Chapter 15.05
FATS, OILS AND GREASE
Sections:
15.05.040 GREASE INTERCEPTOR REQUIREMENT.
15.05.060 ENZYMES, BACTERIA AND OTHER AGENTS.
15.05.070 INSPECTION, MONITORING AND REPORTING.
15.05.080 VIOLATION - PENALTY.
15.05.010 ADMINISTRATION.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the Director. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007)
15.05.020 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this chapter is to aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions from contributions and accumulation of animal- or vegetable-derived fats, oil, and greases discharged to the wastewater system from multifamily complexes and industrial or commercial establishments, particularly food preparation and serving facilities.
The objectives of this program are to use reasonable and technically feasible controls to protect the health and safety of the community and:
(a) Eliminate sanitary sewer overflows.
(b) Reduce the amount of fats, oils, and grease discharged to the wastewater system.
(c) Reduce maintenance costs for the wastewater system.
(d) Improve operation of wastewater system.
(e) Reduce maintenance cost for the treatment plant facility operations. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007)
15.05.030 APPLICABILITY.
This chapter applies to all food processing establishments, food sales establishments, food service establishments, and any other facility that discharges polar grease to the wastewater system and is located within the boundaries of the City’s wastewater system on or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007)
15.05.040 GREASE INTERCEPTOR REQUIREMENT.
(a) Fats, Oils and Grease Control Program. All facilities are required to implement and maintain a fats, oils and grease control program. The goal of the program is to implement reasonable and technically feasible controls of free-floating fat, oil and grease. The basic components of the program should include:
(1) A written program articulating management and corporate support for the plan and a commitment to implement planned activities and achieve established goals through the implementation and enforcement of best management practices.
(2) A description of the facility type and a summary of the products made and/or service provided.
(3) A description of current reduction, recycling and treatment activities.
(4) Schematics of the process areas illustrating drains and discharge points connected to the sanitary sewer.
(5) Specific performance goals and implementation schedule.
(6) Initial training for new employees and refresher training every six (6) months.
(b) New Facilities. On or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, food processing establishments, food sales establishments, or food service establishments which are newly proposed or constructed shall be required to install, operate and maintain an approved type and adequately sized grease interceptor necessary to maintain compliance with requirements as described in the Engineering Design and Construction Standards for interceptor/grease trap of this chapter.
(c) Existing Facilities with Grease Removal. On or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, existing food processing establishments, food sales establishments, or food service establishments shall be permitted to operate and maintain existing grease interceptors or grease traps; provided, that the equipment is in efficient operating condition. All such establishments are required to develop and implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce the quantity of fats, oil and grease discharged to the wastewater system. Any facilities that are known to cause grease-related cleaning activities in the wastewater system, a grease-related wastewater system overflow or fail to implement and enforce BMPs will be required to install a properly sized and functioning grease interceptor designed to meet the City’s grease control requirements as described in the Engineering Design and Construction Standards for interceptor/grease trap of this chapter. (Polar and nonpolar fats, oils and greases in amounts that cause a visible sheen on the discharge or in the wastewater system, a build-up of grease in any wastewater, which accumulations, either alone or in combination with other discharges, cause an obstruction of the wastewater system or any water or waste which contains more than one hundred (100) parts per million (1,000,000) by weight of fats, oils and grease as measured using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR Part 136.) Installation must be completed within ninety (90) calendar days from notification by the City or as otherwise specified by other governing agencies.
(d) Existing Facilities with/without Grease Removal. Establishments that:
(1) Expand by twenty-five percent (25%) their seating capacity for food service; or
(2) Renovate or remodel and a grease interceptor can be installed for twenty-five percent (25%) or less than the total cost of the remodel; or
(3) Are known to cause grease-related cleaning activities in the wastewater system; or
(4) Contributed to a grease-related wastewater system overflow; or
(5) Fail to implement and enforce BMPs;
will be required to install a properly sized and functioning grease interceptor designed to meet the City’s grease control requirements as described in the Engineering Design and Construction Standards for interceptor/grease trap of this chapter. (Polar and nonpolar fats, oils and greases in amounts that cause a visible sheen on the discharge or in the wastewater system, a build-up of grease in any wastewater system, which accumulations, either alone or in combination with other discharges, cause an obstruction of the wastewater system or any water or waste which contains more than one hundred (100) parts per million (1,000,000) by weight of fats, oils and grease as measured using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR Part 136.) Installation must be completed within ninety (90) calendar days from notification by the City or as otherwise specified by other governing agencies.
(e) Variance from Grease Interceptor Requirements. Grease interceptors required under this chapter shall be installed unless the City authorizes the installation of a grease trap or other alternative pretreatment technology after determining that the installation of a grease interceptor would not be feasible due to space constraints or other considerations. The facility bears the burden of demonstrating that the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible and that the variance will not cause the facility any problems in meeting the requirements as described in the Engineering Design and Construction Standards for interceptor/grease trap of this chapter. (Polar and nonpolar fats, oils and greases in amounts that cause a visible sheen on the discharge or in the wastewater system, a build-up of grease in any wastewater system, which accumulations, either alone or in combination with other discharges, cause an obstruction of the wastewater system or any water or waste which contains more than one hundred (100) parts per million (1,000,000) by weight of fats, oils and grease as measured using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR Part 136.) The request for an alternate grease removal device or grease trap shall contain the following information:
(1) Detailed explanation of the reason(s) that the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible.
(2) Location of the wastewater system in relation to available exterior space outside the building.
Alternative pretreatment technology includes, but is not limited to, devices that are used to trap, separate, and hold grease from wastewater and prevent it from being discharged into the wastewater system. Any alternative technology must result in a discharge that meets the requirements as described: polar and nonpolar fats, oils and greases in amounts that cause a visible sheen on the discharge or in the wastewater system, a build-up of grease in any wastewater system, which accumulations either alone or in combination with other discharges cause obstruction of the wastewater system or any water or waste which contains more than one hundred (100) parts per million (1,000,000) by weight of fats, oils and grease as measured using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR Part 136. The City, prior to installation, must approve any alternative pretreatment technology. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007. Formerly 15.05.050)
15.05.050 STANDARDS.
(a) Grease Interceptor.
(1) Each facility is solely responsible for the cost of the grease interceptor installation, inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
(2) Grease interceptor sizing and installation shall conform to the requirements contained in the latest version of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or other criteria as determined on a case-by-case basis based on review of relevant information, including, but not limited to, grease interceptor performance, waste stream characteristics, facility location, maintenance needs, and/or inspection needs. The aforementioned determinations may or may not conform to the Uniform Plumbing Code construction standards or sizing criteria for grease interceptors or similar devices. The minimum capacity of an exterior grease interceptor will be based on DFUs (Drainage Fixture Unit). Supporting sizing calculations shall be submitted to the City.
(3) Grease interceptors shall be designed using standard engineering principles for sedimentation and flotation in gravity separators. The grease interceptor will have a minimum of two (2) compartments with fittings designed for grease retention.
(4) Grease interceptors shall be installed in accordance with the Engineering Design and Construction Standards.
(5) Grease interceptors shall be installed at a location where it is easily accessible for sample collection, inspection, and cleaning and removal of retained grease. The grease interceptor may not be installed in any part of the building, unless preapproved, and the location must meet the approval of the City.
(6) Grease interceptors shall be located in the food service establishment’s lateral line between all fixtures which may introduce grease into the wastewater system and the connection to the wastewater system. Such fixtures shall include but not be limited to sinks, dishwashers, floor drains for food preparation and storage areas, mop sinks, and any other fixture which is determined to be a potential source of grease.
(7) Grease interceptors must be vented.
(8) Flushing the grease interceptor with water having a temperature in excess of one hundred forty (140) degrees Fahrenheit is prohibited (maximum temperature for effect on concrete).
(9) Grease interceptors shall be equipped with a sampling port at the outlet of the interceptor. Inspection tees and manholes must enable the City to monitor and test the discharge for compliance with City requirements or to allow monitoring and testing in accordance with the rules and regulations of other federal, state or local agency having governmental or contractual jurisdiction within the wastewater system.
(10) Access manholes, with a minimum diameter of twenty-four (24) inches, shall be provided over each chamber and sanitary tee. The access manholes shall extend at least to finished grade and be designed to prevent water inflow or infiltration. The manholes shall also have readily removable covers to facilitate inspection, cleaning and removal of retained grease and sample collection. Riser maximum will not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
(11) Grease interceptors shall be considered out of compliance if the total volume of grease and solids displaces more than twenty-five (25) percent of the effective volume of the final chamber of the interceptor. Grease interceptors must be serviced and emptied of accumulated waste content as required maintaining a minimum design capability or effective volume, but not less than once every ninety (90) calendar days. If a facility determines that cleaning every ninety (90) calendar days is unnecessary in order to remain in compliance with requirements, the facility may make a written application for a variance from the cleaning schedule.
(12) Sanitary wastes (restroom wastes) cannot be introduced into the grease interceptor.
(13) Any facility that has a grease interceptor shall maintain a pumping contract with a licensed grease pumping company. The pumping company will pump the interceptor on a regular schedule without notification from the food service. The pumping company will notify the City if the contract is canceled by either party.
(14) Wastes removed from a grease interceptor shall be disposed of at a facility permitted to receive such waste. Neither grease, solids nor liquids removed from grease interceptors shall be returned to any grease interceptor, private sanitary sewer line, any portion of the wastewater system or any portion of the stormwater system.
(15) All facilities shall maintain a written record of inspection and maintenance activities and the rendering/disposal company manifest for a minimum of three (3) years. All such records shall be submitted to the City and made available for on-site inspection during all operating hours.
(b) Grease Trap. Each facility is solely responsible for the cost of the grease trap installation, inspection, cleaning and maintenance.
(1) Grease trap sizing and installation shall conform to the requirements contained in the latest version of the Uniform Plumbing Code or other criteria as determined on a case-by-case basis based on review or relevant information, including, but not limited to, grease trap performance, waste stream characteristics, facility location, maintenance needs, and/or inspection needs, but in no case will the grease trap be less than twenty (20) gallons per minute flow rate. The aforementioned determinations may or may not conform to the Uniform Plumbing Code construction standards or sizing criteria for grease traps or similar devices.
(2) Grease traps shall be designed using standard engineering principles for sedimentation and flotation in gravity separators.
(3) Grease traps shall be installed in accordance with the Engineering Design and Construction Standards.
(4) Grease traps shall be installed at a location where it is easily accessible for sample collection, inspection, and cleaning and removal of retained grease.
(5) Grease traps shall be located in the food service establishment’s lateral line between all fixtures which may introduce grease into the wastewater system and the connection to the wastewater system. Such fixtures shall include sinks, drains and other fixtures for food preparation and storage areas, and any other fixture which is determined to be a potential source of grease. Fixtures such as waste disposal units and dishwashers shall not be connected to the grease trap.
(6) Flushing the grease trap with water having a temperature in excess of one hundred forty (140) degrees Fahrenheit is prohibited.
(7) Grease traps shall be equipped with a device to control the rate of flow through the unit. The rate of flow shall not exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity recommended in gallons per minute for the unit.
(8) Grease traps shall be considered out of compliance if the total volume of grease and solids displaces more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the effective volume of the chamber. The facility and inspector will determine and document the mutually agreed upon maintenance schedule and complete debris removal frequency.
(9) Sanitary wastes (restroom wastes) cannot be introduced into the grease trap.
(10) Neither grease, solids nor liquids removed from grease traps shall be returned to any grease trap, private sanitary sewer line, any portion of the wastewater system or any portion of the stormwater system.
(11) All facilities shall maintain a written record of inspection and maintenance activities for a minimum of three (3) years. All such records shall be made available for on-site inspection by representatives of the City during all operating hours. (Ord. 5376 §4, 2019: Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007. Formerly 15.05.060)
15.05.060 ENZYMES, BACTERIA AND OTHER AGENTS.
The direct addition into the building plumbing, grease trap or interceptor of enzymes, chemicals or other agents designed to emulsify the grease compounds is prohibited. Grease trap or interceptor design and sizing criteria are based on gravimetric separation for grease and solids removal. The addition of enzymes or chemical emulsion agents would impede the gravimetric separation and defeats the purpose of the grease trap or interceptor. Any attempt to modify the trap or interceptor into a biological reactor by adding bacterial or microbial agents is also prohibited. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007. Formerly 15.05.070)
15.05.070 INSPECTION, MONITORING AND REPORTING.
(a) The City shall inspect food processing establishments, food sales establishments, or food service establishments on both a scheduled and unscheduled, unannounced basis to determine whether the requirements set forth in this chapter are being met.
(b) Food processing establishments, food sales establishments, or food service establishments shall allow City officials and other duly authorized employees or agents of the City bearing proper credentials and identifications access at all reasonable times or during normal hours of operation to all parts of the premises for the purpose of inspection, observation, records examination, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The City shall have the right to set up on any user’s property devices necessary for conducting wastewater sampling inspection, compliance monitoring and/or metering operations. All costs for laboratory collection and analysis shall be the responsibility of the food processing establishments, food sales establishments, or food service establishments.
(c) Each food processing establishment, food sales establishment, or food service establishment shall retain maintenance records with the following information for each grease removal device located on the premises. The records shall be kept a minimum of three (3) years and provided to the city upon request.
(1) Date of service.
(2) Volume pumped (gallons).
(3) Name of waste hauler.
(4) Waste disposal location. (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007. Formerly 15.05.080)
15.05.080 VIOLATION - PENALTY.
(a) Any violation of any provision of this chapter constitutes a civil violation under Chapter 1.04 BMC for which a monetary penalty may be assessed and abatement may be required as provided therein.
(b) In addition to, or as an alternative to, any other penalty provided in this chapter or by law, any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to BMC 1.12.020(2). (Ord. 5250 §1 (part), 2014: Ord. 5009 §2 (part), 2007. Formerly 15.05.090)