FOG (Fats, Oils &
Grease)
Desoto (FOG) Program - PDF filesWhat is FOG?
FOG is an acronym for Fats, Oils, and Grease which is commonly found in wastewater.
Why is FOG a problem?
Fats in wastewater are among the more stable of the organic compounds and are not easily decomposed by bacteria so these fats coat, congeal, and accumulate on pipes, pumps, equipment and sometimes obstruct lines.
Fats in wastewater are among the more stable of the organic compounds and are not easily decomposed by bacteria so these fats coat, congeal, and accumulate on pipes, pumps, equipment and sometimes obstruct lines.
Is
FOG a problem in Lakeport?
Yes, The City routinely performs maintenance on the collection system, lift stations, and treatment facility to remove grease, but maintenance is not enough to stop spills from taking place.
Yes, The City routinely performs maintenance on the collection system, lift stations, and treatment facility to remove grease, but maintenance is not enough to stop spills from taking place.
What can be done
to Stop FOG?
Control FOG at the source…keep it from entering the sewer system.
Control FOG at the source…keep it from entering the sewer system.
- Best management practices (BMPs) can go a long way toward reducing FOG in the sanitary sewer system.
- Use pretreatment like grease
traps or interceptors, skimmers, separators, and
process flow treatment systems, such as carbon
filtration or coagulation units. - The City's sewer use
ordinance provides regulations and enforcement
provisions that will enable city staff to ensure
that FOG
does not create problems for local businesses and residents.
What is a grease trap and how does it work?
A grease trap is a small reservoir built
into the wastewater piping, a short distance
from a grease producing area. Baffles in the
reservoir retain the wastewater long enough
for the grease to congeal and rise to the
surface. The grease can then be removed and
disposed of properly. A diagram of a typical
grease trap is presented below.
What is a grease interceptor and how
does it differ from a trap?
First, we should clarify: the term
grease interceptor is thrown around
loosely and can refer to any type of
wastewater pretreatment device for the
purpose of collecting and storing fats,
oils, or grease before that water
reaches the sewer. It can also refer to
a type of grease trap that is larger and
slightly more complex than a standard
device. As referred to here, a grease
interceptor is a vault with a minimum
capacity of between 500 and 750 gallons,
located on the exterior of the
building. The capacity of the
interceptor provides adequate residence
time so that wastewater has time to
cool, allowing the remaining grease not
collected by the traps time to congeal
and rise to the surface, where it
accumulates until the interceptor is
cleaned. The figure below illustrates a
typical grease interceptor.
How can I get my business in
compliance?
Great question! I like how
you’re thinking. If your
business does not have a grease
interceptor, and you produce
fats, oils and grease, you will
need to request a grease
trap/interceptor installation
permit. Contact the City’s
Building Code Department (636)
586-3326 or the City Public
Works Division (636) 586-2499
for more information.
If you have a grease trap or
interceptor and believe that it
may be ineffective at keeping
FOG out of the sanitary sewer
(i.e. needs frequent cleaning,
backups occurring in kitchen,
etc.), you may need to upgrade
or replace your existing grease
trap/interceptor. A grease
trap/interceptor installation
permit will be required for this
as well.