[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:
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.
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.
Components of a grease trap designed to restrict and capture
FOG while allowing water to pass through the grease trap.
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.
A system designed to collect and transport wastewater to
a wastewater treatment facility.
Combination or mixture of fats, oils, and greases.
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.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Any food processing establishment, food sales establishment,
or food service establishments.
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).
Acronym for "fats, oils, and greases," which cause coagulation
in sanitary sewer systems.
The separation of liquids and/or suspended solids by gravity.
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.
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.
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.
Time the wastewater takes to pass through a sanitary sewer
system.
The bottom of the sewer pipe.
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.
New Jersey Administrative 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.
An official designated by the Township of Toms River to oversee
and inspect the installation of plumbing apparatus.
Water cleaned to a degree that is considered drinkable.
Wastewater removed via pumping.
Mechanical infrastructure designed to pump sewerage through
pipes.
A company contracted to remove and discard FOG.
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.
Solid particulate matter that settles out of solution.
Calculations utilized to determine adequate capacity for
a grease interceptor or trap.
Governs the requirements for the installation, alteration,
removal, replacement, repair, or construction of all plumbing.
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:
(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:
