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Water Environment Services

Water Environment Services

Water Environment Services

General Construction Notes

General construction notes are required to be included on the construction plans and can be found on the WES (“District”) website or provided upon request. These notes are required, however the Project Engineer may include other applicable notes as they deem necessary.

All work and materials shall conform to WES Rules, Sanitary and Stormwater Standards.

The contractor is required to attend a pre-construction conference with District staff prior to beginning work on the public sanitary and/or stormwater system improvements. At the completion of construction the owner or contractor is required to provide the District a two year warranty bond or security agreement for the construction of the new public sanitary and stormwater systems.

The engineer is required to have an inspector on site at all times during construction of the public sanitary system. 

Existing utility locations are approximate only. In order to protect existing underground utilities, contractors performing work shown on these plans must notify utilities and public agencies at least 48 business hours in advance of, and no more than 10 business days before, beginning excavation, in accordance with the provisions of OAR 952-001-0090. Pothole all crossings as necessary to prevent grade and alignment conflicts. Report all conflicts to the engineer immediately. Protect existing utilities at all times during construction. Call the One Call Utility Notification Center at 503-246-6699 for utility locates

The sanitary and storm systems shall be cleaned and flushed. The catch basins shall be vactor cleaned and the sediment, rock and other debris shall be collected and disposed of in a proper manner. In no case shall debris be flushed down a storm or sanitary sewer for disposal. Debris collected shall be disposed in a commercial landfill or other approved location.

Installation

Public sanitary and storm systems shall be installed in accordance with the manufactures’ recommendations. PVC pipe shall be connected to concrete manholes by means of an approved coupling with an elastomeric gasket, an approved waterstop or flexible sleeve in accordance with the approved plans. Use of Portland cement grout for connection of PVC pipes to manholes will not be permitted.

After the contractor has backfilled the pipe zone of the trench as required, they shall then backfill the balance of the trench, with the type of backfill specified, in one foot (1’) layers, mechanically compacting each layer to 95% of maximum density in roadways and 85% to 90% in all other areas. Maximum relative density shall be determined per AASHTO T-180 In place, density shall be determined per AASHTO T-191, T-205 or T-238. Any subsequent settlement of the trench or ditch during the guarantee period shall be considered to be the result of improper compaction and shall be promptly corrected by the contractor at no expense to the District or the owner.

Sanitary and storm pipes and appurtenances shall be video inspected and tested for leakage in accordance with District standards. Sanitary testing shall include a low pressure air test of the sanitary mainline and service connections, mandrel test of the mainlines, and vacuum test of the manholes Any portion of the sanitary system which fails to pass these tests shall be excavated, repaired or realigned, and retested. The mandrel / deflection testing shall not be conducted no less than 30-days after the trench backfill and compaction has been completed. The test shall be conducted by pulling an approved solid pointed mandrel 95% of the inside diameter through the pipeline on a manhole to manhole basis.

Service connections shall be laid in a separate trench on a straight line and gradient from the tee to the end of the service connection perpendicular to the mainline. At the property line, the sanitary service connection shall be at least 6 feet below the grade at the property line. No service connection shall be laid on a slope of less than two percent, unless otherwise directed by the engineer or shown on the plans. The engineer will provide the necessary surveying and layout to construct each one of the service connection. Each service connection shall be plugged with a mechanical rubber ring plug and marked with 2 x 4 stake placed at the end of each service connection, and shall extend from the end of the pipe to a point one foot (1’) above the surface of the ground. Sanitary service connection will be marked with a green painted stake and storm with a white painted stake. Service connection within the trench shall be marked with an Underground Detectable Tape (green labeled “CAUTION BURIED SEWER LINE BELOW”) or equal shall be placed along the service connection from the mainline tee to the ground surface and wrapped around the green marking stake.

In easement areas, all manholes shall have tamper-proof lids per District specifications, or approved equal. Caution: not all tamperproof lids meet District specifications. The frame and cover shall be extended six inches (6”) above finish grade.

The contractor shall at all times provide and maintain ample means and devices to remove and dispose of all ground and surface water entering the trench excavation during the process of constructing the sanitary system. It is a violation of the District Rules to discharge groundwater, surface water or debris into the public sanitary system. All violations of discharge into the public sanitary and stormwater systems will be enforced by the District. Water and debris shall be disposed of in an approved manner.

Revised 02/11/2026

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Native Planting at Hearthwood Wetland

Join The Wetlands Conservancy for a day of native shrub plantings at Hearthwood Wetland in Clackamas County. This dense hardwood wetland is at the headwaters of Kellogg Creek and provides crucial buffering between I-205 and the communities of Johnson Lake. We’ll help to bolster the soil and promote water filtration by adding native plants to the sensitive edge space. Hearthwood is home to small woodland mammals, songbirds and raptor birds, amphibians, fish and more. This event is free and family friendly. All tools and light snacks are provided.

Spring Restoring Backyard Watersheds Workshop

Join the North Clackamas Watersheds Council and their partners from Mosaic Ecology LLC for a hands-on spring restoration workshop focused on practical skills you can use on your own property or community project. In this Workshop We'll cover:

Participants will learn how to identify site-specific conditions—such as soil, light, moisture, and disturbance history—and use that information to develop a realistic plan for managing non-native plants. We’ll cover how to choose the right plant for the right place to set your restoration efforts up for long-term success.

Webinar: Get to Know Your North Clackamas Watersheds Wildlife

Join the North Clackamas Watersheds Council and Mosaic Ecology LLC for a wildlife webinar on co-existing with local species and caring for our waterways.

Learn practical tips for living with beavers, hear highlights from recent community science projects, and get an introduction to freshwater mussels in North Clackamas watersheds.

Register

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to support events like this that help protect water quality.

Webinar: Get to Know Your North Clackamas Watersheds Wildlife

Join the North Clackamas Watersheds Council and Mosaic Ecology LLC for a wildlife webinar on co-existing with local species and caring for our waterways.

Learn practical tips for living with beavers, hear highlights from recent community science projects, and get an introduction to freshwater mussels in North Clackamas watersheds.

Register

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to support events like this that help protect water quality.

Virtual Pollution Prevention Academy - Register by February 20!

Please register by February 20 for any or all classes!

Please join us for WES’ Pollution Prevention Academy, a voluntary webinar series where WES staff will cover a variety of topics relevant to commercial and industrial customers. Attend all four, or choose what you’re interested in.


Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permits — February 26, 2:00-3:30 PM
Who needs a permit and what a permit requires.


Monitoring and Reporting — March 5, 2:00-3:30 PM
Common permit sampling and reporting issues.

Johnson Creek Watershed Council's Watershed Wide Event

Johnson Creek is a unique waterway, providing home and habitat to lots of special wildlife and a lot of human communities. This event is a great time to come together and care for the creek and watershed as volunteers weed, plant and mulch helping to restore a healthier watershed.  For nearly 50 years, local residents have dedicated their time and energy to restore, repair, and clean Johnson Creek. Be a part of the legacy!

Stick around at the end for a free lunch!

Register here

Sewer Line Tap-In Fact Sheet

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

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Pollution Prevention Academy

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

FAQs

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