Title
Water/Wastewater Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program
Explanation
The purpose of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program is to reduce sewer system overflows, reduce the amount of oil and grease discharged to the wastewater collection system, reduce maintenance costs of the wastewater collection system and improve operation of the wastewater collection system.
The presence of FOG in the wastewater collection system leads to blockages in the pipes that result in sanitary sewer (wastewater) overflows. Over the past 5 years, over half of the SSOs in GRU’s service area were due to the improper disposal of residential grease and toiletries. Contrastingly, during that time, there have been no SSOs from commercial FOG, due to the effectiveness of GRU’s Commercial FOG Program.
In accordance with Section 27-180.2 of Gainesville’s Code of Ordinance, GRU operates a Commercial FOG program that requires all food service establishments (FSEs) in the service area to submit a Grease Interceptor permit application to GRU. GRU reviews these permits and determines if a grease interceptor is needed for the establishment. The capacity and pump out frequency of the grease interceptor is determined by GRU; however, it is the responsibility of the FSE to own, operate and maintain the interceptor. FSEs (or their grease haulers) are required to submit proof of maintenance (cleaning logs or pump out verification) to GRU. GRU has two environmental inspectors that monitor commercial FOG compliance and a Program Coordinator that administers program operations and enforcement actions. Enforcement actions begin with education to our customers but escalate to compliance letters and fines for FSEs with continued violations.
The FOG Program monitors and inspects more than 650 FSEs that discharge to GRU’s wastewater collection system. FSEs include restaurants, hospitals, schools and other businesses/institutions with commercial kitchens.
Regular activities within the FOG Program in...
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