[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Newtown as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
[Adopted 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 730 (Ch. 94 of the 1982 Code)]
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meanings of the terms used in this article shall be as follows:
If the depth of scum and solids in the interceptor exceeds
25% of the usable volume, then the grease interceptor must be pumped
out.
The Newtown, Bucks County, Joint Municipal Authority, its
employees and/or its Engineer.
The Borough has delegated the Newtown, Bucks County, Joint
Municipal Authority to carry out the provisions of this article.
Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance
procedures and other management practices to prevent or reduce the
introduction of fats/oils/greases (FOG) to the sewer facilities. (Available
upon request.)
The Borough Council of Newtown Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The introduction of wastewater into the Newtown, Bucks County,
Joint Municipal Authority sewer system.
The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking
or placing of any solid or semisolid grease interceptor waste into
or on any land or water so that such wastewater or any constituent
thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged
into any waters, including groundwaters.
An individual who is authorized to accept or reject liquid
waste at a disposal site and who is authorized to sign a manifest.
A permitted site or part of a site at which grease interceptor
waste is processed, treated and/or intentionally placed into or on
any land in a manner compliant with all applicable federal, state
and local regulations, and at which site said wastewater will remain
after closure.
Any substance or substances which, when added or placed into
a grease interceptor, will form an oily substance into a milky fluid
in which the fat globules are in a very finely divided state and are
held in suspension, giving it the semblance of a solution.
Any building, structure or installation from which there
is or may be a discharge of wastewater, the construction of which
started before the adoption of this article.
The permit issued to a new or existing facility that grants
the facility permission to discharge its wastewater into the Authority's
sewer system under the conditions of this article.
Any substance, such as a vegetable, animal or other product,
that is used in, or is a by-product of, the cooking or food preparation
process, and that turns or may turn viscous or solidifies with a change
in temperature or other conditions.
Areas predominantly found in shopping centers or festivals
where several food preparations establishments having different owners
may be sharing seating space and/or plumbing facilities.
Any new or existing facility that cuts, cooks, bakes, prepares
or serves food, or which disposes of food-related wastes and/or which
has a local, state and/or federal food establishment license.
A device that shreds or grinds up solid or semisolid waste
materials into smaller portions for discharge into the sewer system,
including a food scrap disposal system.
A new or existing facility that causes, creates, generates,
stores, or otherwise produces wastewater from on-site process operations,
whether domestically or commercially generated. The generator is responsible
for assuring that the produced wastewater is disposed of in accordance
with all federal, state, and local disposal regulations.
Waxes, free fatty acids, calcium and magnesium soaps, mineral
oils and certain other nonfatty material from animal or vegetable
sources, or from hydrocarbons of petroleum origins, commonly found
in wastewater from food preparation and food service. Grease may originate
from, but not be limited to, discharges from scullery sinks, pot and
pan sinks, dishwashing machines, soup kettles and floor drains located
in areas where grease-containing materials may exist.
A watertight receptacle utilized by commercial or industrial
generators of liquid waste to intercept, collect and restrict the
passage of grease into the sewer system to which the receptacle is
directly or indirectly connected, and to separate and retain grease
from the wastewater discharged. Grease interceptors are generally
required to be located underground between the food establishment
and the connection to the sewer system.
Any grease or organic or inorganic solid or semisolid waste
collected and intercepted by a grease interceptor, usually in layers
of floatable, suspended, and settleable substances, which are ultimately
removed from a grease interceptor for proper disposal.
A grease control device that is used to serve individual
fixtures with a capacity of five to 50 gallons, located inside the
food establishment.
Openings with easily opened covers, designed to allow authorized
agents quick access to the inlet flow control device, each compartment
of the grease interceptor, and the effluent.
A new or existing facility, or an area of a new or existing
facility, where a person or family has a distinct living area, which
includes individual kitchen and bath facilities, utilized solely by
that single person or family.
The person, regardless of actual title, immediately on site
at a location conducting, supervising, managing, or representing the
activities of a generator or a transporter.
The written, multipart form used as documentation and required
to be in the possession of the generator, transporter, and disposal
site to document the generation, receipt, transportation, and disposal
of grease interceptor waste at a permitted or registered disposal
site, and specifying the identity of the generator, transporter, and
disposal facility operator and the volume of grease interceptor waste
disposed.
An inspection port large enough to allow temporary installation
of monitoring devices, such as samplers, strip recorders, flow meters,
or other such measuring and/or monitoring devices.
Any new building, structure, facility, or installation from
which there is (or may be) discharge of wastewater, the construction
of which commenced after the adoption of this article, provided that:
The building, structure, facility, or installation is constructed
at a site at which no other wastewater source is located.
The building, structure, facility, or installation totally replaces
the process or production equipment that causes the discharge of wastewater
at the site.
The production processes or wastewater-generating processes
of the building, structure, facility, or installation are substantially
independent of an existing wastewater source at the same site. In
determining whether these are substantially independent, factors such
as the extent to which the new facility is integrated with the existing
facility, and the extent to which the new facility is engaged in the
same general type of activity as the existing wastewater source should
be considered.
Any remodeling or modification that results in a new facility
as determined by the Borough.
Construction on a site at which an existing wastewater source is located results in a modification rather than a new wastewater source if the construction does not create a new building, structure, facility, or installation meeting the criteria of Subsection A(2) or (3) above, but otherwise alters, replaces, or adds to existing process or production equipment.
Construction of a new wastewater source as defined under this
paragraph has commenced if the owner or operator has:
Begun, or caused to begin, as part of a continuous on-site construction
program, any placement, assembly, or installation of facilities or
equipment; or significant site preparation work, including clearing,
excavation, or removal of existing buildings, structures, or facilities
which is necessary for the placement, assembly, or installation of
new source facilities or equipment.
Entered into a binding contractual obligation for the purchase
of facilities or equipment which are intended to be used in its operation
within a reasonable time. Options to purchase or contract, which can
be terminated or modified without substantial loss, and contracts
for feasibility, engineering and design studies do not constitute
a contractual obligation under this subsection.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System as administered
by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).
Any material, but particularly biological lipids and mineral
hydrocarbons, that is recovered as a substance soluble in an organic
extracting solvent using an appropriate analytical method approved
under 40 CFR 136. It also includes other material extracted by the
solvent from an acidified sample and not volatilized during the extraction
procedure.
Any person vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole
or partial, of any property located in the Borough.
A person issued a permit under this article, including any
agent, employee, or authorized person of the permittee.
Any individual, partnership, company, association, corporation
or other group or entity.
Any time during which a facility is open for business to
the public. It shall also include those times when a facility is closed
to the public when a manager, employees and/or contractors are present
at the facility and involved in cleanup or food preparation or any
other business activity.
The sanitary sewer system owned by the Newtown, Bucks County,
Joint Municipal Authority, including mains, interceptors, pumping
stations, force mains, and other related wastewater facilities.
A group of architecturally unified commercial establishments
built on a site that is planned, developed, owned, and managed as
an operation unit for sale or lease, with on-site parking in definite
relationship to the types and sizes of stores at the site.
A user who transfers grease interceptor waste from the site
of a generator to an approved disposal site. The transporter is responsible
for assuring that all federal, state, and local regulations are followed
regarding wastewater transport.
A device placed under or in close proximity to sinks or other
fixtures likely to discharge grease in an attempt to separate, intercept
or hold grease waste to prevent its entry into the sewer system.
The liquid and water-carried wastes from dwellings, commercial
establishments, industrial facilities and institutions, whether treated
or untreated.
A.
Wastewater that contains FOG shall be discharged into the sewer system
only under the conditions of this article. The following facilities
shall discharge all wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, drains, and
any other fixtures through which grease may be discharged into an
adequately sized, properly maintained and functioning grease interceptor
before the discharge enters the sewer system:
(1)
Every commercial food establishment.
(2)
All food courts.
(3)
All other generators discharging grease in amounts that, in the opinion
of an authorized agent, will, alone or in concert with other substances
from the discharges of other facilities, have a reasonable chance
to impede or stop the flow of the sewer system.
B.
All areas of intensified dwelling, including, but not limited to,
adult day-care facilities, assisted-living facilities, convalescent
homes, day nursing and childcare facilities in which food preparation
occurs, homes for the mentally challenged, hotels, maternity homes,
motels in which there is a commercial food preparation service, nursing
homes, retirement and life care communities and homes, and truck stops
with commercial food service, shall be required to have grease interceptors.
Modifications to existing facilities that do not add new buildings
or new grease-generating activities are exempt from this requirement.
C.
Grease interceptors shall not be required for single-family residences,
duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, or apartment complexes, unless an
authorized agent first determines there are discharges from the property
that may create problems in the sewer system. The determination shall
be made based upon an investigation of the property and a comparison
of the content and amount of discharge from the property with the
discharges of other properties similar in size and use. Upon a determination
that the discharges will create problems in the sewer system, the
authorized agent may require the installation of a sufficiently sized
grease interceptor to treat the discharges.
A.
On or after the effective date of this article, an existing facility
shall be required to install an approved, adequately sized, and properly
operated and maintained grease interceptor when any of the following
conditions exist:
(1)
It is found by an authorized agent to be contributing grease in quantities
sufficient to cause sewer line stoppages or necessitate increased
maintenance on the sewer system in order to keep main line stoppages
from occurring.
(2)
It is remodeling the food preparation or kitchen waste plumbing facilities
in such a manner to be subject to a permit.
(3)
Its grease interceptor allows a discharge of oil and grease in excess
of 100 milligrams per liter (mg/l) and the generator does not perform
best management practices.
B.
Existing facilities required by this article or other applicable
ordinances to maintain a grease interceptor and that are not equipped
with a grease interceptor or are equipped with an undersized grease
interceptor shall, within 180 days of the effective date of this article,
install an adequately sized grease interceptor in accordance with
the specifications of this article.
C.
If the Borough's authorized agent (Authority) determines that there
is a need for installation or upgrading of a grease interceptor on
an existing facility, the Authority may order the installation or
upgrading of such interceptors. If the Authority orders such installation
or upgrade, then the Authority shall serve notice by registered or
certified mail upon the owner of such premises. The owner may request
and shall be granted a hearing before the Authority. Such hearing
shall be requested by filing a petition, in writing, stating the grounds
of the petition within five days after notice of the authorized agent's
decision and paying an administration fee in an amount as established
from time to time by resolution of the Authority. The hearing shall
commence within 30 days of filing of the petition unless postponed
for good cause. After such hearing, the Authority shall sustain, modify
or overrule the action of the authorized agent.
D.
The Authority may waive the requirement for a grease interceptor,
provided the generator can verify that only domestic wastewater is
being discharged. The Authority may require testing by the generator
in connection with this request, with all costs for this testing being
at the generator's expense.
E.
New facilities required by this article or other applicable ordinances
to maintain a grease interceptor shall install such a unit prior to
commencement of discharge to the sewer system.
F.
On or after the effective date of this article, any existing facility
or new facility that is required to utilize a grease interceptor must
obtain a FOG permit from the Authority.
The following prohibitions shall apply:
A.
Where FOG are a by-product of food preparation and/or cleanup, reasonable
efforts shall be made to separate waste oil and grease into a separate
container for proper disposal. Except as contained in by-products
of food preparation and/or cleanup, waste oil and grease shall not
be discharged to any drains or grease interceptors. Such waste shall
be placed in a container designed to hold such waste and either utilized
by industry or disposed of at suitable disposal sites.
B.
None of the following agents shall be placed directly into a grease
interceptor or into any drain that leads to the grease interceptor:
(1)
Emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, surface active agents, enzymes, degreasers,
or any type of product that will liquefy grease interceptor wastes.
(2)
Any substance that may cause excessive foaming in the sewer system.
(3)
Any substance capable of passing the solid or semisolid contents
of the grease interceptor to the sewer system.
(4)
Illegal discharge items, such as hazardous wastes, including but
not limited to acids, strong cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, paint,
solvents, or gasoline.
(5)
Use of grease interceptor treatment products, including bacteria,
designed to digest grease, is specifically prohibited without prior
written consent of the Borough.
(a)
Acceptance of such products for use may be considered only where
a valid screening test, showing the product's ability to treat the
wastewater and to produce an influent in compliance with this article,
has been performed in accordance with methods outlined and approved
by the Authority.
(b)
If a product is approved, each generator shall obtain written
permission from the Authority to use the product.
C.
The influent to grease interceptors shall not exceed 140° F.
The temperature at the flow control device inspection port shall be
considered equivalent to the temperature of the influent.
D.
Toilets, urinals, and other similar fixtures shall not discharge
through a grease interceptor.
E.
All waste shall only enter the grease interceptor through the inlet
flow control device, then the inlet pipe.
F.
Where food-waste grinders are installed in a nonresidential establishment,
the waste from those units shall discharge directly into the building
drainage system without passing through a grease interceptor.
G.
The concentration of FOG that can be discharged to the sewer system
shall not exceed 100 mg/l if the generator does not perform best management
practices.
A.
All new and existing facilities, both commercial and industrial,
dealing with grease shall, at the permittee's expense and as required
by the Authority:
(1)
Provide an adequately sized and properly constructed grease interceptor.
(2)
Maintain backup copies of manifests and service logs, on the premises
of the existing facility, for at least five years.
(3)
Generators are responsible for maintaining grease interceptors in
continuous proper working condition. Further, generators are responsible
for inspecting, repairing, replacing, or installing apparatus and
equipment as necessary to ensure proper operation and function of
grease interceptors and compliance with discharge limitations at all
times.
(4)
Allow inspection of the facility and records by authorized agents
during reasonable hours.
B.
Grease interceptor sizing and design criteria.
(1)
Size, type, and location of grease interceptors shall be in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements of the Authority.
(2)
Applicability. These requirements are applicable to all commercial
food establishments, including those that are undergoing:
(3)
Sizing requirements. Sizing methods described herein are intended
as guidance in determining grease interceptor sizes that will afford
the Authority's sewer system a minimum degree of protection against
grease and other obstructing materials. In approving a customer's
plumbing or grease interceptor design, the Authority does not accept
liability for the failure of a system to adequately treat wastewater
to achieve effluent quality requirements specified under this article.
It is the responsibility of the generator to insure the appropriate
level of treatment necessary for compliance with environmental and
wastewater regulations. Minimum acceptable grease interceptor sizing
shall be accomplished as follows:
(b)
Under no circumstances should exterior grease interceptors less
than 750 gallons be utilized. Where sizing formulas result in determination
of a grease interceptor less than 750 gallons in capacity, this minimum
size is required.
(c)
In the circumstance of "single service kitchens" with no food
preparation (heat/serve only), and which use only paper service items,
a minimum fifty-gallon-per-minute (gpm) flow rate, or one-hundred-pound
grease retention, mechanical grease interceptors may be used. In these
instances, the grease interceptor is to be installed in an area separate
from the food-handling area, and the grease interceptor must be readily
accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
(4)
Grease interceptor sizing formulas. It is the responsibility of the
generator to ensure that its wastewater discharge is in compliance
with the Authority's discharge limitations. For the purpose of plan
review, a general assessment of grease interceptor design and size
will be performed using the following formulas, which are recommended
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for grease interceptor
sizing:
(a)
Method 1: EPA Grease Interceptor Sizing Formula taken from Chapter 8 of EPA's October 1980 design manual, On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems; document number EPA 625/1-80-012.
(b)
Method 2: Uniform Plumbing Code, a copy of which can be obtained
from the Borough.
(c)
Method 3: Alternate sizing formulas/proposals. Facilities that
propose the use of alternate sizing techniques and/or procedures that
result in specifications that differ from calculated requirements
must submit formulas and other bases to support proposed grease interceptor
size/installation. Submission should also provide documentation of
the ability to meet effluent quality requirements. This proposal must
be signed by a licensed plumbing contractor or engineer licensed in
the State of Pennsylvania.
(5)
Installation. All permitting, construction, and inspection activities
must be completed in accordance with the current applicable plumbing
codes. Additionally, the following specifications must be incorporated
into grease interceptor design:
(a)
The grease interceptor shall be constructed with a minimum of
two chambers or shall have a minimum of two tanks in series. If two-chambered,
the dividing wall must extend to within one foot of the bottom of
the tank and within two inches of the top and be securely fastened
to both sides.
(b)
There must be inlet and outlet tees installed, made of schedule
cast iron. The inlet tee should extend down approximately 1/3 the
depth of the grease interceptor from the top and the outlet tee should
be located 12 to 18 inches off of the bottom of the grease interceptor.
Inability to visually inspect tees during cleanout of the interceptor
will require entry into the interceptor at least once every five years.
(c)
Piping inside of the grease interceptor must be ductile iron
with stainless steel straps/supports if needed.
(d)
Grease interceptors are to be installed at a minimum distance
of 10 feet from sinks and dishwashers to allow for adequate cooling
of wastewater. Water temperatures must be less than 140° F. prior
to entering the grease interceptor.
(e)
All grease-bearing waste streams should be routed through an
appropriate grease interceptor, including: three-compartment sinks,
pot/pan sinks, soup kettles, hand-washing sinks, dishwashers, mop
sinks and floor drains.
[1]
Notable exceptions. Drains that receive "clear water" only, such
as from ice machines, condensate from coils and drink stations, may
be plumbed to the sewer system without passing through the grease
interceptor with the condition that the receiving drain is a "hub"
type that is a minimum of two inches above the finished floor.
(f)
All exterior or recessed grease interceptors are to be installed
with an effluent sampling chamber.
A.
Any person responsible for discharges requiring a grease interceptor shall, at his own expense and as required by the Authority, provide plans and specifications for equipment and facilities of a design type and design capacity as described in § 434-5B approved by the Authority. The grease interceptor must be in compliance with the current applicable plumbing codes. The person shall locate the grease interceptor in a manner that provides easy accessibility for cleaning and inspection and maintain the grease interceptor in effective operating condition. The Authority shall inspect the grease interceptor during construction and upon completion. All interested parties shall make a final inspection before any service connections are made.
B.
Construction of items listed herein in accordance herewith or in
accordance with the Authority's specifications shall not constitute
a defense to unlawful discharge and shall not limit the generator's
liability for any surcharge stated in this article.
C.
An inspection port shall be provided for the flow control device
regulating flow into the grease interceptor.
D.
Except for under the sink grease traps, each grease interceptor shall
be located outside of a building or structure in an area accessible
for service, and so installed and connected that it shall be at all
times easily accessible for inspection, and for cleaning and removal
of the intercepted waste. Inspection ports and monitoring ports shall
be in areas where vehicles may not temporarily block access to inspection.
The use of ladders or the removal of bulky equipment or stored materials
in order to access inspection or monitoring ports shall constitute
a violation of accessibility. A grease interceptor shall not be installed
in any part of a building where food is handled. The location of all
grease interceptors, inspection ports, and monitoring ports shall
meet the approval of the Authority and shall be shown on the approved
building plans.
E.
A one-piece removable metal plate covering the entire grease interceptor
shall be preferred as an inspection port, though, at the discretion
of the Authority, standard manhole ports may be installed over each
divider in the grease interceptor. In either case, all parts of the
grease interceptor shall be easily accessible for cleaning and visual
inspection.
F.
A monitoring port, where required by the Authority, shall be provided
for ease in sampling the treated effluent from the grease interceptor
and shall be as close as possible to the connection with the sewer
system within the bounds of the existing facility's property. The
monitoring port shall be installed according to the specifications
of the Authority. The monitoring port shall be installed and maintained
at the generator's expense. A generator shall properly place, monitor,
and maintain the monitoring port so that wastewater samples taken
from the monitoring port are representative of wastewater leaving
the grease interceptor. It shall be unlawful for a generator to divert
wastewater around a monitoring port into the sewer system.
In the event that an outside grease interceptor is not practicable,
an under the sink grease trap or interior active interceptor may be
installed, subject to the approval of the Authority. Under the sink
grease traps/interior active interceptors are subject to the following
additional requirements;
A.
General requirements.
(1)
The location of such grease traps/interior active interceptors shall
be in as close proximity to the source of wastewater as physically
possible.
(2)
The lid shall be secured to the body with a single bolt. No wing
nuts or screws shall be permitted.
(3)
The lid shall cover the deep seal grease trap/interior active interceptor.
The deep seal grease trap/interior active interceptor shall be constructed
so as to eliminate the possibility of sewer gas entering the kitchen
area.
(4)
Baffle systems and all other internal pieces shall be removable to
facilitate cleaning and replacement but must be in place at all other
times.
(5)
The grease trap/interior active interceptor shall be coated with
a powder-coated electrostatically applied cathodic epoxy coating so
as to be resistant to corrosion.
(6)
The grease trap/interior active interceptor shall be equipped with
a flow control fitting.
B.
Installation requirements.
(1)
The grease trap/interior active interceptor may be set on the floor,
partially recessed in the floor with the top flush with the floor,
or fully recessed below the floor to suit piping and structural conditions,
as acceptable to the Authority.
(2)
There shall be sufficient clearance for the removal of the cover
for cleaning.
(3)
Unless specifically approved by the Authority, runs of pipe exceeding
25 feet between the fixture and grease trap/interior active interceptor
shall not be permitted.
(4)
The grease trap/interior active interceptor shall not be installed
in a waste line from a garbage grinder.
(5)
A suitable flow control fitting shall be installed ahead of the grease
trap/interior active interceptor in the waste line beyond the fixture
and as close as possible to the underside of the lowest fixture. When
wastes of two or more sinks or fixtures are combined to be used by
one grease trap/interior active interceptor, a single flow control
fitting shall be used.
(6)
Air intake for flow control either shall terminate under the sink
drain board as high as possible to prevent overflow, or shall terminate
in a return bend at the same height and on the outside of the building.
(7)
To retain water and prevent siphoning, all grease traps/interior
active interceptors shall have a vented waste line, sized in accordance
with the current applicable plumbing codes.
(8)
With the approval of the Authority, one grease trap/interior active
interceptor may be used to serve multiple fixtures if the fixtures
are located close together and the grease trap/interior active interceptor
is sized to meet the combined flow of all the fixtures.
(9)
Under the sink grease traps/interior active interceptors shall be
cleaned at a minimum of every three days. A cleaning log shall be
maintained.
A.
It is unlawful for any existing facility or new facility to discharge
wastewater from a grease interceptor without authorization in the
form of a FOG permit. Application for a FOG permit shall be made to
the Authority. If, after examining the information contained in the
FOG permit application, it is determined by the Authority that the
proposed discharge does not conflict with the provisions of this article,
or any other federal, state, or local requirement or regulation, a
FOG permit shall be issued, at the same time the food establishment
license is paid and issued, allowing the existing facility or new
facility to discharge into the sewer system. A FOG permit shall be
issued for a time not longer than one year and must be renewed when
the food establishment license is renewed. The terms and conditions
of the FOG permit may be subject to modification by the Authority
at any time during the term of the FOG permit as limitations or requirements
as identified in this section are modified or other just causes exist.
The generator shall be informed of any proposed change(s) in writing
by the Authority. Any changes or new conditions in the FOG permit
shall include a reasonable time schedule for compliance.
(1)
As a condition precedent to the granting of a FOG permit, the permittee
agrees to hold harmless the Authority from any liabilities arising
from the permittee's operations under the FOG permit.
(2)
The generator shall apply to become permitted by fully completing
and signing the Authority's FOG permit application and paying a fee
in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the
Council, which may be amended by only the Council from time to time.
Such fee shall be payable to the Authority, and until all applicable
fees, charges and expenses have been paid in full, the application
shall be considered incomplete and no action shall be taken on any
applications or appeal.
(3)
The FOG permit application shall include the following:
(a)
The generator's name, address and telephone number, and the
name, address, and telephone number of the existing facility to be
serviced, if different.
(b)
The name, title, address and phone number of each of the authorized
signatory representatives.
(c)
The name of the contact person for the existing facility.
(d)
Name(s) on the water supply account(s), the water service account
number(s), and a copy of the last water bill.
(e)
A description of any anticipated changes or expansions to the
existing facility during the next three years that could alter wastewater
volumes or characteristics.
(f)
The size of each existing grease interceptor, how often they
are currently served and if any additives are used.
(g)
The current shift information.
(h)
A list of all major equipment used for food preparation.
(i)
The precise and unambiguous location of the grease interceptor(s)
on the property, including a diagram if necessary.
(j)
A signature and date by an authorized signatory representative.
B.
A copy of the FOG permit application can be obtained on the Authority's
website located at http://www.nbcjma.org or by contacting the Newtown,
Bucks County, Joint Municipal Authority's office at (215) 968-4109,
Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The fats, oils and grease hauled waste manifest shall be kept
on site and shall contain the following information:
A.
Required pumping frequency.
(1)
Unless otherwise specified by the Authority, each grease interceptor
in active use should be cleaned at least once every 90 days or more
frequently as needed to prevent carryover of grease into the sewer
system, unless it can be demonstrated to the Authority that the pumping
frequency can be performed at greater intervals with best management
practices. The Authority may specify cleaning more frequently when
quarterly pumping is shown to be inadequate. Additional pumping may
be required during time periods where increased loading is anticipated.
Any generator desiring a schedule less frequent than 90 days shall
submit a request to the Authority along with testing (as required
by the Authority) and copies of the cleaning records for the last
four cleanings, including measurements of the thickness of the surface
scum/grease layer and solids.
(2)
At any time if the Authority finds the grease interceptor to be full,
immediate steps shall be taken by the generator to pump out and clean
the grease interceptor as soon as is practicable. The Authority shall
make an evaluation of the advisability of allowing discharge to continue,
and may at its discretion order an immediate cessation of all discharge
from the existing facility. In any case, the FOG permit of the existing
facility may be amended so as to compel more frequent pumping and
cleaning of the grease interceptor.
B.
Requirement for increased pumpage or servicing. If the authorized
agent finds that a change in pumpage or servicing of a grease interceptor
is necessary for an establishment to meet the discharge limits stated
in this article, the Authority may order a change in pumpage or servicing.
If the Authority orders a change in the pumpage or servicing, then
the Authority shall serve notice of such order upon the generator.
The owner may request and shall be granted a hearing before the Authority.
Such hearing shall be requested by filing a petition, in writing,
stating the grounds of the petition within five days after notice
of the authorized agent's decision and paying an administration fee
in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the
Authority. The hearing shall commence within 30 days of filing of
the petition unless postponed for good cause. At the hearing to review
the order, the generator may present evidence, and the Authority may
make new findings and issue new orders to change the frequency and/or
methods of pumpage or servicing. It shall be unlawful for a generator
to allow or cause any discharge into the sewer system not in compliance
with such order.
C.
A generator shall cause the liquid waste hauler, transporter, or
any other person cleaning or servicing a grease interceptor to completely
evacuate all contents, including floating materials, wastewater, and
bottom sludges and solids, of all grease interceptors during servicing.
Skimming the surface layer of waste material, partial cleaning of
the grease interceptor or use of any method that does not remove the
entire contents of the collection device is prohibited. The suction
of the floating materials shall be done prior to removal of other
contents. After complete evacuation, the walls, top, and bottom of
the grease interceptor shall then be thoroughly scraped and the residue
removed. Upon completion of the servicing, the manager of the existing
facility shall make an inspection of the interior of the grease interceptor
and then personally sign the manifest. The manager shall make an appropriate
entry in the maintenance log, and post the generator section of the
manifest in a conspicuous place with the log on the premises. Said
manifests and maintenance logs shall be made immediately available
to any authorized agent.
D.
Each grease interceptor pumped shall be fully evacuated unless the
grease interceptor volume is greater than the tank capacity on the
vacuum truck, in which case the transporter shall arrange for additional
transportation capacity so that the grease interceptor is fully evacuated
within a twenty-four-hour period following the transporter's inability
to fully evacuate the grease interceptor.
E.
It shall be unlawful for a generator to allow the discharge of liquid,
semisolids, or solids back into a grease interceptor during and/or
after servicing. Decanting or discharging of removed wastewater back
into the grease interceptor from which the wastewater was removed
or any other grease interceptor, for the purpose of reducing the volume
to be disposed, is prohibited.
A.
All grease interceptor waste originating within the Borough shall
be disposed of at approved disposal sites.
B.
No person or organization shall provide grease interceptor hauling,
pumping, cleaning or inspection services in the Borough unless licensed
by PADEP and permitted by Bucks County.
C.
All wastewater removed from each grease interceptor shall be disposed
of at a permitted disposal site. In no way shall the pumped material
be returned to any private or public portion of the sewer system without
prior written approval from the Authority. Additionally, grease removed
from a grease interceptor shall not be recycled so as to become a
food product for animal or human consumption.
D.
All grease haulers must be able to provide evidence of adequate insurance,
in the form of current insurance certificates, for its firm or its
subcontractors.
When an existing facility with a grease interceptor closes for
business and is subsequently:
A.
Razed or demolished, then any grease interceptor(s) shall be physically
removed.
B.
Remodeled or replaced with a type of business that will not utilize
the grease interceptor, then the grease interceptor(s) shall be either
physically removed or left in place. If left in place, the grease
interceptor(s) shall have all wastewater pumped out, be cleaned thoroughly,
left dry and empty.
(1)
Be replumbed as to bypass the existing grease interceptor(s), either
by straight through or bypassing methods, while leaving the empty
grease interceptor(s) in place for possible future utilization by
another business.
(2)
Replumbed with a straight line plumbed from the inlet to the outlet,
and the remainder of the grease interceptor(s) filled with soil or
sand.
C.
In all instances, the owner of the premises shall appropriately inform
the Authority and perform the closure at such a time so as to permit
an authorized agent to be physically present during the removal or
filling of the grease interceptor(s).
A.
It shall be unlawful for a generator, whether or not the generator
possesses a FOG permit, to refuse to allow authorized agents to enter
their premises during reasonable hours to determine whether the generator
is complying with all of the requirements of this article and FOG
permit or order issued hereunder. A generator shall allow the authorized
agent access to all parts of the premises for purposes of inspection,
sampling, records examination and copying, and the performance of
additional duties. Arrangements for the immediate access of the Authority
or its designated representative shall have been made ahead of time;
however, such failure to make adequate arrangements shall not be considered
a legitimate reason to refuse admittance of an authorized agent.
B.
In cases where an existing facility includes private living quarters,
the right of access shall extend to all common areas, and any other
area or areas an employee, including the manager and/or owner, may
enter without expressed permission of the residents.
C.
If the authorized agent has been refused access to a building, structure,
or property, or any part thereof, and is able to demonstrate probable
cause to believe that there may be a violation of this article, or
that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine
inspection and sampling program of the Authority designed to verify
compliance with this article, or any permit or order issued hereunder,
or to protect the overall public health, safety and welfare of the
community, then the authorized agent may seek issuance of a search
warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
A.
The Authority shall fully utilize those powers it possesses through
enabling statutes and ordinances to effect the purposes of this article.
B.
The Authority may establish all administrative procedures necessary
to properly carry out the provisions of this article.
C.
The Authority shall employ authorized agents to carry out the provisions
of this article.
D.
All permits, records; reports, files and other written material relating
to the installation, operation, maintenance, and malfunction of grease
interceptors in the Borough shall become the property of the Authority.
Existing and future records shall be available for public inspection
during normal business hours at the official Authority office. All
records pertaining to FOG permits, building permits, occupancy permits,
and all other aspects of this article shall be made available upon
request. The Authority may charge a fee for copying.
Fees for application, operation, enforcement, administration,
and reimbursement of costs incurred pursuant to this article by an
authorized agent(s) shall be adopted by resolution by the Borough
from time to time.
A.
The Authority may establish permit fees under this article.
B.
The fees for such permits shall be for a permit issued for a period
of one year. The Authority may prorate the amounts for permits with
shorter durations. All permits will expire at 12:00 midnight on the
date specified on the permit as determined by the Authority.
A.
It is unlawful for any generator to discharge into the sewer system
in any manner that is in violation of this article or of any condition
set forth in this article. Additionally, a person commits an offense
if the person causes or permits the plugging or blocking of, or otherwise
interferes with or permits the interference of, a grease interceptor
or the sewer system, including alteration or removal of any flow-constricting
devices so as to cause flow to rise above the design capacity of the
grease interceptor.
B.
No person and/or existing facility shall discharge grease in excess
of 100 mg/l to the sewer system unless the generator is performing
best management practices. If such discharge occurs, the person or
existing facility shall be considered in violation of this article
and subject to the remedies described herein. This includes nonpermitted
existing facilities.
C.
The authorized agent is hereby empowered to enter and inspect any
premises upon which he/she has reasonable grounds to believe a violation
exists. If violation of any of the provisions of this article exists,
the authorized agent shall issue written notice to be served by registered
or certified mail upon the owner of such premises or, if the owner's
whereabouts or identity be unknown, by posting the notice conspicuously
upon the offending premises. Such notice shall specify the condition
of the violation and shall require the owner to commence to remove
or otherwise rectify the offending condition within five days of notification
and thereafter to fully comply with the requirements of the notice
within 20 days.
D.
Any persons aggrieved by a decision of an authorized agent in regard
to any alleged violation may request and shall be granted a hearing
before the Authority. Such hearing shall be requested by filing a
petition, in writing, stating the grounds therefor within five days
after notice of the authorized agent's decision. Any persons aggrieved
by a decision of an authorized agent in regard to any alleged violation
may request and shall be granted a hearing before the Authority. Such
hearing shall be requested by filing a petition, in writing, stating
the grounds of the petition within five days after notice of the authorized
agent's decision and paying an administration fee in an amount as
established from time to time by resolution of the Borough. The hearing
shall commence within 30 days of filing of the petition unless postponed
for good cause. After such hearing the Authority shall sustain, modify
or overrule the action of the authorized agent.
E.
The Authority may immediately request the water company to suspend
water service when such suspension is necessary, in the opinion of
the Authority, in order to stop an actual or threatened discharge
which:
(1)
Presents or may present an imminent or substantial endangerment to
the health or welfare of persons or the environment.
(2)
Causes stoppages or excessive maintenance to be performed to prevent
stoppages in the sewer system.
(3)
Causes interference to the sewer system.
(4)
Causes the Authority to violate any condition of its permit.
F.
Any person notified of a suspension of the water service shall immediately
stop or eliminate the discharge. In the event of a failure of the
person to comply voluntarily with the suspension order, the Authority
shall take such steps as deemed necessary, including requesting immediate
termination of water service, to prevent or minimize damage to the
sewer system or sewer connection or endangerment to any individuals.
The Authority shall request to reinstate the water service when such
conditions causing the suspension have passed or been eliminated.
Any costs associated with the termination or reinstatement of water
service by the water company shall be paid by the person notified
of the suspension. A detailed written statement submitted by the generator
describing the cause(s) of the harmful discharge and the measure(s)
taken to prevent any future occurrence shall be submitted to the Authority
within 15 days of the date of occurrence.
G.
In addition to prohibiting certain conduct by persons, it is the
intent of this article to hold a corporation, association, LLC, LLP
or LP legally responsible for prohibited conduct performed by an agent
acting on behalf of a corporation or association and within the scope
of his office or employment.
H.
Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of
this article, or within five days of the denial of any appeal to the
Authority, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine
of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said
fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each
day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a
separate offense.
I.
A generator is liable to the Authority for any expense, loss or damage
occasioned by the Authority for reason of appropriate cleanup and
proper disposal of said wastewater materials. Additionally, an administrative
fee equal to 1/2 of assessed cleanup costs shall be levied by the
Authority against the guilty party.
J.
The performance by the Authority of its obligations as set forth
in this article shall create no liability upon the Authority, its
officials, employees or authorized agents.
K.
All reports, inspections, appraisals, certifications or records required
or produced by the Authority, or its authorized agents, as required
by this article, shall be for the use and benefit of the Authority
only and shall not be accepted, utilized or relied upon by any other
person or party by way of certification or otherwise.
