A grease trap (also known as grease interceptor, grease recovery device and grease converter) is a plumbing device (a type of trap) designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process. Large amounts of oil from food preparation in restaurants can overwhelm a septic tank or treatment facility, causing release of untreated sewage into the environment. High-viscosity fats and cooking grease such as lard solidify when cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to block drain pipes.

 

Grease traps have been used since Victorian days. Nathaniel Whiting obtained the first patent for a grease trap in the late 1800s. These reduce the amount of fats, oils and greases (FOGs) that enter sewers. They are boxes within the drain run that flows between the sinks in a kitchen the sewer system. They only have kitchen waste water flowing through them, and do not serve any other drainage system, such as toilets. They can be made from many different materials, such as stainless steel, plastics, concrete & cast iron. They range from 35 liter capacity to 45,000 liters and greater. They can be located above ground, below ground, inside the kitchen or outside the building.

 

To read more information from Wikipedia on what a grease trap is and does, CLICK HERE.

Blockage can lead to sewer overflows on your property. All too often, fats, oils and grease are disposed of improperly during food preparation and kitchen clean-up. When poured down the drain (sink or floor), FOG can build up, blocking sanitary sewer lines. This accumulation not only reduces the capacity of the wastewater collection system, but it also alters its effectiveness.

 

In severe cases, blockage can lead to:

 

- Sewage backups into homes and businesses and

 

- Sewers that overflow onto roadways and property, eventually flow into local waterways, causing contamination.

 

 

* Because we work with Springfield, MO in large part, the link below will take you to the Springfield FOG program in order to obtain more information.  Most counties, towns and cities have their own FOG program and it's recommended to consult with your local waste water and county authority to determine your best servicing plan for your grease trap.

 

Fats, Oils & Grease

 

The City of Springfield has implemented a Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management plan. This program will apply to Food Service Establishments that discharge wastewater into the City of Springfield wastewater collection system, and will involve permitting and inspecting these facilities.

 

    Best Management Practices for Food Service Establishments (PDF)

    Grease Interceptor Diagram (PDF)

    Sampling Manhole Diagram (PDF)

 

Purpose & Intent

 

The purpose of this program is to provide the implementation of a fat, oil, and grease (FOG) management program providing protection for the City wastewater collection and treatment systems, equipment, and staff. The objective of the FOG management program includes, but is not limited to:

 

    The minimization of the introduction of and/or removal of FOG and other soluble material associated with food preparation discharged to the city wastewater collection system.

    Provide effective means of interception and removal of FOG and associated soluble material through proven effective FOG interceptors and Grease Recovery Units.

    The program shall apply only to commercial food preparation establishments connected to the City wastewater collection system.

 

The program shall also apply to any commercial facility where the City of Springfield wastewater collection system is available and reasonably accessible, whether connected to the wastewater collection system or not.

 

Compliance & Enforcement

 

Thorough periodic inspections of grease control equipment by checking the structural state of grease traps.

Record checks of an inside grease interceptor with licensed haulers to establish compliance of the Springfield wastewater code.

Inspections of the sampling manhole to regulate effluent wastewater discharge of the food service establishments.

 

 

To obtain further information from the city's website, CLICK HERE.