CommissionerSam.com - Information Pages

Dewatering: Deeper Big-Building Basements Near River Fill Sewers With More Groundwater

Lisa Libby — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:47:40 -0800

One of the odder new challenges we had to confont 2007 was the issue of dewatering.

Land located at lower elevations generally has groundwater closer to the surface. Construction sites that involve significant soil removal may expose groundwater, requiring dewatering efforts that discharge to the City's sewer system.

Sewer user fees are based on measured incoming water to the City treatment facility. Since groundwater is not being measured by a City utilities meter the City can require the installation of a private metering device to accurately calculate appropriate charges.

This past year Sam ordered a complete evaluation of all construction sites to ensure that all commercial customers were paying appropriate and accurate sewer user charges relating to ground water discharge.

In July 2006, the City of Portland established a system to equitably and consistently recover the expense of conveying and treating groundwater discharges to the City's sewer system.

The Bureau of Environmental Services administers the Sub-meter program which is responsible for ensuring that these fees and charges are accurately applied to commercial/industrial customers that discharge groundwater into the sewer system.

Related Documents

Dewatering - Environmentally Responsible Controls

Salmon for the Sandy

Alexa Pengelly — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:07:42 -0700

matsuda

You'll find them scattered around Portland this summer - vibrant, amusing and fascinating.

They are Salmon for the Sandy, presented by Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) to celebrate the free-flowing future of our wild, backyard river, the Sandy River.

What's happening on the Sandy? Portland General Electric is removing
two dams and contributing land to a new 5,000-acre natural resource and
recreation area that Western Rivers Conservancy is creating with the
Bureau of Land Management along the river. No other city in the nation will have such a treasure in its backyard.

RawlingsTo celebrate, regional artists have painted, decorated and gilded 33
extraordinary salmon sculptures for public display. The fish debut July
5 at Jamison Square during a concert celebration.

Then the sculptureswill begin their display in public locations such as REI, the Lawrence Gallery and the Oregon Zoo, around Portland and the region. A traveling "school of salmon" display will make its way to locations from Portland to Timberline Lodge. On October 24, the salmon will be auctioned at a gala to benefit the restoration activities of the Sandy River Basin
Watershed Council.

woolsen

Written by Jenny Andrews

The Avenue of Roses: Creating a Safer East 82nd Avenue

Sam Adams — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:16:22 -0700

Many problematic and dangerous intersections exist on E 82nd.As many know, my top priority as Transportation Commissioner is addressing traffic safety in Portland, particularly at high crash corridors and intersections. Often times, there are multiple dangerous intersections on the same street, and this is exactly the case on a popular stretch of asphalt known as 82nd Avenue. Together with E 122nd, and West Burnside, it tops the list of the most dangerous streets in the City.

About 60-70% of our entire City's vehicle-related injuries and fatalities occur on less than 5% of the intersections in the city. A disproportionate share of these intersections lie on E 82nd Avenue. To give you an idea as to the magnitude of the problem on 82nd, in 2005 this stretch of road experienced a combined total of 4,862 crashes for all modes of transportation--including 16 crash fatalities.

One of my responsibilites as Transportation Commissioner is to partner up and collaborate with ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) on worthy efforts, even if they are projects that occur on state-owned and run facilities. SE 82nd falls into this category. To ensure the project is as successful as possible in achieving its goals of reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities, the city has put in over $1 million in safety improvements on that stretch of road. ODOT has put in an additional $2 million, helping us move forward with dozens of safety improvements on the corridor. PDOT might not own every street, but I believe we should still advocate for better safety across the whole transportation system.

Safety improvements along the 82nd Avenue of Roses will be implemented primarily through the use of engineering fixes and increased traffic enforcement. The project also includes a partnership between the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement (a community based crime prevention outfit), the Portland Police Bureau, TriMet, Portland Development Commission, and the 82nd Avenue of Roses Neighborhood Associations.

But, as we begin to focus on making 82nd Ave. a truly safer street, I want -and need- your input. While PDOT's traffic engineers are incredibly knowledgeable and have huge amounts of crash data that can help us in identifying and adressing the issues at the most problematic intersections, I am a firm believer in the fact that neighbors are the true experts when it comes to neighborhood transportation safety issues.

So please, leave me some feedback.

What are the biggest problems you see on SE 82nd?

Where are the worst intersections?

Do you have any good ideas as to how PDOT should prioritize the funds that we were able to secure for safety improvements on this street?

Feel free to post your thoughts and suggestions below, or email me at commissionersam@ci.portland.or.us. For more information on this project and E 82nd, contact Kirsty Hall at 503-823-6981 or Kirsty.Hall@trans.ci.portland.or.us

To learn more about this and other safety initiatives on 82nd, visit I Share The Road.

Lobbying Entites and City Officials - Six Month Review

Shoshanah Oppenheim — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:57:41 -0700

Monday Commissioner Adams hosted a town hall on the proposed revisions to the City Code pertaining to lobbying entities and City officials. Attached you will find a copy of the power point presentation we made and the proposed ordinance to be filed on Thursday. We expect this ordinance to be on the agenda on Wednesday October 25, 2006 and will be submitting a report that addresses several areas outlined by council. Those areas are: the enforcement mechanism of the registration system; the classification of a lobbyist as designated by the enacted system; the exemptions specified in the system; the hourly threshold per quarter; and any other issues that impact the effectiveness of the system.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Attachment	Size
Final Ordinace.doc	60.5 KB
powerpointpdf.pdf	24.91 KB

Green at the Top

Maria Thi Mai — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:32:39 -0700

In the beginning... 3 inches of soil were planted on the 18,000 square foot roof of the Portland buildingThese plants will absorb more than 200,000 gallons of stormwater per yearPortland is taking sustainability to a higher level. Literally. This month, workers expect to finish installing an ecoroff on top of the Portland Building to replace the worn out traditional roof. Ecoroofs last about 40 years, as long as a conventional roof. The advantage is they soak up rain to reduce stormwater runoff, and help reduce the urban heat island effect.

Read more about this in the Bureau of Environmental Services newsletter attachment

Attachment	Size
September 2006 Clarifier.pdf	2.32 MB

Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center Hosts 10 year Celebration

Maria Thi Mai — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:23:44 -0700

Sam, Tom, and I toasted PEAC for all of their work for the environment including the city's biggest sewer project, the "big pipe". Through their advocacy, we're working for clean rivers. We look forward to future successes that keep Portland green and clean.

Discounts for Disconnecting

Maria Thi Mai — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:19:41 -0700

Clean River Rewards

The Oregonian recently published some articles about Portland's stormwater discount program, Clean River Rewards, and how you can earn discounts on your stormwater utility charges by managing stormwater runoff on your property. The city currently plans to launch Clean River Rewards in late October.

In the meantime, the city is holding workshops on ways to manage stormwater runoff, and how to go through the discount program registration process. Plenty of information is available either online, email: cleanrivers@bes.ci.portland.or.us or voice mail: 503-823-1371.

Clean River Rewards include discounts worth as much as 35% of your stormwater management charges. In addition, the program will grant retroactive credits equal to as much as 12 months worth of stormwater discounts.

The amount of discounts and credits you receive depends on the extent and effectiveness of your stormwater management efforts. For single family residences, the requirements are simple and focused on controlling the volume of runoff from building downspouts. For all other properties, the program requires ratepayers to manage volume, speed and water quality of runoff from buildings, parking lots, private drives, and other paved areas.

Need help assessing the potential of managing stormwater on your property? The city has a technical assistance team to help you learn more about stormwater management techniques. These stormwater experts will even arrange to tour your property and offer helpful suggestions about ways to "contain the rain" and earn stormwater discounts.

Stay tuned for announcements about the start of the program. We will post program updates at www.CleanRiverRewards.com and insert notices in city utility bills. And expect to see more coverage in the local media.

Clean River Rewards is coming. This is your opportunity to help improve the health of our rivers and streams, and at the same time, reduce your city stormwater bill.

Council Endorses ODFW Teaming with Wildlife Program

Maria Thi Mai — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:51:08 -0700

Peregrine falcons like this will be protected by this initiativeDemonstrating Portland's commitment to the environment and in particular our urban wilflife, we welcomed the invitation to endorse the Oregon Department of Wildlife's (ODFW) campaign to "Team with Wildlife".

This initiative is a call to protect wildlife and implement our state's Wildlife Plan. Enacting this initiative will help us continue to create and restore valuable upland habitat for wildlife in all five of our watersheds.

See letter of endorsement.

“On Behalf of Portland Audubon, I want to thank Commissioner Adams and the rest of the City Council members for supporting this important initiative. Together, we can build a region where people and native wildlife flourish together.” Meryl Redisch, Portland Audubon, Executive Director

Attachment	Size
083106 Teaming with Wildlife Support.pdf	24.13 KB

Interested in Transportation Planning? Attend this PDOT-PSU Class.

Roland Chlapowski — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:41:58 -0700

PSUPDOT

Who do you talk to when you have questions about speed limits, speed humps or parking policies? Why do density and design matter when you're trying to cut traffic? How can you best go about making sure public transportation projects meet the needs of all users as effectively as possible? Who can help me get a good project considered and funded? Who's paying for transportation projects and who's benefiting?

Neighborhood traffic, transportation options and how to get things done in your neighborhood and the larger community are the focus of the well-Traffic Calming is one of many subjects that will be studied.respected "Portland Traffic & Transportation" class. The Portland Office of Transportation and Portland State University have teamed for the last twelve years to present this ten-week university course.

Hundreds of Portland residents have taken this popular class and learned how to negotiate the various traffic and transportation agencies and issues. Here's your chance to hear about how you can make a difference in your neighborhood and city.

Speakers include policy and decision-makers, planners, and engineers from TriMet, Metro, and Portland's Office of Transportation - people who can make things happen. Commissioner Adams, Jason Tell (ODOT's regional administrator), and former Vancouver (BC) Councilor Gordon Price are among the speakers.

What: A ten-week course sponsored by City of Portland Bureau of Transportation System Management and Portland State University Urban Studies Program

When: September 27 to December 6, 2006
Wednesdays, 6:40 - 8:40 p.m. (except November 22)

Where: Portland State University Campus

Who: This course is designed for the neighborhood activist, new or experienced, who wants to make a difference on traffic and transportation in their Portland neighborhood. Isn't it also designed as a credit course for students interested in transportation issues? Although I would understand if the answer is that they are not the target audience for this communication.

Limited space is available for the ten-week class during the Fall Term. Full scholarships are available to City of Portland residents for the non-credit course. To be eligible for the few remaining scholarships, please apply ASAP.

Please register at:

http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=35727

For more information, call or email Peter Hurley at (503) 823-5345 or peter.hurley@pdxtrans.org.

"Big Pipe" celebrates west side completion

Maria Thi Mai — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:29:14 -0700

This milestone will help control sewage overflows and leaves us with a cleaner riverNext time you cross the Willamette River, know that 100 million gallons of sewage will be pumped from the west side of the city, under the river, and to the newly completed Swan Island pump station. This is where Sam and I gathered with nearly 100 other people to celebrate the completion of this $390 million infrastructure project.

"The pipe is how big?"This "big pipe" is a 3.5 mile tunnel, 14 feet in diameter, and 120 feet deep. This remarkable engineering achievement will be pumping up to 100 million gallons of sewage a day by this December.

This is an investment in a cleaner Willamette River for Portland citizens now and far into the future.

Thanks to the smart people at BES and all our partners for keeping this project on time and under budget.Congratulations to the Bureau of Environmental Services and our contractor Impregilo-Healy Joint Venture for successfullycompleting this project on time and on budget. In particular Jim McDonald, Project Manager, and Giuseppe Quarta, Project Director are to be commended for their superb leadership.

Sam and Mayor Potter show off their World Cup Soccer jerseys.Giuseppe Quarta, Project Manager for IH honors Sam with a World Cup soccer jersey. By the way, #19 belongs to Italy's player, Gianluca Zambrott who is known to be the fastest left wing on the field.

Mayor Potter and Sam "flip the switch" which starts moving 100 gallons of sewage under the riverAnd when they flipped the switch, the river came alive.

Attachment	Size
WSCSO subs poster 09-14-06.ppt	816 KB

Sunset Highway will be Closed to Complete Sewer Project

Maria Thi Mai — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:11:52 -0700

Hwy 26 eastbound Zoo ramp will be closed Sept 19-30

A sewer construction project that actually started ten years ago is finally close to completion. The Tanner Creek Sewer Project will keep about 165-million gallons of clean creek water out of Portland’s combined sewers when the project is completed this fall.

The city completed Tanner Creek construction in several phases over the years. The final two phases are nearing completion right now. Construction along the Sunset Highway is more than 90% complete. Work crews expect to finish installing pipe by the end of this month. Work on water quality facilities and smaller stormwater pipes will continue until the end of the year in off road areas and will not affect Sunset traffic.

And work on another project phase on West Burnside between NW 24th and Barnes Road is substantially complete. All the pipe has been installed and work crews are cleaning up the site and removing equipment.

Tanner Creek and other West Hills streams once flowed directly to the Willamette. By the early 20th century, the city had piped the streams into the combined sewer system to make way for development.

The Tanner Creek Sewer will carry clean stream water directly to the river once again so it will no longer contribute to combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River.

Attachment	Size
091106 Tanner Creek History.doc	30 KB

Time-Out for Large Scale Development on Hayden Island

Sam Adams — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:39:16 -0700

Last Night's HINooN MeetingAfter meeting with HINooN, Hayden Island's neighborhood and business association, over the past month and yesterday evening, it is clear that additional, large-scale development on the Island would exponentially increase traffic on an already strained traffic system. That portion of I-5 would be crippled by traffic coming and going from Hayden Island, which is why I will propose a temporary time-out for large-scale development on Hayden Island in Council on July 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the resolution you propose for Portland City Council consideration on Wednesday, July 13, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1221 SW Fourth Ave?

Oregon Law requires a 45-day public notice in order for Portland City Council to consider enacting a temporary moratorium - a development delay - on developments that have the potential to restrict access on or off the Hayden Island, significantly increase traffic congestion on I-5 or threaten the Columbia River Crossing Project.

Why are you proposing this resolution to consider a development delay?

I am proposing this pause in development on Hayden Island for three reasons:

First, Hayden Island and I-5 lack adequate public transportation facilities to accommodate an estimated 13,000 additional vehicle trips per day that could come if Wal-Mart or another big box retailer builds a store at the old Thunderbird Hotel site. This section of I-5 is already considered one of the worst freeway choke points on the US west cost.

Second, the proposal to tear down what remains of the Jantzen Beach SuperCenter and replace it with a strip mall will perpetuate a dysfunctional and substandard street system on the Island and threaten freeway access - the only way on and off the Island.

And, third, these developments should wait until an alignment is chosen for the new $1.5 billion Columbia River crossing.

Who supports your proposal?

This draft resolution is an expression of many Hayden Islanders who view the recently announced proposed developments on Hayden Island as a ‘tipping point' for the need to pause for adequate planning.

Over the past three weeks, I have been working closely with community leaders from Hayden Island to weigh all options and craft this draft resolution.

There is also regional concern. Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, among other regional leaders, support considering a development hiatus.

Does the proposed resolution require the Portland City Council to enact a temporary moratorium --- a development delay -- on any traffic-producing commercial development on Hayden Island?

No. Approval of the proposed resolution does not require the Portland City Council to actually enact a temporary development moratorium. Oregon State Law requires a 45 day public notice when a city wants to consider any type of temporary development moratorium. The resolution provides the required public notice and starts the 45-day clock for the City, island residents and stakeholders to figure out all the details before deciding to enact a delay.

Are you proposing consideration of a development delay on all projects on Hayden Island?

No. I am proposing consideration of a development delay on commercial development that would restrict access, significantly increase vehicle trips or threaten the Columbia River Crossing Project in a to-be-defined geographic area on the Hayden Island (we have a draft map for public comment).

We expect that smaller construction projects, remodels, tenant improvements, industrial developments and residential projects would NOT be subject to a temporary moratorium.

What would be the boundaries of a temporary development moratorium on Hayden Island?

After consulting residents, it would be up to the entire Portland City Council to decide the boundaries of a temporary development moratorium. But the attached map includes a draft boundary line for the purposes of obtaining feedback.

Are you proposing consideration of a temporary development moratorium on development any place else in the City of Portland?

No. A temporary moratorium on development potentially delays an owner's right to develop when they want to develop, so it must be carefully and prudently considered.

I believe temporary development moratoriums should only be considered when adequate public services to support additional development are not available and the proposed development would significantly and permanently harm Portland.

Doesn't your proposal send a message that the City of Portland is anti-business?

No. Actually, the region's economy stands to be harmed if we do not intervene on Hayden Island. The freeway choke point will turn into gridlock and that affects all businesses in the region.

Your criticism of Wal-Mart is well known. Isn't this just a backdoor way to stop Wal-Mart from moving forward with their plans to build a new store on Hayden Island?

No. I am passionate about the plight of Portland's working class and I feel very protective of our small businesses against Wal-Mart's predatory business practices. I opposed the proposed Wal-Mart in Portland's Sellwood area, but I did not and would not propose a temporary development moratorium to stop it. As much as I am critical of Wal-Mart's business practices, I would be concerned about enacting a moratorium focused on the development plans of only one company.

But their proposed store was just one of the proposals that served as a tipping point. This resolution is about giving the region and Hayden Island the necessary time to complete a neighborhood plan, improve its dysfunctional and substandard street system, and provide time for the Columbia River Crossing project to decide where the replacement bridge will land on the Island.

You recently approved the big box development of Ikea at Cascade Station. What is the difference between Hayden Island and Cascade Station?

Cascade Station was developed with the proper infrastructure as well as a transportation plan that includes light rail and a street grid to handle the trip generation at this location. Unfortunately, Hayden Island lacks such an adequate plan.

If the proposed Resolution is approved by the Portland City Council, what is the timeline for actually considering a temporary development moratorium on Hayden Island?

At least 45 days before City Council would consider the moratorium at a public hearing, though it is possible that it would take a bit longer.

Has the City of Portland ever before enacted a moratorium on development?

Yes. The City enacted a moratorium on Electronic Data Storage facilities, often referred to as "Telco Hotels," along streetcar-impact zones in 2001.

You have recused yourself from Portland City Council land use decisions regarding Wal-Mart. Will you recuse yourself from decisions about the moratorium?

This City Attorney has advised me that I can vote on this resolution. I will continue to rely on their advice for further participation in this process.

Attachment	Size
The Vision for Hayden Island as written by the Neighborhood Association, March 2006	62.5 KB
Proposed resolution to give notice of considering a delay in development	42.5 KB
Frequently Asked Questions about the delay in development	102 KB

City Hall 1st Thursday--Made In Portland: Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition

Pollyanne Birge — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:11:14 -0700

Matt Cardinal

City Hall

1st Thursday

MADE IN PORTLAND:

Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition

Thursday July 6th 5-7pm

Portland City Hall 1221 SW 4th Avenue

Pedal on down to Portland City Hall for the 1st Thursday Art show all about BIKES! The MADE IN PORTLAND: Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition in City Hall celebrates Portland's unique bicycling community by highlighting artwork from bike artists, activists, and aficionados.

The July 6th show will features a custom hand-builders show including custom frames by some of the most renowned in the U.S., as well as, paintings, drawings, print and chalk pieces for your viewing pleasure. This free event is open to the public and is in partnership with City Council, BTA, www.bikeportland.org, several local organizations, artists, and businesses in celebrating the rich biking community Portland enjoys.

Featured Artists:

Handbuilt Bike Show: Sacha White

Joseph Ahearne
Ira Ryan
Sacha White
Andy Newlands
JoJo Paquini
Tony Pereira
Bill Stites
Natalie Ramsland
Landon Holt

Paint, chalk, and print artists:

Carye Bye
Matt Cardinal
David "Chops" Darby
Shawn Granton

Tim Gault

Emily Meier

Ira Ryan

Refreshments donated by:

Hotlips Pizza
Oregon Brewer's Guild

Tim Gault

Report a Pothole

The Office — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:08:05 -0700

Is there a pothole in your neighborhood? Report it so the Portland Office of Transportation knows that it's there and can get it fixed lickety-split. The hotline: 503-823-BUMP

Your Neighborhood

Administrator — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:13:30 -0700

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