If you’re lucky enough to own a grease trap (yes, connoisseurs over here we consider it a privilege) you’re probably aware that proper upkeep and maintenance comes with a fair number of rules and regulations.
Unsurprisingly, for a practice that involves disposing of potentially dangerous waste into public water supplies, the Environmental Protection Agency has a stake in ensuring that such practices are done safely.
With the recent announcement of a $158,645,000 water infrastructure project in the state of Georgia, we thought it an appropriate time to take a look at who, what, where, and why’s around grease trap regulation.
Federal Fats, Oil and Grease (FOGs) and the Clean Water Act
When it comes to Grease Traps, the main legislative act that you need to be aware of is the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). You can read about it all in full, but in a nutshell, the CWA’s main objectives are to,
“Maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters, and to achieve wherever attainable, the goal of providing for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, wildlife and providing for recreation and on the water.”
While we know that you dear reader are upholding citizens of the law, not everyone is so virtuous. The EPA lists several cases where individuals and businesses have been charged for violating the water act – and there have even been cases of grease trap servicing companies doing the ‘dirty’ when it comes to proper disposal.
$200,000 and a 36-month probation fine later, we’re sure that didn’t feel like such a smart move.
Grease Trap Requirements by County
For anyone running a commercial business that involves the use of grease traps, it shouldn’t be news that proper upkeep is not only expected but is mandatory by law. Dependent on the size of your business, there is a minimum expectation for grease, oil, and sand interceptors or traps to be expected and maintained:
• Monthly for establishments serving an average of 200 or more customers per day
• Quarter for establishments serving an average of 1-200 customers per day.
The GA EPD requires that all grease be transported and removed by a permitted transporter and disposed of at a state-certified grease collection site. The kicker? It is illegal for you to clean under the sink grease trap and attempt to dispose of waste materials yourself.
You can read the Fulton County, GA legislation when it comes to the commercial disposal of waste treatment in full here. (Sec. 82.251 on). The good folks at the Government of Cornelia Georgia have also put together a helpful document, that gives you the essential Grease Trap Requirements in a simple one-pager.
Keeping your Grease Trap Clean and Compliant
The simplest way to keep your business compliant with all federal and local government standards is to understand your specific needs and to maintain a basic schedule of requirements.
At the most fundamental you need to be aware of two things – the size of your grease trap and the volume of customers you serve. Each of these will impact how regularly you need to clean your trap and organize for any excess waste to be disposed of.
Most counties in Georgia enforce a strict regulation of FOG requirements – so the onus is on you as a business owner to ensure you’re doing your bit. Fortunately, that’s where Environmental Remedies step in.
How We Can Help You With Grease Trap Regulation
We see ourselves as partners rather than just providers, and as a result, provide a fully consultative approach when it comes to grease trap maintenance. This includes regular schedules for cleaning and disposal, reminders of due dates based on your local regulations, and even support in managing your documentation and engagement with official channels to ensure you’re always in the green.
To put it simply, we do the work for you, so you can concentrate on what you do best – serving up happy customers every day.
To speak to one of our agents, get in touch today via phone or email and we’ll be happy to run you through any questions you might have.
FOG Regulations by State
Looking for a county-by-county run-down of the FOG ordinances? We’ve got you – here’s a list of specific regulations for the major counties and cities in GA:
• Gwinnett County
• Fulton County
• DeKalb County
• Cobb County
• Clayton County
• Savannah
• Cherokee County
• Forsyth County
Still, looking for more? Why not check out our recent articles on…
• How Grease Traps Work – Everything You Need to Know
• What Happens When You Don’t Regularly Clean Your Grease Trap