Water Environment Services

Sanitary sewer service connections and sewer taps are subject to WES Sanitary Standards, Section 5.4, including but not limited to the following items:

• Service Connections into an existing Public Sanitary Sewer Mainline shall be made with installation of an Inserta Tee, and a $665 tap-in fee shall apply. Only District Personnel are authorized to tap the Public Sanitary Sewer Mainlines and install Inserta Tee.
• See Sanitary Standards, Section 5.2.1 for allowed pipe and joint materials.
• The installer shall give the District 72 hours advance notice prior to scheduling the tap/inspection. The tap will be scheduled and completed during the District’s regularly scheduled business hours.
• The installer shall excavate and completely expose the Public Sanitary Sewer Mainline at the designated point of connection as directed by the District. The District shall tap the Public Sanitary Sewer Mainline and install the 4-inch-diameter Inserta-Tee connection fitting at the Owner’s expense.
• For taps other than a standard 4-inch tap into 3034 PVC, the Owner or contractor must coordinate with the District well in advance of the required tap in case a specialized connections must be ordered in advance.
• The point of connection shall be at the discretion of the District on a case-by-case basis. The minimum tap location is 5-feet away from the manhole barrel section and 1-foot offset from any 8” PVC bell and spigot.  New taps also need a 3-foot offset between adjacent service connections.
• All service connection pipes shall be laid on straight grades and alignment. The minimum grade for service connection pipes shall be one-fourth (1/4) inch per foot unless approved otherwise by the District.
• The minimum depth of the Service Connection shall be 6-feet deep at the edge of the Right-of-Way or Public Sanitary Sewer Easement.
• PVC pipe shall be bedded with a minimum of six (6) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent. All other pipe material shall be bedded with a minimum of four (4) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent.
• All turns in alignment of the pipe or changes in the grade of the pipe shall be made with manufactured fittings -- 90-degree bends WILL NOT be allowed.  All materials, adapters, etc. used to connect dissimilar pipe materials shall be approved by the District
• Before the trench is back filled, WES Field Operations personnel must inspect the service lateral to the property line.
• All pipe shall be back filled with a minimum of six (6) inches of 3/4 - 0 inch crushed rock or equivalent above the crown of the pipe.
• So that a chain for the tapping tool may be fitted around the pipe, the installer shall excavate to at least 18 inches -- not including the bell -- and completely expose the public sewer at the designated point of connection.  PVC pipe needs to be exposed only on the side to be tapped.  A minimum work zone of 24 inches is required for operation of the tapping equipment. Tap-ins will be made only between a 45-degree and 65-degree angle.  A dry work area shall be provided.  Installer will dewater using pumps if necessary.  The District shall tap the sewer and install the service connection fitting at the owner's expense.
• If any work is required within the public right-of-way, the installer shall provide documentation of a ROW utility (“road opening”) permit from the local road authority.
• In September 1990 OSHA's new regulations relating to excavations went into effect.  Under Standard 29 CFR 1926.656-652 "Competent Person," OSHA requires a “Competent Person” to conduct soil analysis and determine the type of protective system appropriate for each open excavation.  In addition the requirements, as related to shoring, ground loading, and accessibility, have been addressed as well.
• All sheeting, shoring, and bracing shall be designed and installed in accordance with Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Technical Manual for Construction Operations (Chapter 2: Excavation), and the OSHA Excavation Standards (29 CFR 1926.651 and 1926.652).
  • Excavations' -- five (5) feet deep or more -- shall be shored and/or sloped, and a ladder extending three (3) feet above the top of the trench must be provided.
  • If shored, a minimum of three (3) pieces of shoring must be used to constitute a system.  An approved trench box may also be used.
  • NOTE, WES Field Operations personnel will only enter those work areas that are in compliance with the above standards.
• Bedding and back fill requirements may be different for excavations made in roadways or special areas.  Check with the government agency that has jurisdiction.

Revised 04/06/2023

WES’ Pollution Prevention Academy is a free, voluntary program designed for the staff of commercial and industrial customers located in WES’ wastewater and stormwater service areas. In 2026, the Pollution Prevention Academy will cover 4 topics focused on compliance with local regulations and permits. Each topic is explained in more detail below. Customers are encouraged to attend all four virtual webinars but if you can only make one, two or three, please do. Free tools will be offered to attendees at the conclusion of the Academy; stay tuned for details.

Who should attend

•  Food service establishment (ie, restaurants, large commercial kitchens, etc.) owners/operators
• Manufacturers
• Owners/managers of commercial office buildings or commercial spaces such as strip malls
• Current WES Industrial Pretreatment Permit holders
• Environmental compliance business consultants supporting clients operating in WES’ wastewater and stormwater service areas

The Webinars

Industrial Wastewater Permits

This class explains who may be required to apply for a permit and what a permit entails, essentially "translating" it for the audience.  Permit topics include: Definitions, Discharge Limits, Self-Monitoring Requirements, Record Keeping, Authorized Signatory, Notification Requirements, Compliance Schedules, Toxic Organic Management Plan (TOMP), and Slug Control Plan (SCP).

Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. 
Register 

Permit Monitoring and Reporting

This class discusses the different types of samples collected, the methodology for sample collection, handling, and storage; how to complete the necessary paperwork associated with compliance sample collection; primary and secondary wastewater measurement devices; and how wastewater flow measurement relates to compliance sample collection. Because most industries contract with a laboratory to analyze their compliance samples, this class focuses on helping customers become more sophisticated consumers of laboratory services by explaining the services labs provide and how to ask for what you need.

Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m.
Register

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) and Enforcement 

This class will explain the requirements for WES’ FOG rules, best practices for complying with these rules, and prohibitions. In addition, this class explains what action or inaction on the part of the customer constitutes a violation and then discusses what the WES’ response might be. Other information includes steps the customer can take to mitigate the city's enforcement response and the basics of corrective actions and civil penalty assessments. 

Thursday, March 12 at 2  p.m.
Register

Stormwater Compliance

This class gives an overview of WES Stormwater regulations, including WES’ overall Stormwater Management Program and Stormwater pollution prevention practices or Best Management Practices (BMPs). This class will also explain WES’ private inspection program, common findings, and guidance on maintaining private stormwater infrastructure. 

Thursday, March 19 at 2 p.m.
Register