Environmental Services Director Mike Jordan got out on the Columbia Slough recently to take a look at some of the infrastructure and natural areas that provide Portland's ecosystem and stormwater services.

Mike toured the upper slough with Multnomah Drainage District (MCDD) Director Reed Wagner, BES Columbia Slough Watershed Manager Nancy Hendrickson and BES ecologist Dave Helzer.

The city has stormwater and sewer facilities all around the slough floodplain and near the waterway.  In addition to miles of pipes and many pump stations, there’s also green infrastructure like the Mason Flats wetland that filters pollutants and provides habitat for native birds and wildlife.  

Environmental Services and MCDD both have stormwater management responsibilities in the slough area. MCDD is responsible for internal drainage of the land, and BES is in charge of stormwater management and conveyance, and water quality. Both agencies are also part of the regional Levee Ready Columbia project.