FOG and Businesses
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) issued a General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments effective September 30, 2005, and reissued October 5, 2015.
The General Permit was issued to reduce the volume of animal fat, cooking oils, and frying grease discarded in wastewater. Liquefied fat, oil, or grease (FOG) discharged to the sanitary sewer system can accumulate at any location within the system.
Overtime, this accumulation can decrease the capacity or entirely block sanitary sewer lines, causing untreated wastewater to overflow the collection system. Wastewater overflows can pose a threat to human health and the environment.
Program Policy
On February 12, 2007 (updated July 21, 2008), the WPCA adopted a FOG Program Policy to reduce the amount of FOG discharged into the sanitary sewer system in order to protect all public, private and environmental interests. The WPCA, in accordance with the General Permit authorized by CTDEEP, requires all Class II, III and IV food preparation establishments to install an Outdoor, In-Ground Grease Interceptor.
(Above) Private lateral and City sewer pipe with FOG
Ways to protect your business
The WPCA works cooperatively with food establishments to ensure that proper measures are in place to keep FOG from creating wastewater backups that can cause serious impacts to your business and the wastewater collection system. The following measures can be used to help manage FOG:
- Install an in-ground grease interceptor per the FOG General Permit Requirements
- Install a pretreatment system, in the form of a grease recovery unit to assist with removing FOG from related sinks and drains
- Remove, scrape and wipe contents from plates and pans into garbage containers or compost receptables prior to washing
- Provide screens in sinks and drains to collect missed scraps
- Maintain grease recovery units in accordance with manufacturing and local authority requirements
- Educate and communicate: review daily FOG prevention practices with new and current staff
- Record keeping: keep a grease recovery unit maintenance log current
Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Chris Cavaliere
203-854-3235
ccavaliere@norwalkct.gov
