Virtually all properties have some form of a Private Water Quality Facility, most being some sort of vegetative swale. These facilities are constructed to protect precious water resources by removing pollution from storm water runoff. Water quality facilities are required by law and must comply with, municipal storm water permits and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations.
Unfortunately, most have not been maintained at all and have fallen out of compliance and are not performing the water treatment required. Until a few years ago, this was an issue that had fallen through the cracks with no over-site or monitoring by local cities. However, the DEQ has put pressure on all local cities to inspect and enforce regulations to require property owners to bring their facility back into compliance. This usually occurs when a property owner is applying for a permit requiring city approval. As many have gone un-maintained, this work is often times a surprise expense to the property owner.
To help property owners understand the requirements, Clean Water Services developed a
Private Water Quality Facility Management Program
and
Vegetated Private Water Quality Facilities Training
for contractors to aid in proper clean-up and ongoing maintenance. Pacific Landscape Management sent 3 of our enhancement project managers through this program last year and 4 of our account managers this year through their 2 day training program.
CWS VPWQF maintenance contractors.pdf
We are also working on management programs to offer our clients that will comply with this new property maintenance regulation. We understand this is an undesirable new cost for your ownership but felt it important to be properly trained to meet this new customer need.
