[Adopted 8-27-2019 by Ord. No. 4642-19]
A. 
This article is intended to aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions caused by the discharge and contribution of fats, oils, and greases ("FOG") into the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority's ("TRMUA") wastewater collection system, as generated by commercial, industrial, institutional and all other nonresidential activities.
B. 
This article shall describe the required installation, operation, and maintenance of grease traps, grease interceptors, and grease removal devices ("GRD"), as well as the inspection and enforcement thereof.
C. 
A GRD shall be utilized to capture FOG from kitchen wastewater, thus preventing it from entering the sanitary sewer system. This shall be done by trapping the FOG, via a system of baffles situated within the GRD, after the FOG floats to the water surface. FOG is less dense and lighter than water and does not mix with water. When a significant layer of FOG has accumulated and is trapped on the surface, the GRD shall be cleaned out and the FOG shall be properly disposed.
D. 
This article shall apply to all facilities, excluding single-family dwellings, generating FOG as a result of food manufacturing, processing, preparation, etc. These facilities include, but are not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, food manufacturers, food processors, delicatessens, hospitals, hotels, motels, prisons, club houses, nursing homes, schools and any other facility preparing, or otherwise making any food items available for consumption.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESS MANHOLE
An opening with a detachable cover that gives access to a GRD. The access is to have a minimum diameter of 24 inches, and shall be provided over each chamber and sanitary tee. The access manholes shall extend at least to finished grade and be designed to prevent water inflow or infiltration. The manholes shall also have readily removable covers to facilitate inspection, cleaning and removal of retained FOG and sample collection.
ACCESSIBLE
Obtaining access to a GRD or other devices without the use of vertical assistance, such as a ladder, step stool, boxes, for inspection and/or cleanup services.
BAFFLES
Components of a grease trap designed to restrict and capture FOG while allowing water to pass through the grease trap.
CLEAN WATER ACT
Legislation, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq., enacted in 1972 to protect our health and environment by reducing the pollution in streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and other waterways.
COLLECTION SYSTEM
A system designed to collect and transport wastewater to a wastewater treatment facility.
EMULSIFIED
Combination or mixture of fats, oils, and greases.
ENZYMES
Any biological or chemical product and/or additive marketed as a method of cleaning a grease trap or interceptor by breaking down the grease and discharging it to the collection system.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency.
FACILITY
Any food processing establishment, food sales establishment, or food service establishments.
FATS, OILS, AND GREASE
Organic compounds derived from animal and/or plant sources that contain multiple carbon triglyceride molecules. These substances are detectable and measurable using analytical procedures established in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 136 (40 CFR 136).
FOG
Acronym for "fats, oils, and greases," which cause coagulation in sanitary sewer systems.
GRAVIMETRIC SEPARATION
The separation of liquids and/or suspended solids by gravity.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR
An interceptor of at least 750-gallon capacity whose rated flow exceeds 50 gallons per minute (50 gpm) to serve one or more fixtures and which is remotely located underground and outside of a food service facility. It is designed to collect, contain or remove food wastes and grease from the waste stream while allowing the balance of the liquid waste ("gray water") to discharge to the wastewater collection system by gravity.
GREASE REMOVAL DEVICE (GRD)
A device (grease trap or grease interceptor) designed to separate fats, oils, and grease from liquid waste prior to the wastewater entering the sanitary sewer system.
GREASE TRAP
A device located inside a food service facility designed to retain grease from one to a maximum of four fixtures whose rated flow is 50 gallons per minute (50 gpm) or less. It is designed to collect, contain, or remove food wastes and grease from the waste stream while allowing the balance of the liquid waste to discharge to the wastewater collection system by gravity or mechanical means.
HYDRAULIC RETENTION TIME
Time the wastewater takes to pass through a sanitary sewer system.
INVERT
The bottom of the sewer pipe.
MINIMUM DESIGN CAPABILITY
The design features of a grease interceptor and its ability to remove a volume required to effectively intercept and retain greases from grease-laden wastewaters discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
N.J.A.C.
New Jersey Administrative Code.
NATIONAL STANDARD PLUMBING CODE
A standard designed to provide consumers with safe and sanitary plumbing systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.
PLUMBING SUBCODE OFFICIAL
An official designated by the Township of Toms River to oversee and inspect the installation of plumbing apparatus.
POTABLE
Water cleaned to a degree that is considered drinkable.
PUMPAGE
Wastewater removed via pumping.
PUMPING STATION
Mechanical infrastructure designed to pump sewerage through pipes.
RENDERING/DISPOSAL COMPANY
A company contracted to remove and discard FOG.
SANITARY TEE
A section of sewer pipe shaped in the form of a "T" which permits the connections of another section of a sewer pipe entering at a 90° angle.
SEDIMENTATION
Solid particulate matter that settles out of solution.
SIZING CALCULATIONS
Calculations utilized to determine adequate capacity for a grease interceptor or trap.
UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE (UPC)
Governs the requirements for the installation, alteration, removal, replacement, repair, or construction of all plumbing.
WASTEWATER
Any water that has been adversely affected in quality by anthropogenic influence.
A. 
Capturing FOG.
(1) 
Facilities which generate FOG shall install, operate, and maintain properly sized GRDs to prevent FOG from entering into the sanitary sewer system. Facilities may be required to modify existing GRDs, install new or additional GRDs, or take other measurements to properly address FOG generation.
(2) 
All food establishments, prior to conducting business, shall request a determination from TRMUA if a GRD will be required. The TRMUA will make a determination based on the type of activities the business will perform (i.e., food preparation or dishwashing). Final determination of where and whether a facility will require a GRD, or a modification/upgrade, shall ultimately be made by the Plumbing Subcode Official, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.3.
(3) 
GRDs should be accessible for sample collection, inspection, cleaning, and/or removal of retained FOG.
(4) 
Each facility shall be solely responsible for the costs for the installation, modification, cleaning, and/or maintenance of GRDs. Maintenance shall include proper FOG disposal and also shall include acceptable recordkeeping, as described in § 421-15 of this article, pertaining to cleaning schedules.
(5) 
Grease traps requirements. Grease traps shall meet the following requirements:
(a) 
Grease traps are used in lower-volume facilities, such as fast-food or take-out restaurants with limited menus, minimal dishwashing, small seating capacity, etc.
(b) 
Grease traps are typically located inside a facility and/or under a sink.
(c) 
Grease trap should be accessible and visible from ground level.
(d) 
FOG retention capacity less than 100 pounds.
(e) 
Hydraulic retention time of 24 minutes.
(f) 
Volume of less than 750 gallons.
(g) 
Rated flow is greater than 20 gallons per minute, but less than 55 gallons per minute (20 to 55 gpm).
(h) 
Less than five kitchen fixtures connected. Any fixtures connected to the grease trap shall be labeled appropriately.
(i) 
Equipped with flow regulatory device, air intake vent, baffling system and sampling access point.
(6) 
Grease interceptors. Grease interceptors shall meet the following requirements:
(a) 
Grease interceptors are used in high-volume facilities, such as full-service restaurants, hotels, hospitals, factories, school kitchens, etc.
(b) 
Grease interceptors are located underground and outside of the facility.
(c) 
FOG retention capacity greater than 100 pounds.
(d) 
Hydraulic retention time of 24 minutes.
(e) 
Volume capacity of greater than 750 gallons.
(f) 
Rated flow greater than 50 gallons per minute (>50 gpm).
(g) 
Equipped with flow regulatory device, air intake vent, inspection tees, access manholes, baffling system and sampling access point.
(h) 
Minimum of two compartments with fittings designed for FOG retention.
B. 
Sizes of GRDs.
(1) 
GRD sizing and installation shall be done using standard engineering principles for sedimentation and flotation in gravity separators. GRDs shall also conform to the requirements contained in the current edition of the UPC, National Standard Plumbing Code, N.J.A.C. 7:9A-8.1, or other criteria, if necessary. Other criteria shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by reviewing relevant information, including, but not limited to, GRD performance, waste stream characteristics, facility location, maintenance needs, inspection needs, etc. Sizing shall be in compliance with N.J.A.C. 7:9A-8.1.
(2) 
At a minimum, the GRD must be sized such that it provides:
(a) 
Enough retention time for emulsified FOG to separate and rise to the water surface within the GRD;
(b) 
A rate of flow which does not exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity recommended in gallons per minute for the GRD;
(c) 
Enough volume so the wastewater will cool, enabling liquid FOG to solidify;
(d) 
Turbulence-control measures; and
(e) 
Adequate storage capacity for FOG and solids.
C. 
Cleaning.
(1) 
Frequency.
(a) 
GRDs must be serviced and emptied of accumulated waste content as required in order to maintain a minimum design capability or effective volume. The GRD shall be cleaned when any of the following criteria apply:
[1] 
When the bottom settled solids layer exceeds the invert of the outlet pipe;
[2] 
When the total volume of captured FOG and settled solid material displaces more than 25% of the capacity of the GRD; and/or
[3] 
When the GRD is not retaining or capturing FOG.
(b) 
The cleaning frequency will vary based upon volume and rate of FOG production and/or discharge (grease trap, grease interceptor). Cleaning frequencies should be evaluated and documented by the establishment upon initial operation and any time conditions change. Typically, a trap will need cleaning daily or weekly. An interceptor may only need cleaning and/or pumping once every month. If a facility determines that cleaning is needed too often, a larger GRD may need to be considered.
(c) 
If the GRD is not cleaned out at proper intervals, the FOG will turn septic and harmful acids will form. These acids are destructive and over time will cause baffles, piping, and tank walls to lose structural integrity.
(2) 
Procedure. The GRD shall be emptied of all FOG, water, and solids. This includes debris on the GRD's screens, baffles, floors, walls, and piping. Upon completion of the removal of FOG, water, and solids, the GRD shall be refilled with cold potable water and then tested for proper flow. The removed waste shall be properly disposed. Aboveground GRDs shall also have the exterior cleaned and deodorized.
(3) 
Enzymes and bacterial agents. The direct addition of enzymes, chemicals, or other agents (with the intention of emulsifying FOG) into the building plumbing or GRD is strictly prohibited. GRD design and sizing criteria are based upon gravimetric separation for FOG and solids removal. The addition of enzymes or chemical emulsion agents impedes the gravimetric separation and defeats the purpose of the GRD. Chemical emulsion agents merely soften the FOG and transfer the problem downstream.
D. 
FOG disposal.
(1) 
The owner and/or proprietor of the facility shall be responsible for the proper removal and disposal of the FOG.
(2) 
Facility owners are required to ensure that all FOG and solids removed from grease traps and interceptors are disposed of in a manner which complies with all federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and ordinances.
(3) 
Facility personnel may dispose of FOG and solids from grease traps themselves, if the waste matter is deposited in a watertight container prior to disposal in their own dumpster or garbage bin.
(4) 
Any removal and disposal of FOG not performed by facility personnel shall be performed by pumping by currently licensed waste disposal firms.
(5) 
Facilities with grease interceptors are required to have and maintain a pumping contract with a licensed waste disposal firm or grease pumping company and submit proof of the contract to the TRMUA annually. The firm or company shall remove FOG and solids from the interceptor on a regular schedule without notification from the facility. All FOG removed from grease interceptors shall be disposed of at a location approved to accept such waste. A copy of the disposal manifest shall be filed with the location contracting the service. In no case shall FOG pumpage be discharged to any sanitary sewer system or stormwater system.
A. 
Inspection of facilities by any of the referenced entities may occur with or without prior notice. The overall condition of the GRDs shall be assessed and shall involve inspection of:
(1) 
Maintenance and cleaning records;
(2) 
Access to the GRD for physical inspection;
(3) 
Depth of FOG layer within the GRD, which shall not be greater than 25% of the total operating depth of the GRD;
(4) 
Depth of settled solids layer - not to exceed the invert of the outlet pipe;
(5) 
Water and wastewater temperatures, which shall not exceed a temperature of 140° F.
B. 
The facility owner will be required at any time to furnish the inspector with drawings of sufficient detail, which depict the plumbing layout of the facility.
A. 
A facility's maintenance record of cleaning and servicing activities of their GRD shall be available at any time for inspection by personnel from the TRMUA. Maintenance records shall be up to date and maintained at the facility for a minimum of three years, and filed with the TRMUA annually. Said maintenance record forms will be provided by the TRMUA.
B. 
The facility shall be responsible for maintaining GRD records as to:
(1) 
Dates (MM/DD/YY) of the facility's inspection of the GRD, including name(s) and signatures of facility personnel performing the inspection;
(2) 
Dates (MM/DD/YY) of the facility's cleaning and removal of FOG and solids from the GRD, including name(s) and signatures of facility personnel performing the cleaning and removal;
(3) 
Volume of FOG and solids evacuated from the GRD;
(4) 
Copies of service contracts and name of pumping/waste hauling company;
(5) 
End disposal site of the waste; and
(6) 
Manifests and/or receipts from pumping/waste hauling company.
A. 
Inability or refusal to allow inspection of either maintenance and cleaning records, or the GRD(s) at the time of the TRMUA inspection, shall constitute noncompliance or a prohibitive act.
B. 
Facilities found to be in violation of the provisions of this article shall be subject to:
(1) 
Written warning for the first violation.
(a) 
If the facility's GRD is determined by the inspector to be either underdesigned, substandard, or poorly operated, the facility owner shall be notified in writing of the required improvements and given a sixty-day compliance deadline. The facility owner will also be required to furnish drawings of sufficient detail to depict the plumbing layout of the facility.
(2) 
For the second violation: fine of $500.
(3) 
For the third violation: fine of $1,000.
C. 
All violations will be copied to the Ocean County Health Department and the Township of Toms River. Prohibitive acts shall include but are not limited to following:
(1) 
Operating a grease trap without baffles, or as designed.
(2) 
Bypassing the grease trap.
(3) 
Use of enzymes or chemicals to clean the trap.
(4) 
Failure to properly clean the trap.
(5) 
Failure to dispose of FOG properly.
(6) 
Failure to maintain records.