Industrial and Commercial Stormwater Program

Protecting Lake Oswego’s Waterways

The City of Lake Oswego’s Industrial and Commercial Stormwater Program helps prevent pollution from businesses from entering local streams, rivers, and the public stormwater system.

The program is required by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and includes business surveys, inspections, education, and recommendations to help prevent stormwater pollution.

What does the program involve?

The Industrial and Commercial Stormwater Program involves conducting inspections of properties and sites to determine whether stormwater has the potential to become contaminated based on the site or business’ practices.

The purpose is to protect the waterways by preventing potential pollutant discharges into the City’s stormwater system.

What type of businesses will be inspected? 

While all properties zoned as industrial, commercial, or mixed-use are subject to the program requirements,

1. The highest priority will be screening businesses that are subject to a DEQ Industrial Stormwater permit.
2. The next priority are businesses that are subject to federal regulations covering toxic or hazardous materials.
3. The last priority is based on businesses that could discharge waste into the public stormwater system, potentially exceeding the City's water quality limitations or standards. 

I don't know where my stormwater facilities are located or what type I have. Can I requst a free walkthrough? 

Yes, your business can request a free, non-penalty walkthrough with City staff.

During the walkthrough, City staff can help you:

• Identify the location and type of your stormwater facilities.
• Review outdoor material and waste storage areas.
• Check the location and accessibility of spill kits.
• Review spill prevention and response practices.
• Discuss employee spill response and safety training.
• Identify opportunities to improve your stormwater practices.
• Answer questions and provide recommendations before an issue occurs.

This is an opportunity to get ahead of potential problems and understand what may be expected before your business is selected for a formal inspection.

Contact us to set up your education stormwater walkthrough: [email protected]

What happens during an official Inspection?

If your business is selected, the City will provide at least 60 days’ notice and let you know what information is needed.

During the inspection, City staff may look at:

• Outdoor material storage and handling
• Outdoor waste storage
• Maintenance areas
• Stormwater facilities and catch basins
• Spill kits and spill response procedures
• Spill response training

Inspections typically take 1–2 hours and will be scheduled at a time that minimizes disruption to your business.

After the inspection, you will receive a report with findings, recommendations and any actions required.

Why is this important?

Rainwater can pick up dirt, oil, chemicals, fertilizers, food waste, and other pollutants from parking lots, roofs, streets, and outdoor work areas. These pollutants can then enter the public stormwater system and local waterways.

Simple practices, such as keeping outdoor areas clean, preventing spills, maintaining stormwater facilities, and keeping catch basins clear can help protect water quality and may also reduce flooding and cleanup costs.

Is the program about enforcement?

The program is primarily focused on education and preventing pollution before it happens. City staff will work with businesses to identify practical ways to improve stormwater practices.

The City Code also includes enforcement provisions required by DEQ to address activities that could result in stormwater pollution.

What if I need time or resources to make changes?

City staff will work with you to develop practical solutions. Some improvements may be quick and simple, while others may require additional time or resources.

Businesses are generally expected to have at least 30 days to make required changes, or 21 days to provide a schedule for completing them.

Questions?

The City is committed to working with local businesses to protect Lake Oswego’s waterways while finding practical solutions that work for your business.

[email protected]

Megan Charbonneau 
Stormwater Quality Coordinator
503-534-2683