Grease reduction

Improper disposal of oils and greases (O&G) can clog sewers and cause sewage back-ups in homes and businesses.

Oils and greases are found in most kitchens and food service establishments. About a third of the foods that we eat contain O&G, including meats, gravies, salad dressing, deep-fried food, cookies, and pastries.

Why is O&G a problem?

O&G are the main cause of sewer line blockages. These blockages are unhealthy and are difficult and expensive to clean up. When sewers become blocked, sewage may back up onto street, parking lots, and into nearby homes and businesses. O&G that get into the environment can damage fish and wildlife habitat.

Why should I care about O&G?

Because of the problems that O&G cause, we need to keep it from getting into the sewer system. WEP's rules prohibit the discharge of:

solid or viscous substances which may cause an obstruction to the flow in a sewer or other interference with the operation of the wastewater treatment facilities such as, but not limited to, grease...

The rules limit for the amount of oil and grease that can be present in wastewater to 150 milligrams per liter (parts per million). Fines for exceeding that amount be as high as $1000 per day per violation. If your business is found to be the cause of a sewer line blockage, you can also be held responsible for the costs of cleanup.

WEP works with the County Health Department to see that grease traps and interceptors are properly sized and installed at restaurants and food-processing facilities.

What do I need to do?

Be sure that have properly sized grease traps are installed at your facility. Grease traps look like large canisters under sinks and dishwashers.
You may also have a grease interceptor on your sewer line. Generally, these are located outside the building, in the parking areas or grass, and have a manhole cover to access the inside.
Be sure that both of these devices are inspected, cleaned, and emptied at least quarterly. Proper maintenance ensures trouble-free operation.
If your grease trap or interceptor is plugged or draining slowly, get it cleaned. Do Not run hot water or detergents down the drain—that just moves the problem a little farther down the line.
Look in the Yellow Pages under “septic tanks and systems,” “cleaning,” or “grease traps” to find company that can clean and maintain your grease traps and interceptors.

Biotreatment

Many companies are selling additives that claim to treat O&G and reduce maintenance costs. Some of these products contain microorganisms that are supposed to consume the O&G when added to grease traps and interceptors.

WEP prohibits the use of dispersants or enzymes that dissolve O&G in order to flush them down the sewer. They just move the O&G farther down where they cause a problem for you or someone else.

The use of microorganisms that consume grease is permitted. However, WEP does not endorse the use of these products since regular cleaning is still required.

All the facts

For additional P2 information, please contact Dave Colbert, 315-435-2260.