FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) Regulations on the Rise

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As water leaves homes and businesses to be purified and returned to the water system, it is important that all debris and contaminants are removed, and this includes fats, oils, and grease. People are frequently told to avoid pouring fats and oils from cooking down a regular sink drain, but in commercial eateries, the amount of grease that can get down the drain is quite problematic. Recently the government has increased the regulations for restaurants and other commercial eateries regarding how they dispose of their fats, oils, and grease to help protect the environment and frequently oil separator interceptors are used to ensure of the proper disposal. Here is a summary of these regulations to help people understand what is expected of them and why.

Why The Regulations Have Been Increased

It is vital for all contaminants, including fats, oils, and grease to be removed from the water supply, but in addition to these materials posing a threat to human health, they can also damage the sewer system itself. Recently a great deal of work has needed to be done on certain portions of the sewer system following damage caused by these materials. They can also cause sanitary sewer overflows. The new regulations aim to help lower costs related to these contaminants.

Why it is Important for the Environment

There are many reasons why fats, oils, and grease (FOG) need to be kept out of the water system. The first reason, most obvious reason, is the risk they pose to humans and other animals and plants that rely on the water that emerges into homes and businesses. Water contaminated with oil is not safe to drink.

Similarly, these materials need to be kept out of the water systems to avoid polluting the general eco systems. Oily water will be equally dangerous for plants and animals in their native environments, just like any pollutant.

FOG also needs to be kept from the sewage system because of potential blockages they can cause. A buildup of these materials can prevent the system from flowing properly and can cause overflow. An overflow can pollute local lakes, streams, and other waterways with the unclean water from the sewage system.

What the New Regulations Entail

All food service establishments are required to have a grease removal device (GRD) to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system. A GRD is a simple device connected to the sewer line that separates the FOG from the water before it leaves the building. The GRD will need to be inspected and cleaned periodically by a preferred pumper, who can make sure the tool is working the way it is expected to. They will also note the level of FOG in the trap and make a FOG report to submit. It is recommended that during these inspections the food service establishment observes at minimum the first and last ten minutes so they are fully aware of what is going on. If a food service establishment chooses not to use a preferred pumper, they will be in charge of submitting the required reports to the proper authorities.

The new guidelines for food service establishments may be a bit cumbersome as people first begin to become accustomed to them; however they will soon become like second nature. They are in place to help protect the water supply for people and other living things while also reducing costs and pressure on the sewage system, which are two causes people should support.