(a) 
The purpose of this article is the regulation of the generation and disposal of grease for the protection of the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) and the environment.
(b) 
The objective of this article is to reduce the operational and maintenance costs of maintaining the POTW by preventing the accumulation of grease within the collection system lines.
(c) 
This article shall apply to persons in the city and to persons outside the city who, by contract or agreement with the city, are users of the city’s POTW.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1000; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Except as otherwise provided in this article, the laboratory/water pollution administrator of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District under the authority and supervision of the city manager shall administer, implement, and enforce this article and is authorized to promulgate such rules as shall be reasonable and necessary to carry out its provisions.
(b) 
The city manager, the director of community development, the director of public works, and the director of health, and persons designated and under the instruction and supervision of any of them, may investigate compliance of this chapter.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1001; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
Unless a provision explicitly states otherwise, abbreviations as defined in article VII of this chapter, shall apply to the extent that they are not in conflict with the provisions of this article.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1002; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
Unless a provision explicitly states otherwise, terms and phrases as defined in article VII of this chapter, shall apply to the extent that they are not in conflict with the provisions of this article.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1003; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Act.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 USC 1251 et seq.
Approval authority.
The executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and any duly authorized individuals, including contractors, acting as representatives of said director, or the executive director of any state agency replacing TCEQ as the enforcement authority.
Biological pretreatment service.
The application of any additive or enzyme or the use of any other biological means to digest waste in an interceptor that discharges into a public sewer system within the city.
Building official.
The building and code administrator for the City of Wichita Falls. The term “building official” includes any employees, agents or representatives of the building and code administrator.
Chronic problem.
A generator that has contributed grease into the POTW requiring the cleaning of lines more than once in a three-year period to prevent stoppages.
Control authority.
The Laboratory/Water Pollution Coordinator of the Wichita Falls/Wichita County Public Health District (or another official designated by the city manager) or his duly authorized deputy, agent or representative. The term “control authority” includes any employee of the city assigned to investigate compliance with and detect violations of this chapter.
Discharge.
The introduction of waste into a POTW.
Disposal.
The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of any solid or semi-solid grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, and/or sewage into or on any land or water so that such waste or any constituent thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters, including groundwaters.
Disposal facility.
A facility at which liquid waste, including but not limited to, grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, and sewage, is received, processed, or treated.
Disposal facility operator.
An individual who is authorized to accept or reject liquid waste at a disposal facility, and who is authorized to sign a trip ticket, regardless of actual title.
Disposal site.
A site or part of a site at which grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, or septage is processed, treated or intentionally placed into or on any land and at which site said waste will remain after closure.
Emulsifier.
Any substance which, when added or placed into wastewater grease interceptor, will form an oily substance to 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; as the homogenization of milk emulsifies the fat with the whey forming a smooth milk product.
Existing facility.
Any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be a discharge of grease, the construction of which started before August 17, 2004.
Food courts.
Areas predominantly found in shopping centers or amusement parks and festivals where several food service facilities having different owners or serving different fare may be sharing seating space or plumbing facilities.
Food service facility.
Any establishment that cuts, cooks, bakes, prepares or serves food, or which disposes of food-related wastes, or which has a local, state, or federal food preparation or service permit.
Food waste grinder.
A device which shreds or grinds up solid or semisolid waste materials into smaller portions for discharge into the POTW.
Generator.
A facility that causes, creates, generates, stores, or otherwise produces wastewater which contains grease from on-site process operations, whether domestically or commercially generated, or as a byproduct of some domestic or non-domestic activity.
Grease.
Fats, waxes, free fatty acids, calcium and magnesium soaps, mineral oils and certain other non-fatty material from animal or vegetable sources, or from hydrocarbons of petroleum origins, commonly found in wastewater from food preparation and food service.
Grease interceptor orinterceptor.
A water-tight receptacle designed and constructed to intercept and prevent the passage of grease into the POTW to which the receptacle is directly or indirectly connected, and to separate and retain grease and other waste from the wastewater discharged by a facility. In order to be considered a grease interceptor under this article, the interceptor should not allow a discharge of grease in excess of 500 milligrams per liter (mg/l) concentrations.
Grease interceptor waste.
Any grease, food particles, 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.
Grease recovery device.
A type of grease interceptor that mechanically removes grease from wastewater for later disposal.
Inspection port.
An opening with easily opened covers designed to allow inspectors quick access to the inlet flow control device, a compartment of the grease interceptor, or the effluent from the interceptor.
Living quarters.
A facility, or an area of a facility, where a person or family has a distinct living area which includes individual kitchen and bath facilities and is utilized solely by that single person or family.
Manager.
The person, regardless of actual title, immediately on-site at a location conducting, supervising, managing, or representing the activities of a generator, a transporter or a disposer.
Monitoring port.
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.
NPDES.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System as administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Permitted transporter.
A transporter who holds a formal written control document required and issued by the control authority, which authorizes and entitles the transporter to collect, transport or dispose of grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste and other liquid wastes at a permitted or registered treatment, storage or disposal site or facility.
Permittee.
A person issued any permit under this article and includes any agent, servant, or employee of the permittee.
Publicly owned treatment works and POTW.
A treatment works as defined by section 212 of the Act, which is owned by a state or municipality, as defined by section 504(4) of the Act. This definition includes any devices and systems used in the storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation of municipal sewage or industrial wastes of a liquid nature. It also includes sewers, pipes and other conveyances only if they convey wastewater to a publicly owned treatment works. The terms “publicly owned treatment works” and “POTW” also include the municipality as defined in section 504(4) of the Act, which has jurisdiction over the indirect discharges to and the discharges from such a treatment works.
Reporting period.
January 1 through December 31 of a year. When documentation must be submitted, it must be the documentation for the reporting period immediately preceding the date of submission.
Shopping center.
A group of geographically unified commercial establishments built on a site that is planned, developed, owned, and managed as an operation unit for sale or lease with a common parking lot.
TPDES.
Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System, as administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, under which the city’s POTW is permitted.
Transporter.
A user who transfers waste from the site of a generator to an approved site for disposal or treatment.
Trip ticket.
The written documentation of the generation, receipt, transportation, and disposal of grit interceptor waste, grease interceptor waste, septage, and other liquid wastes, which enables the legal and proper disposal of such waste at a permitted or registered disposal site, and which specifies the identity of the generator, transporter, and disposal facility and the volume wastes disposed.
Under sink grease interceptor or USGI.
A grease interceptor placed under or in close proximity to sinks or other fixtures.
Wastewater.
Liquid and water-carried industrial wastes and sewage from residential dwellings, commercial buildings, industrial and manufacturing facilities, and institutions, whether treated or untreated, which are contributed to the publicly owned treatment works. Stormwater, surface water, and groundwater infiltration may be included in the wastewater that enters a publicly owned treatment works.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1004; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Wastewater which contains grease shall be discharged into the POTW system only as permitted by this article.
(b) 
The following types of 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 POTW, and shall provide a grease interceptor inlet flow control device inspection port, a grease interceptor effluent monitoring port, and inspection ports for all parts of the grease interceptor:
(1) 
Commercial food preparation and food service facilities, including but not limited to bakeries, boardinghouses, butcher shops, cafes, commercial kitchens, delicatessens, ice cream parlors, hospitals, meat packing plants, restaurants, schools, and similar facilities, especially where meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products or fried foods are prepared or served;
(2) 
Commercial plants where biological matter is processed or rendered, including but not limited to fat rendering plants, soap factories, slaughter houses, taxidermy shops, and similar facilities;
(3) 
Clubhouses and other communal gathering facilities, such as those belonging to apartment complexes, golf courses and housing developments, which include kitchens or can be otherwise expected to discharge grease into the POTW;
(4) 
Facilities 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, nursing homes, retirement and life care communities and homes; and
(5) 
All other facilities, including existing facilities, deemed by the control authority to be discharging grease in amounts or in a manner that alone or in concert with other substances from the discharges of other facilities reasonably threatens to impede or stop the flow in the POTW. The determination shall be made based upon an investigation of the facility, and a comparison of the content and amount of discharge from the facility with the discharges of other facilities similar in size and use. Upon a determination that a facility’s discharge will create problems in the POTW, the control authority may require the installation of an adequately sized, properly maintained and functioning grease interceptor before the discharge enters the POTW, and the installation of a grease interceptor inlet flow control device inspection port and a grease interceptor effluent monitoring port.
(c) 
A food service facility is exempt from the requirements of subsection (b) of this section if it:
(1) 
Sells or serves pre-packaged or pre-cooked food that requires only warming;
(2) 
Serves only snow cones or drinks that do not include meat or dairy products;
(3) 
Is a produce market without a food grinder; or
(4) 
Is a grocery or convenience store that does not offer food preparation, meat cutting or packaging, a delicatessen, or a bakery.
(d) 
Grease interceptors shall not be required for single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, or apartment complexes, unless subsection (b)(5) of this section applies.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1005; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
All facilities required to have a grease interceptor shall locate the interceptor in a manner that provides ready and easy accessibility for cleaning, service and inspection.
(b) 
Grease interceptors will be sized, designed, and installed according to the requirements of the technical codes adopted by the city in chapter 22, except that in any event where this article and chapter 22 conflict, this article shall control.
(c) 
Under no circumstances are multiple grease interceptors to be positioned in series.
(d) 
As of March 6, 2012, no communal grease interceptors shall be installed. New facilities shall be required to install individual grease interceptors. Facilities that utilized a communal grease interceptor before March 6, 2012, shall be permitted to continue to do so, but may elect to install an individual grease interceptor instead.
(e) 
New shopping centers must have two separate sewer line connections at each unit within the shopping center. One sewer line shall be for sanitary wastewater and one sewer line shall be for the kitchen area, or potential kitchen area, of each unit. The kitchen area, or potential kitchen area, sewer line shall be connected to floor drains in the specified kitchen area, and shall connect, or be able to connect, to other kitchen fixtures.
(f) 
Owners of a new multi-unit facility or new shopping center facility shall contact the control authority prior to conducting private plumbing work at the multi-unit facility site. Multi-unit facility owners or their designated contractor shall have plans for separate private wastewater lines for kitchen and sanitary wastewater for each individual unit. In addition, the plans shall identify locations to accommodate grease interceptors for each unit of the multi-unit facility.
(g) 
If a new food court is proposed in a mall, or an existing food court is proposed to be expanded in a mall, each food service facility shall have a monitoring port.
(h) 
A sample port shall be installed on the effluent line of each grease interceptor. The port shall be a minimum of four inches in diameter and shall be connected to the sewer line at a 90-degree angle to allow for visualization and sampling activities. The port shall be installed so as to be protected from stormwater contamination and maintained in a safe and proper operating condition. The plug on the sample port must be easily removed from the pipe.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1006; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Where grease is a byproduct of food preparation or cleanup, reasonable efforts shall be made to prevent the inclusion of grease in wastewater. Except as a byproduct of food preparation and/or clean up after such reasonable efforts are made, grease shall not be discharged to any drains or grease interceptors. Grease shall be placed in a container designed to hold such grease and either recycled or properly disposed of at suitable locations.
(b) 
None of the following agents shall be placed directly into a grease interceptor, or into any drain that leads to a grease interceptor:
(1) 
Emulsifiers or any type of product that will liquefy grease interceptor wastes;
(2) 
Any substance that may cause excessive foaming in the POTW;
(3) 
Hazardous wastes, such as acids, strong cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, paint, solvents, or gasoline;
(4) 
Any substance capable of moving grease interceptor waste from the grease interceptor to the POTW.
(c) 
The influent to interceptors shall not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit (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) 
Wastewater shall only enter a grease interceptor through the inlet flow control device, then the inlet pipe.
(f) 
Where a food waste grinder is installed, the wastewater from that grinder shall not discharge directly into the POTW without passing through a grease interceptor. Living quarters are exempted from this requirement.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1007; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
If the control authority determines that there is a need for installation or upgrading of sample ports or grease interceptors on an existing facility, or that there is a need to increase the frequency with which a grease interceptor is cleaned or serviced, the control authority may issue an order to that effect.
(1) 
If the control authority issues such an order, then the control authority shall serve notice of such order upon the generator.
(2) 
Within ten days of receipt of such order, the generator may demand a hearing to review such order. The control authority shall schedule a hearing to review the order within 30 days of receiving the demand for hearing from the generator, and shall serve notice of the hearing upon the generator at least ten days before the date of the hearing. At the hearing, the generator may present evidence, and the control authority may make new findings and issue new orders concerning the subject of the original order.
(3) 
After receiving notice of such an order, it shall be unlawful for a generator to allow or cause any discharge into the POTW not in compliance with such order.
(b) 
Where grease is generated in only part of a facility, the wastewater containing grease may, at the discretion of the control authority, discharge into a grease interceptor servicing only those areas. If the positioning of a single grease interceptor to receive all wastewater is impracticable, multiple grease interceptors, each individually permitted, may be used with the control authority’s approval.
(c) 
The control authority may waive the requirement for a grease interceptor provided the generator can verify that only domestic sewage is being discharged, and that the facility has no floor drains. The verification and any required testing shall be done to the control authority’s specifications and at the generator’s expense.
(d) 
If the control authority determines that a generator is causing a chronic problem, that generator shall install an external grease interceptor designed to retain at least 1,000 pounds of grease. The external grease interceptor shall be connected to all grease contributing equipment, including, but not limited to three-compartment sinks, mop sinks, dish machines, pre-rinse disposals, food grinders, and floor drains.
(1) 
The control authority shall contact the generator causing a chronic problem in writing. The generator shall take steps to resolve the chronic problem within 30 days of the hand-delivery or certified mailing of the notice.
(2) 
The generator shall submit plans to the building official outlining the installation of the required grease interceptor within 60 days of the hand-delivery or certified mailing of the notice. The generator shall also make application with the building official for all necessary permits and approvals for the installation within 60 days of the hand-delivery or certified mailing of the notice. The generator shall complete said installation within 30 days of receiving all necessary approvals and permits from the building official to do so.
(e) 
If an inspection finds a grease interceptor to be full, immediate steps shall be taken by the generator to evacuate and clean the interceptor. The inspector shall make an evaluation of the advisability of allowing discharge to continue, and may order an immediate cessation of all discharge from the facility.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1008; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Required ports shall be in areas where vehicles may not temporarily block access to inspection.
(b) 
Ready inspection or service of inlet flow control devices, interceptors, and ports shall not require the use of ladders or the removal of equipment or stored materials.
(c) 
Ports shall be located so as to allow inspectors quick and easy access to the inlet flow control device, each compartment of the interceptor, and the effluent from the interceptor. The location of all ports shall be approved by the control authority and shall be shown on the approved building plans.
(d) 
A one-piece removable metal plate covering the entire interceptor shall be preferred as an interceptor inspection port, though the control authority may permit standard manhole ports to be installed over each divider in the interceptor. All parts of the interceptor shall be easily accessible for cleaning and visual inspection.
(e) 
The grease interceptor effluent monitoring port shall be as close as possible to the connection with the POTW within the bounds of the facility property, and shall be placed and maintained so that samples taken from the monitoring port are representative of wastewater leaving the grease interceptor. The port shall be installed according to the specifications of the control authority, and maintained at the user’s expense. It shall be unlawful for a generator to divert wastewater around a monitoring point into the POTW.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1009; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
If the control authority determines that an outside grease interceptor is not physically feasible, an under sink grease interceptor (USGI) may be installed subject to the approval of the building official.
(b) 
Installation requirements.
(1) 
The USGI may be set on the floor, partially recessed in the floor with its top flush with the floor, or fully recessed below the floor to suit piping and structural conditions, so long as the arrangement is acceptable to the building official.
(2) 
There shall be sufficient clearance for the removal of the USGI cover for cleaning.
(3) 
Unless specifically approved by the building official, runs of pipe exceeding 25 feet between fixture and USGI shall not be permitted.
(4) 
A suitable flow control fitting shall be installed ahead of the USGI in the waste line beyond the fixture as close as possible to the underside of the lowest fixture. When wastewater from two or more sinks or fixtures is combined to flow through one USGI, a single flow control fitting shall be used.
(5) 
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.
(6) 
To retain water and prevent siphoning, all USGIs shall have a vented waste, sized in accordance with the plumbing code of the city.
(7) 
With the approval of the building official, one USGI may be used to serve multiple fixtures if the fixtures are located close together and the interceptor is sized to meet the combined flow of all the fixtures.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1010; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to utilize a grease recovery device unless the generator holds a grease interceptor permit for the device.
(b) 
Grease from grease recovery devices shall:
(1) 
Be stored on premises in an integral recovered grease container;
(2) 
Be stored in such a manner as to minimize odors and insects;
(3) 
Not be mixed with edible grease; and
(4) 
Be removed only by a permitted transporter.
(c) 
Recovered grease shall not be stored on-premises longer than two weeks.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1011; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
A generator shall maintain grease interceptors in proper continuous working condition, and shall ensure that the flow control fitting supplied with the interceptor is in position at all times during operation of the interceptor.
(b) 
A generator is responsible for inspecting, repairing, replacing, or installing all apparatus and equipment necessary to ensure said working condition and compliance with discharge regulations at all times.
(c) 
Grease interceptors shall be serviced and evacuated at least every 90 days by a permitted transporter operating a vacuum truck cleaning service. The control authority may modify this requirement in writing, and 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.
(d) 
After service, the generator shall ensure that the interceptor is thoroughly inspected to make certain that inlet, outlet, and air relief ports are clear of obstructions.
(e) 
Grease and other waste removed from a grease interceptor shall not be introduced into any drain, sewer, or natural body of water. The waste shall be placed in proper containers for proper disposal, and shall not be mixed with edible grease or disposed of in such a matter so as to become food for animals or humans.
(f) 
A generator having a grease interceptor shall maintain a maintenance log for each interceptor indicating each evacuation and service of the interceptor for the previous five years. This log shall include the date, time, amount pumped, hauler and disposal site, and shall be kept readily available on the premises of the generator for inspection by the control authority.
(g) 
A generator having a grease interceptor shall maintain copies of the trip tickets for the previous five years on the premises of the facility and readily available for inspection by the control authority.
(h) 
Cleaning and evacuation procedures.
(1) 
A representative of the generator shall supervise grease interceptor cleaning, and shall be physically present and observe the entire cleaning operation.
(2) 
A generator shall cause the liquid waste hauler, transporter, or any other person cleaning or servicing an 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 interceptor or use of any method that does not remove the entire contents of the interceptor shall not constitute a cleaning, servicing or evacuation as required by law. 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 interceptor shall be thoroughly scraped. The interceptor shall then be washed down and the residue removed. Upon completion of the servicing, the generator’s representative shall make an inspection of the interior of the interceptor and personally sign the trip ticket. The generator’s representative shall make an appropriate entry in the interceptor maintenance log.
(3) 
It shall be unlawful for a generator to allow the discharge of liquid, semi-solids, or solids back into a grease interceptor during or after servicing. Any decanting or discharging of waste into an interceptor from which the waste was removed or in any manner other than through the inlet pipe is prohibited.
(4) 
Each grease interceptor shall be fully evacuated when serviced unless the waste volume is greater than the permitted transporter’s tank capacity in which case the permitted transporter shall arrange for the interceptor to be fully evacuated within a 24-hour period following the transporter’s inability to fully evacuate the interceptor.
(i) 
Waste removed from a grease interceptor shall be disposed of at a facility permitted and authorized to receive such waste in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The waste shall not be returned to any private or public portion of the POTW without prior written approval from the control authority. The waste shall not be returned to any portion of the POTW not specifically designated by the wastewater treatment superintendent.
(j) 
It shall be unlawful for a generator to allow grease waste to be removed from his premises by anyone who does not have all applicable federal, state, or local permits or registrations, including a permit from the control authority, and a TCEQ waste hauler’s permit.
(k) 
Self-cleaning.
(1) 
The control authority may permit the service and cleaning of a grease interceptor by the generator who owns or operates it under the following conditions:
a. 
The grease interceptor must be capable of retaining at least 30 pounds of grease.
b. 
The grease must be stored on premises in an integral recovered grease container in such a manner as to minimize odors and insects, not be mixed with edible grease, and be removed only by a permitted transporter.
c. 
Recovered grease shall not be stored on-premises longer than two weeks.
d. 
A maintenance log shall be kept by self-cleaning generators that indicates, at a minimum, the following information:
1. 
Date the grease interceptor was serviced;
2. 
Name of the person servicing the grease interceptor;
3. 
Waste disposal method used;
4. 
Amount of grease removed; and
5. 
The signature of the person servicing the interceptor after each cleaning certifying that all grease was removed and disposed of properly, the grease interceptor was thoroughly cleaned, and that all parts were in operable condition.
(2) 
Written requests for authorization to self-clean must be submitted annually to the control authority for approval. The written request shall include the following information:
a. 
The generator name and street address;
b. 
The name, title, and phone number of the generator’s representative responsible for the self-cleaning;
c. 
A description of maintenance frequency, method of disposal, method of cleaning and size of the grease interceptor; and
d. 
A signed statement that the generator’s representative shall maintain records of waste disposal and produce them for compliance inspections.
(3) 
Violation of any grease interceptor regulation subjects a generator to removal from the self-cleaner program at the discretion of the control authority.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1012; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
A generator shall obtain a written grease interceptor service agreement with a permitted transporter to maintain required grease interceptors in effective operating condition. A service agreement must be for an annual term and a generator must maintain such an agreement in effect as long as the generator has a grease interceptor.
(b) 
A generator shall provide copies of all written grease interceptor service agreements to the control authority. Any modifications or changes to the contract must be submitted to the control authority within ten working days of the change or modification. It is a violation for a generator to discharge through an interceptor without a written grease interceptor service agreement.
(c) 
A written grease interceptor service agreement shall include:
(1) 
The customer name, address and telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the generator to be serviced if different;
(2) 
The name of a primary and secondary contact person for the generator;
(3) 
The grease interceptor permit number of each interceptor to be serviced;
(4) 
The size of each interceptor to be serviced;
(5) 
The precise location of each interceptor to be serviced, including a diagram if necessary;
(6) 
The frequency of service and evacuation required;
(7) 
The signature of an authorized representative of the generator indicating acceptance of the terms of the contract;
(8) 
The permitted transporter company name, address, and telephone number;
(9) 
The name of a primary and secondary contact person for the permitted transporter;
(10) 
The TCEQ permit number of the permitted transporter;
(11) 
The permitted transporter number issued by the control authority;
(12) 
The signature of an authorized representative of the permitted transporter indicating acceptance of the terms of the contract;
(13) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the disposal site;
(14) 
The TCEQ registration number of the disposal site;
(15) 
A start date and an end date, to include not less than one year;
(16) 
A certificate of insurance for the permitted transporter;
(17) 
A certificate of assurance by the permitted transporter; and
(18) 
A certificate of indemnification.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1013; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
It is unlawful for any generator to discharge effluent through a grease interceptor without authorization from the control authority in the form of a grease interceptor permit.
(b) 
Application for a permit shall be made to the control authority. If, after examining the information contained in the grease interceptor permit application, it is determined by the control authority that the proposed discharge does not conflict with the provisions of this article, or any other federal, state, or local requirement or regulation, and the permit fee is paid, a permit shall be issued allowing the facility to discharge effluent through a grease interceptor into the POTW.
(c) 
Each grease interceptor permit shall be issued for a time not longer than one year from the date of the permit. All permits shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on the date specified on the permit. The generator shall apply for permit reissuance prior to the expiration of the grease generator’s existing permit. The control authority may issue a permit for less than a year without proration of a permit fee:
(1) 
In order to maintain the facility on the same permit schedule if a facility allows a permit to lapse; or
(2) 
In order to maintain the facility on the same permit schedule as any other permits it may hold from the city.
(d) 
The terms and conditions of the permit may be subject to modification by the control authority at any time during the term of the permit as limitations or requirements as identified in this chapter are modified or other just cause to make such modification exists. The grease generator shall be informed of any proposed change in the issued permit at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the change. Any change or new conditions in the permit shall include a reasonable time schedule for compliance.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1014; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
The use of grease interceptor treatment products, including bacteria, designed to digest grease are specifically prohibited unless the control authority has given prior written consent.
(b) 
The control authority may consider the use of grease interceptor treatment products only where a valid screening test showing the product’s ability to treat wastewater and to produce effluent in compliance with this article has been performed in accordance with methods outlined by the control authority.
(c) 
Screening tests for such grease interceptor treatment products shall be designed by the control authority, and the results of the screening tests shall be subject to technical review by the control authority. All costs associated with such screening test shall be borne by the facility whether the product is accepted for use or not.
(d) 
If a grease interceptor treatment product is accepted for use, the control authority will provide written consent to use the product.
(e) 
The permittee must disclose a complete description of the chemical composition of all grease interceptor treatment products to the control authority.
(f) 
The control authority may revoke written consent to use a grease interceptor treatment product where the effluent from the interceptor in which the product is used fails to meet the requirements of the article.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1015; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
Any person wishing to make use of a mobile treatment process to clean or service grease interceptors shall demonstrate the process to the satisfaction of the control authority. Included with the demonstration shall be a written explanation of the treatment process and a description of the chemical composition of all products used during the process. Any costs to the city associated with the demonstration, such as, but not limited to sampling and analysis, shall be paid by the demonstrator.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1016; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
When a facility with a grease interceptor closes for business, and is subsequently razed or demolished, then any grease interceptors shall be physically removed.
(b) 
When a facility with a grease interceptor closes for business, and the facility is remodeled such that the grease interceptor will not be used, then the grease interceptor may be either physically removed or left in place. If the grease interceptor is left in place:
(1) 
The grease interceptor shall have all effluent pumped out, and the interceptor shall be cleaned thoroughly and left dry and empty; and
(2) 
The grease interceptor shall be re-plumbed as to bypass the existing grease interceptor, either by straight through or by bypassing methods, while leaving the empty interceptor and in place for possible future utilization by another business, or be re-plumbed with a straight line plumbed from the inlet to the outlet, and the remainder of the grease interceptor filled with soil or sand.
(c) 
In all instances, the owner of the facility shall inform the control authority and perform the closure at such a time so as to permit an inspector to be physically present during the removal or filling of the grease interceptor.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1017; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Every facility discharging grease into the POTW shall allow inspection of the facility, its grease interceptor(s) and records by the control authority during the business hours of the control authority. It shall be unlawful for a facility discharging grease into the POTW, whether or not the facility possesses a grease interceptor permit, to refuse to allow inspectors to enter the facility during the business hours of the control authority to determine whether the facility is complying with the requirements of this article and any permit or order issued hereunder. A grease generator shall allow inspectors access to all parts of the premises for inspection, sampling, records examination and copying, and the performance of additional duties. The right of access of the control authority shall be considered at least as extensive as the authority provided in article VII of this chapter. Arrangements to provide immediate access to the control authority shall have been made ahead of time, and such failure to make adequate arrangements shall not be considered a legitimate reason to refuse access to the control authority.
(b) 
In cases where a facility includes private living quarters, the right of access shall extend to all common areas, and any other areas a facility employee, including the manager and/or owner, may enter without the permission of the residents of such a facility.
(c) 
If the control authority has been refused access to a facility 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 or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program of the city or to protect the overall public health, safety and welfare of the community, then the control authority may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1018; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
Information and data on a facility or any other entity, collected pursuant to this article shall be available to the public at least to the extent provided by article VII of this chapter.
(b) 
Any facility or other entity may claim information and data collected pursuant to this article to be confidential and proprietary to the extent permitted by article VII of this chapter, using the procedures specified thereunder.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1019; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
All written reports, applications, and any other such material required by those regulated under this article shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date postmarked, faxed or hand delivered to the recipient.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1020; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
The city hereby adopts charges, surcharges, and fees for application, operation, enforcement, administration, and reimbursement of costs incurred pursuant to this article, to be established by separate ordinance.
(b) 
A permit fee shall be paid before any permit, including a renewal permit, is issued.
(c) 
A renewal permit fee shall be due on the expiration date of the previous permit.
(d) 
Any permittee violating any of the provisions of a permit, the city’s ordinances or state law, and causing damage to or inhibiting the POTW with its grease discharge shall be liable for any expense, loss, or damage caused to the city by such violation. The city shall bill the permittee for the costs incurred by the city for any cleaning, repair, or replacement work caused by the violation. Refusal to pay the assessed costs shall be cause for termination of water and sewer service. Additionally, an administrative fee equal to one-half of assessed cleanup costs may be levied by the city against the guilty party.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1021; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
It is unlawful for any person or facility to discharge into the POTW in any manner that is in violation of this article.
(b) 
A person commits an offense if the person causes or permits the plugging or blocking of, or otherwise interferes with or permits interference with a grease interceptor or the POTW, including alteration or removal of any flow constricting devices so as to cause flow to rise above the design capacity of a grease interceptor.
(c) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or facility, whether the facility holds a permit under this article or not, to discharge grease in excess of 500 mg/l to the POTW.
(d) 
Any person or facility who violates any provision of this article, or who fails to comply with any provision hereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000.00 for each violation. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punished accordingly.
(e) 
A refusal by a facility discharging grease into the POTW to pay a fine or comply with any of the provisions of this article shall be a violation and shall subject the facility to termination of water and sewer service, in addition to any other fines and/or penalties as may be provided by city ordinances.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1022; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
(a) 
The control authority may suspend water or sewer service when such suspension is necessary in order to stop an actual or threatened discharge which:
(1) 
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 POTW;
(3) 
Causes interference to the POTW; or
(4) 
Causes the city to violate any condition of its NPDES or TPDES permit.
(b) 
Any person or facility notified of a suspension of water or sewer service shall immediately stop or eliminate the discharge. In the event of a failure to comply voluntarily with the suspension order, the city shall take all such necessary steps to prevent or minimize damage to the POTW system or sewer connection or endangerment to any individuals. The city shall reinstate the water or sewer service when such conditions causing the suspension have passed or been eliminated. A detailed written statement submitted by the facility describing the causes of the harmful discharge and the measures taken to prevent any future occurrence shall be submitted to the city within 15 days of the date of occurrence.
(c) 
The remedies provided for in this article are not exclusive. The control authority may take any legally authorized actions against a noncompliant permittee or facility discharging grease into the POTW.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1023; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)
The control authority is authorized to promulgate such rules and procedures as shall be reasonable and necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter according to its terms and intent, including the setting of any additional fees.
(2001 Code, sec. 106-1024; Ordinance 12-2012, sec. 1, adopted 3/6/12)