Gresham Offers Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance

It's hard to believe that it won't be this sunny forever but live in Oregon long enough (usually a couple of months is all it takes) and you know that as sunny as it might be, the rain is never really that far away.

As a result, the City of Gresham twice a year runs a Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program. They hold it once during the spring and once during the fall.

It's that time again.

"Businesses with only one or two drains have found they're able to save more than $100 with this program because they are able to avoid the typical drain cleaning mobilization fee," said Keri Handaly, SCAP program coordinator for Gresham.

"Removing dirt, oil and debris from drains also helps improve water quality in our local streams. We find businesses return to this program year after year."

The storm drains on public streets are cleaned by each city's public works department as part of an overall program to protect and enhance the water quality of streams, wetlands and ground water.

Businesses that sign up through this coordinated program will have storm drains cleaned for a $45 flat fee by a private company.

The city says that companies often charge $120 or more to mobilize and clean one drain and add fees for additional drains. However, through this program, the fee is $45 per drain, which makes the service more affordable, especially for small businesses.

Gresham has offered this cost-effective stormdrain cleaning program since 2003; over the years the service area has been expanded to include the cities of Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village.

To participate in the program, businesses may register online at www.GreshamOregon.gov/SCAP. The deadline to sign up is October 1, 2016. Questions? Contact Christa Thompson at 503-618-2522.

Photo: Robert Lawton via Wikimedia Commons