Public Works: Surface Water Management

The Surface Water Management (SWM) program was implemented July 1, 1990, to comply with federal regulations to protect the quality of storm water runoff within the City of Forest Grove.

This includes responding to hazardous material spills that may potentially discharge into the storm or sanitary sewer and enforcing construction rules for erosion control.

The City retains 75% of the SWM fee to offset the maintenance responsibility; the other 25% goes to Clean Water Services.  The SWM fees are to be used for maintenance of storm water conveyance systems and include catch basin maintenance, storm pipe TV inspection and cleaning, street sweeping, and the annual leaf pickup program.  See Master Plan Map.

Annual Leaf Pickup Program
The City provides a leaf pickup service in the fall to protect the City’s storm drains from becoming clogged with leaves causing water to back up and creating flooding hazards.  The leaf pick up schedule is determined in the early fall and publicized in the local newspaper, in the utility bill insert, and on the City’s website.  Leaves are to be placed in the street on the scheduled date for neighborhood areas (see map).  Crews will be in the area within 1-3 days of the scheduled date.  Rake leaves approximately 2 feet from the curb or parked cars to allow rainwater to run freely along the curb to storm drains.  This service is intended for leaves that fall from “street trees” located in the City’s right-of-way next to the street.  Citizens should use the green yard debris roller carts for leaves that fall in their yards.  Yard debris containers are picked up weekly by Waste Management.