FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) Commercial Program
Sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) and sewer line maintenance due to FOG (fats, oils and grease) waste have been on the rise. This has prompted stricter enforcement of Ordinances and Regulations governing FOG discharge into the sewer system. Enforcement requires the installment and proper maintenance of a pretreatment device commonly know as a GRD (grease removal device). There are two types of GRDs:
- Grease Trap (indoor) - Intended for limited food or drink preparation, typically found very close to a pre-wash sink.
- Grease Interceptor (outdoor) - Intended for food and drink operations, found outside because of large capacity for FOG materials and its lower maintenance costs.
All FSE (Food Service Establishments) are required to have a grease removal device.
Do I need a grease trap or interceptor?
If your facility is providing any type of food or drink service you are required to have a GRD connected to the kitchen’s sewer system. Other helpful hints: If you are licensed by the Health Department or Department of Agriculture or engage in providing a large number of meals you are required to have a Grease Removal Device (GRD).
What is a GRD (Grease Removal Device)? How does it work?
A GRD is a piece of equipment connected to the sewer line close to the source of FOG (fats, oils and grease) being discharged. It is made up of a baffle system inside intended to slow the discharge long enough for the FOG to separate from the gray water (retention time). The FOG floats to the top of the reservoir inside the device, gray water flows through the the sewer system and food particles drop to the bottom of the reservoir.
Do I have a grease trap?
If you are not sure, please contact Vince Chavez at Clean Water Services (503) 681-4431 or email fog@cleanwaterservices.org.
FOG Training Materials for kitchen staff/FSE Management
FOG Training is a Best Management Practice (BMP) for kitchen operations
A FSE (food service establishment) can request a technical assistance visit to learn how to stay in compliance. No penalty action will occur on the first visit. Please contact Vince Chavez at Clean Water Services (503) 681-4431 or fog@cleanwaterservices.org to arrange your first technical assistance inspection.
How should a Preferred Pumper or other rendering companies service my GRD?
Management should observe and inspect service performed.
Trap
- Vacuum out all FOG and food debris
- Scrape sides and lid (remove all 3D debris)
- Take out baffle and scrape clean
- Check and clean inspection port, opened and cleaned
- Pour water down side to flush waste to bottom for pump out
- FSE inspect for quality of work performed before it is filled with water and closed
- FES or Preferred Pumper note any damage or needed repairs on FOG report
- FSE or Preferred Pumper note FOG level and solid level on FOG report
- FSE or Preferred Pumper submit FOG report
Interceptor
FSE should observe the first and last 10 minutes of the process at minimum.
- Either plunge vacuum wand up and down while taking out waste or leave wand at bottom and scrape all sides of vault in a plunging motion with a scraper wand.
- Pressure wash all FOG material to bottom of vaults (walls, fittings) and vacuum into truck.
- There should be no visible FOG material and inlet/outlet tees should be very clean.
- Note any damage or needed repairs.
- FSE needs to inspect quality of service when done.
- FSE or Preferred Pumper note any repairs needed on FOG report.
- FSE or Preferred Pumper note FOG level and solid level on FOG report.
- FSE or Preferred Pumper submit FOG report.
The Preferred Pumper list is made up of companies that agree to:
- A standard performance level. The lists above are an agreement of standards.
- Notice to Authorities at least one week prior to a scheduled pump out. This allows inspectors to schedule random monitoring to assure standards are kept.
- Submit required FOG reports to the proper Authority having jurisdiction (within 10days).
- FSEs not using a Preferred Pumper must submit required reports.
Watch a video about best practices for using a rendering company to service your Grease Removal Device.
What if I don’t install a grease trap?
In the near future all FSEs (Food Service Establishments) will be required to have an appropriately sized and maintained GRD (Grease Removal Device) to protect the public sewer system. Fines may be imposed for non-compliance. Without a GRD, you may have encountered sewer back-ups or may be facing one soon. Current regulations state that a facility causing a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) is in violation of the Clean Water Act and enforcement actions may have the facility pay for all costs involved.
Read the Rules and Regulations:
How can I be sure I am in compliance with the rules?
- Proper maintenance of this device is removing the accumulated FOG and solids on a 25% to 30% capacity rule. After the device has reached 25% capacity of both FOG and solids, FOG begins to pass through, so proper maintenance is essential to stay in compliance and save on equipment costs.
- FSEs must keep records of GRD pump outs for inspection.
- FSEs or Preferred Pumpers must submit all required reports.
What is the criteria for grease trap/interceptor inspections?
All restaurants will now be on an inspection schedule. All kitchen facility operations are different, so one standard can't be used to determine GRD size and/or cleaning frequency. The grease trap/interceptor shall be inspected using the following criteria:
- If the trap is in good condition, you will be advised to keep an eye on the maintenance schedule and kitchen operations.
- If a trap/interceptor is found in fair condition you will be issued a non-compliance order. You will need to increase cleaning frequency and/or improve your BMP (best management practices) policy for kitchen operations.
- If the trap/interceptor is found in poor condition you will be issued a non-compliance order to have the grease removal device cleaned immediately and enter into a penalty phase. The facility will also have 30 days to submit invoices of cleaning as proof of corrective action to the issuing authority.
Remember
If you have a grease trap/interceptor, maintain it properly. Work out a specific cleaning schedule right for your restaurant. All GRD's need to have the separated FOG cleaned out periodically. Frequent cleaning can eliminate smells associated with a poorly maintained GRD. Chemicals and extremely hot water only push the problem further down the sewer. It does not go away. You can hire a Preferred Pumper to maintain your GRD and handle the required paper work for the control authority. Stop FOG at the source to prevent overflows and additional cost.