Grease Interceptor Maintenance Program

Disposing of grease, oils and fats improperly turns municipal sewer systems into a greasy underworld. Not only are these smelly messes hazardous to public health, they can make a mess of streets, or even back up into your restaurant and shut you down. City Ordinance Number 2012-176 proactively prevents problems before they happen, by requiring restaurants to keep their grease interceptors in good working condition.

Here's what you must do to comply with the ordinance:

  • Have your grease interceptor pumped at least once every 90 days
  • Use a company permitted by the city
  • Sign the manifest (or trip ticket) provided by the maintenance company for each pump-out, and keep it on-site for at least three years
  • Do not use additives in your grease interceptor unless you receive written authorization from the city
  • Maintain your grease interceptor in effective operating condition

Inspection

A city industrial pretreatment inspector will visit your restaurant to verify that your grease interceptor is serviced at least once every 90 days by a permitted Liquid Waste hauler. The inspector can issue a notice of violations and citations for:

  • Failure to service your grease interceptor at least every 90 days
  • Not having manifests on-site
  • Using a non-permitted transporter

25 Percent Rule

Ordinance Number 2012-176 requires that all grease interceptors must be pumped at least once every 90 days, or when the grease and solids reach 25% of the wetted height of the interceptor. Using a long pole, an inspector will measure the layers in your interceptor.

Posters, Fliers & Door Hangers

We have educational brochures, posters and door hangers to help educate employees on proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease. If you would like to receive some for your establishment, please call Erick Garcia at 940-349-8621.

Education Program

We are working on education and training programs to help you and food service establishment employees to better understand the harm fats, oils, and grease can have on your plumbing; the criteria food service establishments are mandated to follow according to Ordinance Number 2012-176 (PDF) and resources to help in the fight against the greasy underworld.