The OLWS field team performs field operations functions for the wastewater and stormwater management systems. The nature of these functions allows field staff to work in both areas depending on maintenance priorities. OLWS holds permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program (NPDES) for sewer and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) for stormwater, both of which require specific maintenance activities. In terms of the sewer system, the District maintains 100 miles of line, 5 pump stations, and 1 outfall. There are approximately 9,000 wastewater connections in our boundary area. The surface water infrastructure includes 3,000 catch basins, 36 acres of wetlands, 195 culverts, and 8 creeks. Primary maintenance functions are listed below:

• Line Cleaning/Jetting
• Line TV/Inspection
• Line Repairs (minor)
• Lift Station Maintenance
• Root Control
• Manhole Repair/Lifts
• Outfall Maintenance
• New Connection Inspections
• Erosion Control Inspections
• Fats Oils Grease (FOG) Program
• NPDES Field Reporting/Monitoring
• Locates
• Customer Response
• Catch Basin Cleaning
• Water Control Monitoring

Jurisdiction
OLWS provides wastewater services to homes and businesses within its boundaries. The District’s wastewater system totals approximately 100 miles of pipeline. All collected wastewater is processed through a treatment plant and the cleaned water is returned to the Willamette River. Permits are required for connection to the sanitary sewer, along with payment of system development charges and inspection charges. Call us before you proceed with construction or remodeling projects.

Right-of-Way
OLWS has authority over sanitary sewer lines within the public right-of-way or easements. These contain main (trunk) lines and side sewer laterals (branch) lines.

Private Property
OLWS defers authority over wastewater lines within private property to the Clackamas County Building / Plumbing Department. The District does have limited authority for commercial and industrial users’ wastewater system facilities on private property in order to protect the wastewater treatment plant’s integrity. 

Capacity
OLWS provides wastewater collection and treatment of wastewater for a population equivalency of approximately 29,000 people in an approximately 6.5 square mile area in an urbanized area of unincorporated Clackamas County as well as portions of the City of Gladstone.

Can the Wipes & Other Non-Flushable Items
There are many convenience items on the market right now that are marketed as "flushable" - BUT ARE NOT!  The bulk of these items are wipes intended for everything from household cleaning to personal hygiene. These items bind together at our treatment plant and become MEGA-WIPES.  These huge bundles of wipes can damage the treatment plant equipment (like pumps), which ultimately effects rate-payers. Remember: Flush water, toilet paper, bodily waste - and nothing else.