Frequently Asked Questions

FOG refers to fats, oils and grease that are generated from normal business operations of food service establishments (FSEs). Grease is commonly washed into the plumbing system during cleanup through the kitchen skink. As it cools, it congeals and decreases pipe capacity both inside the FSE and in the main sewer system. FOG can block your drain, your neighbors' drain and main collection lines, potentially becoming an environmental and public health risk.

Eliminating FOG-related sanitary sewer overflows is the goal of the new FOG program, led by the Water Resource Recovery Facility. Inspectors will routinely inspect kitchens and FSEs to ensure compliance with regulations. It is the responsibility of each business to develop an effective FOG waste management plan and properly dispose of FOG waste on a consistent basis.

All commercial and institutional cooking establishments as well as some non-cooking FSEs will be required to meet the regulations set forth in the ordinance. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, bars, schools, daycares, churches, nursing homes, bakeries, grocery stores, caterers and other food preparation operations.

A grease trap that is properly sized and installed to remove the FOG at your FSE is important. Following the suggested best management practices and routine maintenance of the trap will increase the probability of meeting the discharge limits of the ordinance. Indoor grease traps are much smaller in design and therefore need more maintenance to prevent the FOG from reaching the sanitary sewers. Make sure baffles and deflector shields are installed properly. 

The Water Resource Recovery Facility also recommends that dishwashers and garbage disposals bypass small, indoor grease traps as the FOG is emulsified by detergents, sending it on down the sanitary sewers.

If the trap is not cleaned frequently or correctly, it will not perform well and could put your FSE at risk of violating FOG discharge limits.

There is a 25% rule that applies to both grease interceptors and grease traps that states the FOG (floats to the top) and solids (settles to the bottom) content of the device should not be in excess of 25% of the grease interceptor/trap depth. Typically, cleaning frequencies for grease traps may be in the range of daily to weekly. Cleaning frequencies for grease interceptors can be expected to be monthly or quarterly.

This 25% rule allows the wastewater enough residence time inside the device to effectively remove the FOG and solids from the wastewater before it reaches the sanitary sewer system.

The single most important thing you can do to help extend the length of time between maintenance and saving your facility in maintenance expense is to use diligence in dry cleanup prior to wet cleanup. Scrape food debris in the garbage and dry-wipe the dishes prior to immersion in hot water (sink or dishwasher).

The City ordinance prohibits the use of enzymes, emulsifying chemicals, hot water or other agents as a grease abatement method to grease removal devices or drains. These chemicals keep the FOG emulsified long enough to become a serious problem downstream as dilution of the chemical allows for the FOG to congeal and decrease pipe capacity having the potential to cause a serious blockage and sanitary sewer overflow.

Please contact the Water Resource Recovery Facility for more information.

The Water Resource Recovery Facility will be performing unscheduled compliance inspections. The important items the Water Resource Recovery Facility will be checking are:

1. The grease removal device (interior grease trap or exterior grease interceptor) is under 25% full of FOG and solids. This will be done via physical inspection by the Water Resource Recovery Facility staff.
2. Maintenance records, including accurate measurements, are on-site and available at the request of the inspector. Records must be kept for a period of three years.
3. Any additional requirements from the official inspection report.

Enforcement actions could include, but not limited to, the following:

• Notice of violation without fine;
• Notice of violation with fines of up to $1,000;
• Civil penalties;
• Submission of a compliance plan;
• Installation of a properly sized, exterior grease interceptor; and
• Cleanup costs for sewer blockages.