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The buildings we work in, streets we drive and sidewalks we walk can introduce pollution to stormwater runoff. Anything on the ground – dirt, trash, chemicals, etc. – can be swept up by stormwater and carried into our watersheds, complicating natural processes that clean water.
The result? Dirty water in our creeks, streams, and wetlands. Fortunately, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) stormwater inspection program is a proven resource to support watershed health for industrial and commercial properties, limiting the waste in our water.
A recent stormwater inspection performed by WES Stormwater Specialist Rob Livingston yielded noteworthy results; read on to discover how beverage giant PepsiCo’s distribution facility is pioneering sustainable stormwater management at their 126,000 sq ft. facility in Clackamas, Oregon.
Gold star of environmental stewardship
PepsiCo’s distribution facility is an impressive building; the recently constructed warehouse boasts office space overlooking the Clackamas River, walk-in cooler and freezers, twelve dock positions and 47 trailer parking stalls.
As the stormwater service provider, WES is impressed with PepsiCo’s stormwater management activities. Nestled in a grassy field outside the warehouse, their meticulously maintained storm pond catches water that runs off hard surfaces (think: roads, roofs, sidewalks) to mitigate flooding and improve stormwater quality that flows to the Clackamas River.
While entities like businesses, property owners, schools, and churches, etc., are required to maintain stormwater ponds, PepsiCo’s attentiveness – with guidance from WES’ staff – gets the gold star of environmental stewardship.
WES and PepsiCo’s collaboration build a resilient clean water future
While it’s easy to neglect stormwater ponds for various reasons (such as staff turnover and ponds forgotten as they’re often mistaken for landscaping), PepsiCo’s maintenance team doesn’t cut corners.
They clean storm drains quarterly, as opposed to annually, which is the typical frequency, to ensure clean stormwater flows to the Clackamas River. The team also utilizes storm drain filters and absorbent booms that hang below the storm drain grates to catch pollutants that may come from vehicles and spills.
And since large-load bearing trucks are the name of the game in the soda-distribution industry, PepsiCo utilizes vendors that implement best practices from the State of Oregon’s Department Environment Quality (DEQ). While washing and fueling delivery trucks, PepsiCo blocks off storm drains and captures excess fuel for proper disposal. The maintenance team also has stocked spill kits nearby in case of an unexpected release from a truck.
Erica Pyun, Sr. Sales Manager at PepsiCo, Inc. shared that the team values this resource and are committed to supporting all stormwater management efforts as well as ensuring the cleanliness and preservation of natural resources and wildlife below the property.
"When it comes to stormwater management, we strive to ensure every facet of our operation is in line with sustainable principles and industry best practices,” said Pyun. “WES has been a resource in helping us keep our stormwater retention pond clean so we can continue to positively contribute to the social and economic vitality of our community."
Good stewards inspire change across Clackamas County
WES performs about 100 inspections of private stormwater systems annually to help local businesses improve water quality with the goal of surveying every maintenance facility within the county’s service area. WES prioritizes the most opportunistic sites and aids them in adopting best practices like those from PepsiCo.
WES’ goal is to be a resource and partner to property owners like PepsiCo by helping to manage stormwater facilities designed to protect our water, rivers and streams. Click here for more information on developing a maintenance plan for your site and check out WES’ Watershed Protection site for more information on the Surface Water Management Program.
