Groundwater Protection Program

Businesses using chemicals or hazardous materials over specified amounts must: 

• Complete a free annual pollution prevention training. 
• Create and maintain a spill response plan and team.  
• Submit an annual report and site plan.  
• Place spill kits, signs and other spill control measures on site. 
• Use secondary containment for hazardous chemical storage.

City staff provide free training and on-site technical assistance.

Best management practices 

• Select non-toxic or low-toxicity chemical alternatives. 
• Safely contain toxic products.
• Train employees how to safely use, transport, store, and clean-up toxic products.
• Stock supplies for cleaning up spills. 
• Safely dispose of toxic products. 
• Keep storage and use areas clean. 

The City expanded the groundwater protection area. Business new to the groundwater protection program are required to meet the following regulatory requirements. The requirements are applied in phases.

 Due June 28, 2024

Phase 1:  Reporting and operational requirements

• Submit Annual Report & Site Plan 
• Annual training completed for staff
• Spill Plan & Spill Groups implemented
• Preliminary and final phase 1 Inspections complete 
• Plan in place for meeting phase 2 requirements

Due June 28, 2025

 Phase 2: Minor cost structural systems placed.

• Submit Annual Report and Site Plan – annual requirement 
• Annual training completed for staff – annual requirement 
• Preliminary and final phase 2 inspections complete
• Plan in place for meeting Phase 3 requirements, if needed

 Due June 28, 2026

 Phase 3: Moderate cost structural systems placed

• Submit Annual Report and Site Plan – annual requirement   
• Annual training completed for staff – annual requirement
• Preliminary and final phase 3 Inspections complete
• Plan in place for meeting phase 4 requirements, if needed

 Due June 28, 2027

 Phase 4: Major structural systems placed

•  Submit Annual Report and Site Plan – annual requirement 
•  Annual Training completed for staff – annual requirement
•  Preliminary and Final Phase 2 Inspections complete 

The summary below lists the types of chemicals and quantities of chemicals regulated under the Groundwater Protection Program.  

• Halogenated solvents: 10 gallons or 100 pounds at ≥10% concentration by weight. 
  • Including industrial cleaners, glues, and degreasers. 
• Hazardous substances: 50 gallons or 400 pounds at ≥10% concentration by weight. 
• DEQ hazardous wastes: 30 gallons or 220 pounds, at any concentration.  
• Petroleum products, except fuels: 50 gallons or 400 pounds at ≥10% concentration by weight, stored in any single container with capacity >50 gallons. 
• Petroleum-based liquid fuels (gasoline and diesel): 50 gallons or 400 pounds, stored in any single container with capacity >50 gallons.   

The cities of Gresham, Portland and Fairview manage the Groundwater Protection Program. There are now three wellfields that are protected to keep groundwater safe. Gresham expanded the protection area to include the Cascade wellfield. The expanded area provides greater protection to the underground aquifer that supplies drinking water. 

View the groundwater protection area map. 

City staff inspect businesses periodically to ensure compliance with groundwater protection regulations. The site inspection includes: 

• A risk assessment, based on chemicals used and the quantities stored.  
• Storage methods and storage location. 
• How chemicals are transported on and off-site.  
• Spill risk level and spill areas.  

City staff provide free training to businesses located in the protected groundwater well field. Training includes:  

• Learning the potential risks to groundwater from hazardous materials.  
• Understanding spill response and contacting authorities.
• Locating and reading the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
• Training personnel to handle spill control and response. 
• Reviewing a Facility Information Report.  
• Reporting and procedures. 
• Proper spill equipment for your site.
• Proper secondary containment systems for your site.  

You can attend an annual training, schedule a time with City staff or watch our training video.

• Online reporting instructions
• Cascade Protection Program reference manual
• Columbia South Shore Protection Program reference manual
• Groundwater Protection Program employee training 
• EPA list of chemicals subject to reporting requirements