LANE COUNTY STORM DRAIN CLEANING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACCEPTING BUSINESS SIGNUPS THROUGH MAY

News Release from Lane Co. Government

Posted on FlashAlert: April 15th, 2024 7:51 AM

After launching last fall, Lane County’s Storm Water Management Program is back and accepting business applicants.

This voluntary program allows businesses in Lane County to help maintain storm drains for a reduced flat fee of $65 per drain. Last fall, nearly 100 businesses from across Lane County signed up to participate in the program, which Lane County coordinates in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS).

Lane County-based businesses can sign up each fall and spring in anticipation of heavy rainfall and more water entering the storm drain systems. To register a company for the fall program, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP and sign up by May 31.

Storm water often drains directly into rivers and streams without treatment, resulting in pollutants from parking lots and roadways contributing to water quality issues. Storm drain cleaning and maintenance are vital in ensuring clean waterways by removing contaminants like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers while reducing parking lot flooding.

“We all have a vested interest in keeping our community’s waterways clean,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Supervisor Angie Marzano. “This is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to make a real difference in those efforts while meeting their responsibilities.”

Businesses are responsible for cleaning and maintaining privately owned storm drains in their parking lots. The program aims to make this service more affordable and encourage biannual cleanings.

The $65 per drain fee covers debris removal from standard parking lot drains, power washing in and around the drain, and disposal of all contaminated sediment. The program does not cover additional fees for jetting, repair, or oversized storm drains.

Interested businesses can register or get more information at LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@ LaneCountyOR.gov.