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington found that Ecology’s exemption was illegal and ordered Clark County to reduce pollution and comply with the rules.

Read the Court’s opinion here.

TriMet Awards Contract To Environmental Business Solutions, Inc.

Contact: Jim HinkleyPhone: 503.969.3900June 1, 2012
PRESS RELEASE

TriMet Awards Contract To Environmental Business Solutions, Inc.

TriMet Resolution 11-11-81 Authorizing 5-Year Contract for Vacuum & Pump Truck Services 

Summary:

Environmental Business Solutions Inc. ™ has been servicing the TriMet stormwater and wastewater systems since January 2012 after being selected and awarded the contract. Deciding factors included TriMet’s desire to select a local business with an excellent safety record and strong background in innovative technologies for stormwater recycling and regeneration.

           

For Immediate Release: TriMet opened the bidding process following the expiration of the 5-year existing contract.. After accepting multiple proposals, which were subsequently scored and voted on, Environmental Business Solutions, Inc. ™ (EBS) received the highest combined score with a solid technical proposal and competitive price. TriMet also recognized EBS status as a qualified Office of Minority, Women, Emerging Small Business (“OMWESB”) member, and a locally owned business.

The contract is a result of TriMet’s responsibility to perform certain maintenance activities at its garages, such as vehicle washing, that generate oily wastewater and solids that must be properly removed and managed. Additionally, TriMet facilities, park & ride lots and transit centers throughout the metro region have catch basins and filtering treatment systems that require regular cleaning and maintenance

It is important for TriMet to regularly clean the oil/water separators, sumps, and catch basins at its facilities to meet The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality DEQ permit requirements and keep the stormwater clean.

"We are excited to be teaming with TriMet to maintain the storm drains insuring proper disposal of stormwater and further protecting our water sources. EBS is committed to protecting our environment and moving towards 100% sustainability through stormwater regeneration." Said Jim Hinkley, Owner EBS.

“end” 

Click photo for more EBS Project Profiles

About Environmental Business Solutions: EBS specializes in innovative answers and design solutions by applying “Regen” technologies for stormwater and industrial wastewater applications. EBS has built its reputation by successfully exceeding the environmental needs of Private, Federal, State, and Local clients. Dedicated to safety and a standard of excellence. EBS has been a leader in designing systems for resolving, reducing, and/or reclaiming waste by-products.

Follow the photo for more info on Trimet

About TriMet: Sustainability and Stormwater

We reuse or recycle virtually everything we can from our facilities: oil, antifreeze, batteries, paint, nuts and bolts, light bulbs, and windshields... even bus shelter glass. For decades, almost all surfaces along freeways have been solid, giving water on the road no place to go except directly into stormwater systems, area streams, creeks, and rivers. By installing bioswales and greenscaping around MAX stations and rail lines, including tens of thousands of new trees and shrubs, we're able to capture storm runoff and keep pollutants out of our rivers and sewer systems. In areas where the soil does not drain well, we designed solutions that allow partial water retention. In addition, the parking areas at some of the MAX Light Rail support building areas have pavement that lets water drain through it, which reduces runoff.

Links:www.e-b-s-corp.com
www.trimet.org

EPA tightens limits on pollutants in wastewater

As seen in the Taipei times:

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday announced enhanced measures to monitor levels of pollutants discharged into sewage systems by companies and industries located in science parks by adding ammoniacal hydrogen and dioxins to its list of regulated chemicals.

High concentrations of ammoniacal hydrogen can lead to a deterioration of water quality, making it toxic to some aquatic organisms, said Hsu Yung-hsing (許永興), director of the EPA’s Department of Water Quality.

According to the EPA, surveys showed that ammoniacal hydrogen content in wastewater discharged from photoelectric industries and companies in science parks accounts for about 34 percent of the total discharge.

The EPA is therefore introducing in two phases restrictions on ammoniacal hydrogen in wastewater for existing photoelectric materials and electronic components companies. The limit is 75mg per liter for the first phase, which goes into effect on July 1; this drops to 30mg per liter for the second phase, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

As for newly established companies, the maximum limit for ammoniacal hydrogen in wastewater will be 20mg per liter it said.

Meanwhile, maximum limits for dioxins in wastewater are set to be 5pg I-TEQ per liter for new companies and 10pg I-TEQ per liter for existing companies, it said.

The EPA cited surveys from European countries showing that dioxin concentrations in water account for only about 0.25 percent of total dioxins discharged in the environment each year. It said that surveys in Taiwan also showed that after proper treatment, dioxin discharge by local industries was much lower than US and Japanese standards of 10pg I-TEQ per liter.

The EPA advised pulp and paper operators to use chlorine-free bleaching and stabilize control over sewage treatment facilities to reduce the amount of dioxin discharge.

Additional reporting by CNA

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2012/06/03/2003534412#top

Menu Of Stormwater Best Management Practices

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP)

Environmental Business Solutions Inc™ (EBS)  has been following Best Management Practices since the companies inception over a decade ago and is dedicated to meeting the increasingly complex requirements of modern stormwater management. Recognizing the growing impact waste water has on our environment, EBS works closely with its clients to develop applications that exceed minimum requirements and reduce liability. We encourage you to study these practices and adjust your own applications accordingly.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program regulates stormwater discharges from three potential sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities. 

The changes in water quality are creating a variety of problems, all of which are compounded by urban development. Applying these practices can help protection of wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, improved quality of our rivers, streams and oceans, conservation of water resources, protection of public health, and flood control.

The stormwater pollution problem has two main components: the increased volume and rate of runoff coupled with the concentration of pollutants in the runoff. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits Program consists of a number of programs and initiatives designed for preventing water pollution.  The EPA expects to update this menu as new information and technologies become available and encourages participation from developers as new technologies are developed.

 Currently the Menu Of Stormwater Phase II Rule's six minimum control measures:

1. Public Education
 - BMPs for MS4s to inform individuals and households about ways to reduce stormwater pollution.
2. Public Involvement 
- BMPs for MS4s to involve the public in the development, implementation, and review of an MS4's stormwater management program.
3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
 - BMPs for identifying and eliminating illicit discharges and spills to storm drain systems.
4. Construction
 - BMPs for MS4s and construction site operators to address stormwater runoff from active construction sites.
5. Post-construction
 - BMPs for MS4s, developers, and property owners to address stormwater runoff after construction activities have completed.
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
 - BMPs for MS4s to address stormwater runoff from their own facilities and activities.

For information on problems associated with stormwater, general BMP information, and the stormwater Phase II rule, go to background information.
EBS is a member of the City of Portland's Clean River Rewards Professional Referral List.

This information is found on the EPA website and is republished here for your education. We have included links to the site for further study, and hope you find this information helpful. If we can answer any questions for you, or be of assistance, please contact us.

EPA Awards For Innovative Environmental Solutions

EPA Awards For Innovative Environmental Solutions

P3 - People, Prosperity, and the Planet

EPA's P3 – People, Prosperity, and the Planet—Program is a unique college competition for designing solutions for a sustainable future. P3 offers students quality hands-on experience that brings their classroom learning to life.

The competition has two phases. The first phase of the competition, teams are awarded a $15,000 grant to develop their idea. They bring the design to the National Sustainable Design Expo to compete for the P3 Award and a grant of $90,000 to take their design to real world application. [Read More]

Clean Water Act Violations Incur Jail Time

Wastewater Treatment Facility Employees Sentenced for CWA Felonies

Investigation resulted after plant discharged untreated wastewater into sewer

Three officials of Ecological Systems Inc. (ESI), an oil reclamation company that operated a centralized waste treatment facility in Indianapolis, were sentenced in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, for felony violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The prosecution stemmed from ESI's intentional discharges of untreated wastewater and storm water from its facility directly into the Indianapolis sewer system.

for full story follow the link below:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017969666_stormwaterarrest13m.html

Souce: From news article in Storm Water Solutions

Earth Day 2012 - Ways You Can Make a Difference - BUE News and Events | BidURenergy - Energy Management and Energy Consulting

Earth Day 2012 - Ways You Can Make a Difference 

| BidURenergy - Energy Management and Energy Consulting

Have you made your pledge for Earth Day 2012? May it be planting a tree, decreasing the temperature in your home, or investing in a reusable mug, every effort makes a difference. This weekend marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, and with an increasingly “green” society, participation in Earth Day efforts are expected to increase. The event provides a great opportunity for communities to learn how to not only make a difference on Earth Day, but also to change their lifestyles to help our earth.

Earth day events are taking place throughout the world, and people are participating in local events such as green vehicle fashion shows, Earth Day celebrations, clean ups, family education & fun, planting, live music, and recycled art contests, to name a few.

A few ways to make a difference this Earth Day:

Water conservation- May it be installing a low pressure shower head, saving rainwater, or simply shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth, even the smallest effort can make the largest impact on our environment.

Composting- Commonly viewed as a time consuming procedure, technology has helped to transform composting a simple process.

Planting a tree- Seeds are usually of little cost to us, and Pottery Barn Kids has decided to give away seeds on Sunday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day and encourage society to make an effort to help the earth. Click here for more information on Pottery Barn and other retailer’s efforts to increase Earth Day awareness.

Reducing consumption- A popular, simple way to do this is through the use of reusable bags. Retailers Target and Kellogg’s will both be giving away reusable bags to consumers.

Turning off your thermostats- Spring is in bloom, and if we all turned down our thermostats, (or turned them off completely) imagine the impact we would have on the environment in just one day!

Here at BidURenergy, Inc., we aid organizations in minimizing the costs of Green initiatives, allowing them to be a green organization at the lowest possible cost to them. Click here to learn more about how your company can earn Carbon Credits and Renewable Energy Credits.

Earth day continues to gain popularity every year, and the global event can really make a difference if we all take the initiative to make slight changes to our lifestyles. By pledging to reduce, reuse, and recycle for Earth Day 2012, our actions will continue to make a difference in our environment.

This is a great look at celebrating Earth Day and I thank Kate Endres for allowing me to repost here. Please visit her site if you would like to get more information on Renewable Energy Credits and other Carbon Footprint reducing programs.

Kate Endres, BidURenergy, Inc.

DEQ Issues Penalty For Permit Violations

WATER TREATMENT PENALTIES ISSUED BY DEQ

Tigard Pair Penalized $4,644 for Septic Permit Violations At Tavern Property in Newberg 

News Release; April 9, 2012
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued the owners of the Someplace Else Tavern in Newberg a $4,644 penalty for permit violations related to the wastewater treatment system serving the business.
Contacts:
Bryan Smith, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-5395
Gary Artman, Onsite Wastewater Specialist, Eugene, 541-687-7426

(more)

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DEQ Issues $6,000 Penalty to PacifiCorp for Water Quality Violations in Jackson County

News Release: April 11, 2012

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a penalty totaling $6,000 to PacifiCorp for failing to monitor water quality and keep accurate records during dredging operations at the Red Blanket Creek and Middle Fork Rogue River diversion dams in August 2011.

Contacts:
Jeff Bachman, Compliance and Enforcement, Portland, 503-229-5950
Chris Stine, Water Quality Certification Specialist, 541- 686-7810

(more)

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DEQ Now Accepting Applications for Graywater Reuse Permits

Three types of permits available based on type of graywater and other factors

News Release: April 17, 2012
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is now accepting applications from persons and businesses seeking to reuse graywater through a graywater reuse and disposal system for limited purposes such as irrigation or landscape ponds. Graywater includes shower and bath wastewater, bathroom sink water, kitchen sink wastewater and laundry wastewater. Using graywater for select purposes helps preserve limited water supplies.

Contacts: Ron Doughten, Water Reuse Program Coordinator, Portland, 503-229-5472 (more)

For a list of DEQ Water-Related Public Notices click the icon above.

A Closer Look at Catch Basins

Rose Paving | Rose Paving Blog | Parking Lot Paving | Asphalt Paving

This article is courtesy of Rose Paving;ranked among the nation’s leading contractors in the 2011 “Top Facilities Management Report."
A Closer Look at Catch Basins: Part 1

Published by Karen on February 16th, 2011

Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner and that means April showers.  As any facility or property manager can attest, excess rainwater can wreak havoc on a building.

Installation of a new concrete basin

Many facility/property managers overlook drainage on their parking lots until it is too late because, from the surface, problems are not easily identified.  But, upon closer inspection of areas in and around catch basins, potential drainage issues can be detected early and repaired before they become a concern.  Catch basins are underground chambers topped with grates.  They allow sand, sediment, and other materials to settle out of storm water before it travels to a detention basin.

Begin by assessing the number and location of catch basins on your parking lot.  During initial installation, parking lots should be constructed with a minimum of 1% slope for efficient drainage.  In many situations, this slope is not achieved uniformly throughout the parking lot and lower spots may exist.  Catch basins should be located in those areas to help water exit the surface. 

In some cases, a parking lot may have been constructed without the right number of catch basins or without any drainage system at all.  If this is the case, catch basin installation can be a possible solution.

Catch basin installation begins by excavating the area as needed and installing a pre-cast concrete catch basin with necessary adjustment rings.  Next, a cast-iron frame and lid is installed on the basin and set at the appropriate height for proper drainage.  The excavated area is backfilled with crushed aggregate, leveled, and compacted.  Finally, hot mix asphalt is compacted and rolled to form a smooth surface over the specified area.

Over time, due to wear and tear on your parking lot, catch basins may need adjusting and regular cleaning to ensure that they are properly draining water from the surface.

Revisions to the Industrial Stormwater General Permits

DEQ Invites The Public To Comment On The Permit Changes


Date: 02/10/2012
Subject: Revisions to the Industrial Stormwater General Permits

On October 1, 2011, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued the Industrial Stormwater General Permits Nos. 1200-COLS, 1200-Z, and 1200-ZN.  After issuing the permits, DEQ discovered corrections to errors and clarifications of certain permit requirements are necessary.  DEQ invites the public to comment on the permit changes that address errors and clarify certain requirements in the permits.  The public comment period is February 10 through March 16 , 2012. The proposed changes and other information are available online at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/stormwater/industrial.htm.

For more information or to get a hard copy of the changes, contact Jenine Camilleri at DEQ through e-mail atcamilleri.jenine@deq.state.or.us, by telephone at (503) 229-6775, or call toll-free in Oregon at (800) 452-4011, ext. 6775.