Water Environment Services

Water Environment Services

Meet the Experts

Most people don’t think about what happens after they flush their toilet. As long everything is working fine, they don’t have to worry about it. The truth is that it takes a lot of science, hard work and dedicated professionals to make sure the toilets, sewers, stormwater systems and wastewater treatment plants are working every day of the year.

Learn About Members of the WES Team

Meet Chris Desiderati, Source Control Specialist and testing wizard.

Meet Patrick Leach, Laboratory Analyst and water quality warrior.

Meet John Nagy, Technical Services Specialist and erosion controller.

Meet Matt Zak, Sanitary and Stormwater Sewer Technician and clean water defender.

Meet Jessica Rinner, Supervising Civil Engineer at Clackamas County Water Environment Services (WES). Learn more about what Jessica and WES do to keep the environment clean.

Meet Blake Raines, Wastewater Plant Operator and bug farmer at Water Environment Services.

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Capital Improvement Program

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plans, designs and builds major capital facilities in the areas WES serves, so that operating divisions can serve our customers' wastewater and surface water needs. Capital project management includes design and construction and provides project controls in terms of cost, schedule, scope, program development and long range forecasting.

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North Clackamas Revitalization Area Sewer Hook-up Grant Program

This program provides grants to qualifying homeowners who live in areas of the North Clackamas Revitalization Area (NCRA) served by Clackamas County Service District No. 1 (CCSD#1) to pay for private sanitary sewer improvements.

The program does not pay for sewer assessments, system development charges or other connection charges, or monthly sewer fees. Homeowners should call 503-742-4567 for information on available assistance programs for these costs and fees.

Eligibility

Grant funds are limited and grants will be made on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners.

  • applicant must own or be buying property
  • owner must reside in home

Income limits

Annual gross income limits are as follows:

Total household sizeMaximum annual gross income
(80% of median)
effective May 1, 2024
1$66,100
275,500
385,000
494,400
5102,000
6109,550
7117,100
8124,650

What type of work is eligible?

Improvements — up to a maximum of $7,500 — include hiring a contractor(s) to re-plumb and connect the home to the public sanitary sewer and decommission the onsite wastewater disposal system.

To apply

Contact WES to initiate the process. Our staff will confirm eligibility and refer you to the county's Community Development division. They will send you an application.

County staff will then inspect the property and prepare construction specifications and cost estimates. We will make a list of pre-qualified contractors. You will need to obtain at least two bids from licensed and bonded contractors from the list.

Using county-supplied forms, you will then:

  • enter into a contract with the contractor of your choice
  • enter into an agreement with the county

You do not have to select the lowest contractor bid, but the accepted bid must be within 10% of the county's estimate. County staff will inspect the work. Funds cannot be used to pay for your labor as the homeowner.

Grant approval

The county Community Development Director will approve grant applications.

Contact Us
Department Staff
Customer Service
Water Environment Services
503-742-4567
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WES Forms and Documents

Annexation

Visit our Annexation Information webpage.

Rules and Regulations

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Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) and 1200-CN Documents and Guidance

What materials do I need to submit to obtain a WES EPSC permit and a 1200-CN?

  • Completed and signed WES EPSC permit application form.
    • Submit a signed original of the WES EPSC application form and 1 pdf copy.
  • The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan drawings. The drawings must follow the WES standard template drawings (especially the cover sheet) provided on the WES website.
    • Submit 2 sets of the plan drawings for review.
    • Upon preliminary plan approval submit 2 sets of the plan drawings and electronic pdf files of the complete set of plans. If the electronic pdf file is larger than 8 MB the drawings must be split into multiple files so no one file is larger than 8 MB file size.
  • Submit the applicable WES fees. Fees cover the cost of plan review, permitting and inspections. The permit fee varies depending on the amount of disturbed area (see the fee descriptions listed below). Fees are payable directly to WES. 

Fees for WES EPSC Non-single family/1200-CN Permits within WES Service area

Permit Fee:$460 for the 1st acre, and  
$80 for each additional acre (fractions of an acre count as a full acre)
Plan Review Fee:(included as part of overall WES stormwater plan review)

Permit Issuance

WES will issue notification of permit approval to the applicant upon final plan approval.

Changes to Plans After Approval or During Project

Changes in information on the application and/or the approved plans must be submitted to WES by (at WES' discretion) email, redlined plans, revised plans or a combination of these.

Template Drawings

Non-Single Family and/or 1 acre and greater of disturbance EPSC Permit Template Drawings  
For non-single family sites and/or those sites that are 1 acre or greater of disturbance and are located inside of Gladstone, Rivergrove or applicable WES service areas (excluding the City of Happy Valley).

Template EPSC Plan Sheets - PDF Sample Plans

DEQ is working on creating their own template plans but in the interim you can find specific plan requirements at their website or adapt the template plans and plan checklist created by Clean Water Services for your own use.

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Erosion Prevention Planning and Design Manual

This revised version of the manual was created in partnership with the cities of Gladstone, Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, West Linn, Wilsonville and Oak Lodge Sanitary District and Clean Water Services.

There is an order form available for those interested in obtaining a copy of this document on CD.

Download the complete document in PDF format.

  • Table of Contents
  • Chapter 1: Background
  • Chapter 2: Erosion Processes
  • Chapter 3: Erosion Control Planning
  • Chapter 4: Erosion and Sediment Control Measures and BMP's
  • Chapter 5: Pollution Control Measures and BMP'S
  • Chapter 6: Inspection and Maintenance
  • Appendix A
    • Grading & Erosion Control Information
    • Erosion Control Notes
    • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Symbols
  • Appendix B
    • Erosion Control Monitoring Form
    • Inspector Checklist For Erosion Control
  • Appendix C
    • Metric Conversion Table
    • Slope Conversion Table
    • Seed or Fertilizer Hydraulic Application Table A-1
    • Wood Fiber Mulch Hydraulic Application Table C-1, C-2
    • Hydraulic Application Worksheet
    • Example Mulch/Seed Worksheet
  • Appendix D
    • Acronyms
    • Glossary of Terms
    • References

BMP Plan Symbols

Detail Drawings

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North Clackamas Revitalization Area Sewer Assessment Safety Net Program (Updated)

Clackamas County Development Agency
Clackamas County Service District No. 1

Program objectives

The purpose of the North Clackamas Revitalization Area (NCRA) Sewer Assessment Safety Net Program (Program) is to provide grants to low income homeowners who live within Assessment District 2009-1 for the recently completed NCRA sewer project. The objective of the Program is to reduce financial hardship to those homeowners with an inability to make a payment on their sanitary sewer assessment. Those qualifying for the Program will receive a grant paying for the principal amount of the sewer assessment levied against their property during the year in which they are approved for the program.

The amount and availability of funds for the program is subject to approval of the Agency's budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners acting as the Clackamas County Development Agency Board. The Board may elect to change the amount of funds available to the program, which would affect the number of grants awarded, or could direct the Agency to not implement the program.

The Program does not pay for system development charges, on-site system decommissioning or repairs, other connection charges, or monthly sewer fees. Homeowners should contact Water Environment Services, 503-742-4567, for information on available assistance programs for these costs and fees.

Eligible properties

Grant funds are limited and will be made on a first-come, first-served basis to homeowners living in the NCRA who meet Program qualifications and have received notice of a sewer assessment from CCSD#1. The order by which applications will be reviewed will be determined by the date by which a completed application form, including all required documentation is received.

Current basic safety net grant program eligibility requirements

  • Applicant must apply to pay the sewer assessment in installments.
  • Applicant must own or be buying the residential property.
  • Owner must reside on property. Rental properties are not eligible.
  • The property must be subject to an assessment from CCSD#1 for Assessment District 2009-01.
  • Annual household income may not exceed 200% of the most recently published poverty guidelines, based on household size, except one (1) and two (2) person households, whose income may not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level for a three (3) person household.
  • Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2018 are:
    Total Household Size Maximum Annual Gross Income
    (200% of the federal poverty level)
    1 41,560
    2 41,560
    3 41,560
    4 50,200
    5 58,840
    6 67,480
    7 76,120
    8 84,760
  • Net household assets, excluding the primary residence and its contents, and two primary vehicles, may not exceed $35,000.
    **Updated from May 9, 2016 notice.

What are the limits of the Safety Net Program?

Program funds are limited to those applicants who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis. Program funds each fiscal year are subject to budget approval and may not be sufficient to cover all eligible applicants.

Applicants receiving a safety net grant will need to recertify their eligibility each calendar year by June 30th. In subsequent years, applicants receiving a safety net grant will need to recertify their eligibility each calendar year by April 30th. Applicants that no longer meet income, asset or other eligibility requirements will become ineligible to receive a sewer safety net grant. Applicants may reapply in future years if they again fall within eligibility guidelines. Grant program money which becomes available due to previous applicants becoming ineligible will then become available on a first-come, first-served basis to new applicants.

The applicant will need to complete and return the application form, along with required documentation, by the specified date. The full application will require proof of income and assets such as recent tax returns, payment stubs and bank statements. If the full application is approved, the applicant will be eligible for a sewer assessment grant, subject to the availability of funds on a first-come, first-served basis, which will pay the principal amount of the applicant's assessment during the calendar year.

What happens if I can't pay the interest amount of the assessment?

Any unpaid portion of the assessment will continue to accrue interest on the unpaid balance.

Grant approval

Grant applications are subject to final approval by the Development Agency Manager.

Contact Us
Department Staff
Customer Service
Water Environment Services
503-742-4567
Ken Itel
Development Agency
503-742-4324
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Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control

Development activity can remove soil cover and increase the site’s susceptibility to erosion. This erosion, and the pollutants that can come from construction debris, can have an adverse impact on adjoining properties, the public storm drainage system and the health of our local streams. With the proper use of erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) measures, movement of pollutants and soil off of the site can be prevented and minimized

All development related activity within WES service districts is required to provide erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) measures as applicable. Sites which disturb 800 square feet or more are required to obtain Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control permit from WES. Also, all development activity within Clackamas County which disturbs 1-acre or greater is required to obtain a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit or a 1200-CN Permit.

Erosion Control Fees

Types of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Permits

Depending on the location, type and size of the development project, different EPSC permits and plans may be needed. The table below is a guide to help determine what is required. Following the table are descriptions of each of the permit types

Disturbance Area Permit Type(s) Needed
Gladstone, Rivergrove, and applicable WES service areas
(excluding Happy Valley)
800 sq. ft. to less than 1 acre of disturbance (thru all phases)
  • WES EPSC Permit
1 acre to less than 5 of disturbance
(thru all phases)
  • WES EPSC Permit
  • 1200-CN permit granted through WES, (automatically granted as part of the WES EPSC Permit)
5 acres or more of disturbance
(thru all phases)
  • WES EPSC Permit
  • 1200-C permit through DEQ
All other areas in Clackamas County
1 acre or more of disturbance
(thru all phases)
  • 1200-C permit from DEQ

(Check with DEQ)

WES Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Permit

A WES EPSC Permit is required if the development activity disturbs 800 sq. ft. or more within the WES service area, excluding the city of Happy Valley. In order to obtain a WES EPSC Permit, please complete the WES EPSC Permit Application and plans as specified in the application. Typically this permit is issued for residential construction and small commercial/industrial additions and improvements.

Erosion Control 1200-CN Permit

For those sites that are 1 acre to less than 5 acres of disturbance and are located inside of Gladstone, Rivergrove, or applicable WES service areas (excluding the City of Happy Valley), a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-CN Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit will be issued by WES along with the WES EPSC permit. To obtain a 1200-CN permit the applicants must submit the required WES EPSC Permit application and erosion control plans to WES for review and approval. Download the WES EPSC Application or 1200-CN Templates. Typically the 1200-CN permit is issued for small subdivisions, partitions, multi-family, commercial and industrial projects.

Erosion Control 1200-C Permit

For those sites that are 5 acres or more of disturbance within WES’ applicable service areas, Gladstone or Rivergrove, a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Construction Stormwater (Erosion Control) Permit is required in addition to the local WES EPSC permit. For sites within Happy Valley a DEQ 1200-C permit is required in addition to the local Happy Valley EPSC permit. To obtain a 1200-C permit the applicant must submit the required 1200-C application and template style erosion control plans to DEQ for review and approval. The DEQ 1200-C Templates are available from DEQ's 1200-C Construction Stormwater General Permit webpage. Typically the 1200-C permit is issued for large subdivisions, multi-family, commercial and industrial projects.

Erosion Control Resources

Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual

The purpose of the Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual and Best Management Practices Drawings is to provide a comprehensive and detailed approach towards controlling erosion on construction sites. It includes information regarding materials and installation practices. This manual was created in partnership with multiple jurisdictions in Clackamas County and with Clean Water Services in Washington County.

Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Training

Training in proper selection, installation and maintenance of EPSC measures is available from private sources. WES does not approve or recommend any private training companies. 

Erosion Control Inspections

An initial erosion control inspection is required as part of the construction of a single family home, and shall be completed and approved prior to the contractor pouring the foundation or footings. All non-single family projects such as a commercial, industrial or multi-family shall have the Initial inspection completed and approved prior to any soil disturbance except for the installation of erosion control devices. Permittees must call WES to schedule the initial inspection. Monitoring inspections will occur periodically throughout the construction. A final erosion control inspection must be requested by the permittee once the site has been permanently stabilized.

  • Single Family Residences
    To schedule a single family initial or final erosion control inspection use your building permit number and call Clackamas County automated inspection request line at 503-742-4720. Use code 201 for initial erosion control inspections and 297 for erosion control final inspections.
  • Commercial and Other
    To schedule an initial or final erosion control inspection for commercial, multi-family or industrial project call the WES main office number at 503-742-4567 and request to talk with a development representative.
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