The following rules and regulations govern implementation of the grease control section of the Water Reclamation Ordinance, Ordinance 95. For a quick reference, see Grease and Oil BMP reference sheet.

Facilities Granted a Variance

Establishes that believe they do not (or will not in the case of new establishments) discharge significant amounts of grease to the collection system may requesta variance from the requirement to have a grease interceptor. A variance request should be made to the director of Public Works and should include any evidence deemed important by the facility making such a request. Those facilities judged not to represent a significant source of O&G will be issued a Grease Interceptor Variance. It shall be the responsibility of the facility to notify the City if the conditions upon which the variance was granted should change.

Grease Interceptor Sizing Criteria

Grease interceptors will be sized according to Uniform Plumbing Code guidelines. A minimum of 1000 gallons will apply in typical circumstances. Any exceptions must be approved in writing by the Director of Public Works or his designee.

Inspection of Grease Interceptors

1. Inspection of interceptors shall be performed by representatives of the City of Lafayette, using an inspection checklist approved by the director of Public Works. The inspection will include an evaluation of the facility's implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent the discharge of excess oil and grease (O&G) to the wastewater collection system.
2. Samples will be collected at the discretion of the inspector and analyzed by a licensed water quality laboratory for O&G. The facility may request a split of the sample at the time of collection if it so desires.
3. Decisions regarding frequency of inspections and sampling will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all variables affecting the likelihood of excessive FOG entering the wastewater collection system. These variables may include, but not be limited to, number of meals served, type of food served, hours of operation, size of grease collection device, history of grease buildup in pipes downstream, results of sampling, and the success with which SMPs are implemented.
4. Costs of up to four inspections each calendar year, as well as the cost of one sample each calendar year, will be borne by the City. The costs associated with any additional inspections and samples will be added to the establishment's regular sewer bill.
5. Establishments will be notified of the results of unsatisfactory inspections, as well as all sample results, ina timely manner by the Director of Public Works or his designee. Such notification will include any recommended and/or required action by the facility, as well as a timetable for completion of such action.

Grease Interceptor Pumping Schedules

1. Grease interceptors shall be thoroughly pumped a minimum of twice per year, at an interval of approximately 6 months. Increased frequency of pumping may be necessary due to a rapid buildup of solid material in the interceptor.
2. Grease traps shall be cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent more than 50% of the grease holding capacity of the trap to be used. Grease traps are likely to require more frequent cleaning than correctly-sized interceptors.
3. The City may require any frequency of pumping or cleaning deemed necessary to produce an acceptable discharge.
4. When an establishment has received notice to clean a grease collection device, such cleaning must be completed within 10 working days of receipt of the notice. A copy of a receipt for pumping may be delivered to the Public Works Department in lieu of a reinspection of the device. If such reinspection is conducted, the cost of the reinspection may be added to the regular water reclamation bill for the establishment.
5. It is the responsibility of the establishment to arrange and pay for any pumping necessary, as well as any other maintenance required to keep the device in acceptable working order.

Biological Treatment

Biological treatment products may only be used with the express written consent of the Director of Public Works or his designee. Such products may include no more than 10% enzymes or emulsifiers by volume. Biological treatment products may not substitute for pumping of an interceptor, but may justify less frequent pumping. Permission to pump an interceptor less frequently than twice per year must be requested in writing.

Existing Sources Not Connected to Grease Interceptors

1. Those facilities not having a grease collection device wil receive a packet outlining BMPs designed to keep excess O&G out of the wastewater collection system. Excessive O&G shall be defined as greater than 250 mg/l, although circumstances may require that this definition change in the future.
2. The facility may continue to operate without a grease collection device so long as, in the judgment of the City, successful efforts are made to protect the wastewater collection system from excessive grease discharge. If it is judged that excessive grease is entering the collection system, the establishment will be required to install an adequately-sized grease collection device. Every effort will be made to work with the establishment in such a manner as to minimize any economic hardship. In this spirit, grease traps will be allowed in lieu of interceptors for existing food preparation establishments only, and only with the express written consent of the Director of Public Works or his designee. Note that grease interceptors will continue to be required in those cases in which extensive building renovation is planned.