Catch Basin Cleaning & Maintenance Near Portland, OR

Catch basins are a common stormwater management tool and play a crucial role in collecting and diverting rainwater runoff. Regular maintenance of these systems is important to make sure they’re functioning properly when needed most.

In a city like Portland, with an average annual rainfall of 42 inches, stormwater management systems like catch basins are essential. A properly maintained catch basin protects your property, the surrounding environment, and public safety by preventing water buildup.

 

Catch Basin Cleaning & Maintenance Services

A catch basin is a storm drain that diverts water away from streets and infrastructure and into local water systems. Alpha Environmental supports homeowners and businesses in the greater Portland, Oregon area with catch basin cleaning and maintenance.

We will remove sediment and debris and perform the necessary environmental assessments to assist you in maintaining a clean and properly functioning catch basin. Our team provides expert maintenance to keep water flowing through the drain and protect the health of Oregon’s waterways.

 

Do I need Catch Basin Cleaning?

If you have a catch basin, then yes, regular cleaning maintenance is crucial for the health of your property and the surrounding environment. Catch basin cleaning and maintenance prevents pollutants from entering regional waterways and prevents clogs that cause flooding.

If you have a company that works with hazardous or potentially hazardous materials, you have a responsibility to protect local water systems. Regular cleaning protects and keeps you in compliance with local regulations.

How Does a Catch Basin Work?

Catch basins are a concrete, metal, or plastic structure built into the ground that works like a bucket. The basin is open on top to allow stormwater to flow in, has an outflow pipe inside to drain water into the local water system, and has a space at the bottom, called a sump, to contain sediment.

A grate covers the top to block any large pollutants or debris. Some catch basins include a filtration system to catch additional pollutants and hazards.

 

Maintenance Plans & Environmental Impact

Have your catch basin cleaned and maintained at least twice a year to encourage proper water flow into the drainage system—this includes clearing the grate, removing sediment from the basin, cleaning any additional filtration system built in, and addressing any damage.

Maintenance offers several benefits for the environment:

  • Reduces flooding that can cause environmental erosion
  • Prevents pollutants and hazards from entering local rivers and waterways
  • Protects animal habitats from contaminants
  • Prevents standing water that can bring insects and bacteria growth
  • Promotes compliance with local regulations

 

Benefits of Working with Us

At Alpha Environmental, we have a wealth of expertise in maintaining stormwater management systems for homeowners and businesses. With over 21 years of experience working in Portland and the surrounding areas in Oregon, we understand the steps necessary to assist you in maintaining a properly functioning system.

We will also adhere to all local regulations, environmental responsibilities, and safety measures while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. Whether you need catch basin cleaning, maintenance, or inspection, contact us today for expert support.

Frequently Asked Questions

A catch basin diverts stormwater away from property and roadways, preventing flooding and redirecting water to the local water system. Catch basins are also designed in a way that prevents trash, leaves, and other contaminants from entering and blocking the water systems.

How often you clean and maintain catch basins depends largely on your area, the frequency of storms, and the amount of sediment and debris present. In general, you should clean a catch basin twice per year at a minimum. If the basin is in an industrial area, it’s best to have the basin cleaned once per month to avoid contamination.

You should also inspect a catch basin after storms and have it cleaned as needed. If the basin is more than a third of the way filled with sediment, it needs maintenance.

Neglecting catch basin maintenance can result in obstructed outflow pipes, clogs, or poor water flow, which can cause flooding around the system, affecting infrastructure and public safety. Neglecting maintenance can also allow pollutants, like leaves, trash, and soil, to enter regional waterways.

The EPA has established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which prohibits the discharge of pollutants into sources like catch basins. If a catch basin is not cleaned regularly or maintained to prevent the flow of pollutants into the drainage system, especially in areas where hazardous waste is present, a business could be in violation.

 

Additional regulations depend on your city or local governing body. The City of Portland recommends cleaning catch basins if the level of sediment reaches one-third of the volume between the bottom of the basin and the outflow pipe. For environmental health reasons, the City also requires a solid and hazardous waste determination when disposing of buildup. 

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A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule

Why Choose Alpha Environmental

Our goal is to get the job done right while protecting our client. We are committed to ensuring you are safe in your residence, no matter what. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and here to help with all of your environmental needs.

Family Owned & Operated

We pride ourselves on strong company values that translate into service levels which go above and beyond average service providers

21+ Years Experience

For over two decades we've been doing the dirty work, serving residential and commercial customers in the greater Portland area

Care & Ownership

Our entire team is committed to ensuring your home or place of business is safe and every job gets done the right way

David D.
Lake Oswego, OR
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My wife and I experienced a hot water pipe busting in the crawlspace. It has been a total nightmare. However, Chris and his team provided expert quality care, with timeliness and the greatest degree of professionalism. I would HIGHLY recommend Alpha Enviornmental!
Zhanna S.
Beaverton, OR
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Can’t say enough about Alpha Environmental! Their costumer service is 10/10, they have really good systems in place, responsive, and professional. The gals in the scheduling department are always so kind! As a real estate agent, I use Alpha’s services numerous times a year. Either it’s for Mold bids, oil tank decommissioning, radon etc. They always do a fantastic job! Thank you for all the work you do!
Kristen L.
Portland, OR
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Wow where do I even begin?? We’re absolutely thrilled by the work Alpha has done for us and we’re eternally grateful to them for ridding our house of asbestos tile! They’re polite, kind, professional — from estimator Filo to manager Dame to Jake, Melvin and the other two guys on the crew (so sorry we didn’t get your names) — you guys are awesome and we so appreciate your help. Our house looks amazing. The peace of mind you’ve given us is priceless. We can’t thank you enough. We’ll certainly be in back in touch if we ever need any of your services again. Thank you thank you!!!
Jeff S.
Salem, OR
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Alpha environmental's employees were punctual, pleasant to work with and there services are reasonably priced. I highly recommend them because I would use them again in the future.
Lea C.
Tualatin, OR
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Took a water sample in for lead testing and they were so fast and helpful. Rodolfo was so nice and informative in explaining the testing and what it meant! Would definitely recommend everyone to go there and will go to them for any future needs!
Claire B.
Portland, OR
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Alpha environmental was extremely helpful in navigating me through the process of testing some leftover construction debris for asbestos so I could take it to the dump. Their office manager spent time with me on the phone discussing the options for sample collection, and was extremely friendly in answering my many questions. Sample drop off at the office was easy and the results even came back a few days earlier than expected. Will definitely return if I need more sampling done!
Jeff C.
Tigard, OR
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I would highly recommend anyone wanting, quick efficient services relating to environmental testing to check out Alpha Environmental. Not only was the staff friendly and responsive, but also professional! If I could 6 stars out of 5, I would!
Jotham P.
Portland, OR
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We used Alpha Environmental Services to conduct our home inspection, radon testing, sewer scope and oil tank decommissioning. Every part of their service was really professional. They took so many great photos of the house during the inspection and offered lots of explanation on what they found. Great team. Highly recommend!
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A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule