For the purposes of this division, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 USC 1251.
The value of the five-day test for biochemical oxygen demand, as described in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
The value of the test for chemical oxygen demand, as described in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Those derived from plant and animal sources or hydrocarbon sources; may be referred to herein as “grease” or “greases.”
Any person who owns or operates a grease trap/grease interceptor, or whose act or process produces a grease trap waste.
A device designed to use differences in specific gravities to separate and retain light-density liquids, waterborne fats, oils, and greases prior to the wastewater entering the sanitary sewer collection system. These devices also serve to collect settleable solids, generated by and from food preparation activities, prior to the water exiting the trap and entering the sanitary sewer collection system. Grease traps and interceptors are also referred to herein as “grease traps/interceptors.”
Material collected in and from any grease trap/interceptor in the sanitary sewer service line of a commercial, institutional, or industrial food service or processing establishment, including the solids resulting from dewatering processes.
The introduction of pollutants into a POTW from any nondomestic source.
A discharge which alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources inhibits or disrupts the POTW, its treatment processes or operations or its sludge processes, use or disposal, or is a cause of a violation of the city’s TPDES permit.
The measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of water, defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydrogen ion concentration.
A treatment works which is owned by a state or municipality as defined by section 502(4) of the Clean Water 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 all sewers, pipes and other conveyances that convey wastewater to a POTW treatment plant. The term also means the municipality as defined in section 502(4) of the act, which has jurisdiction over the indirect discharges to and the discharges from such a treatment works. For purposes of this division, the terms “sanitary sewer system” and POTW may be used interchangeably.
The state commission on environmental quality, and its predecessor and successor agencies.
A person who is registered with and authorized by the TCEQ to transport sewage sludge, water treatment sludge, domestic septage, chemical toilet waste, grit trap waste, or grease trap waste in accordance with 30 Texas Administrative Code section 312.142.
The value of the test for total suspended solids, as described in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
Any person, including those located outside the jurisdictional limits of the city, who contributes, causes or permits the contribution or discharge of wastewater into the POTW, including persons who contribute such wastewater from mobile sources.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.02)
(a)
If the POTW determines that a generator is responsible for a blockage of a collection system line, the generator shall owe a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for the first violation, $1,500 for the second violation and $2,000 for the third violation within a two-year period. Continuous violations shall result in an increase in penalty by $500 for each occurrence and may also result in termination of services.
(b)
Any person violating any of the provisions of this division shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for the second violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,500 for the third violation and a $2,000 civil penalty for the fourth violation within a two-year period. Consistent violations will result in a $500 increase in civil penalty for each occurrence and may result in termination of service.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.99)
(a)
This division shall apply to all nondomestic users of the publicly owned treatment works (POTW), as defined in section 13.02.031 of this division.
(b)
Grease traps or grease interceptors shall not be required for residential users whose premises are not utilized for commercial usage.
(c)
Facilities generating disposable fats, oils, or greases as a result of food manufacturing, processing, preparation, or food service shall install, use, and maintain appropriate grease traps or interceptors as required in section 13.02.031. These facilities include but are not limited to restaurants, food manufacturers, food processors, hospitals, hotels and motels, prisons, nursing homes, and any other facility preparing, serving, or otherwise making any foodstuff available for consumption.
(d)
No user may, intentionally or unintentionally, allow the direct or indirect discharge of any petroleum oil, nonbiodegradable cutting oil, mineral oil, or any fats, oils, or greases of animal or vegetable origin into the POTW system in such amounts as to cause interference with the collection and treatment system, or as to cause pollutants to pass through the treatment works into the environment.
(e)
Heavy commercial and institutional uses.
(1)
Heavy commercial.
Laundry facilities, restaurants, cafeterias, carwashes or any other facility that processes or prepares food on a daily basis for sale to the public or provides a high volume of water use for the purpose of cleaning or rinsing in excess of the average daily water use for a residential home, and/or discharges oils and grease from the operation of the business.
(2)
Institutional.
Schools, hospitals, clinics, jails, prisons, assembly halls, gymnasiums and locker rooms with showers.
(3)
Application.
All discharges from the above-defined facilities shall control the following constituents in their wastewater and remove floatable and/or putrescible solids from the wastewater stream such as:
(A)
Floatable solids.
Rags, cloths, sheets, towels, plastics, paper products or any material that is not an organic waste product.
(B)
Putrescible wastes.
Food wastes and fecal wastes.
(C)
Oil and grease.
Oil/grease traps shall be required on all waste lines from kitchen plumbing prior to entry into the sanitary sewer system. A sample of recommended unit for grease traps is included herein for reference. TCEQ has developed standards for these units and they should be referenced for application when new systems are installed or upgraded.
Typical loading rates: | 50-100 mg/l allowable discharge |
(4)
Removal of floating debris:
All floating debris shall be removed prior to entering the sanitary sewer system and disposed of by the generator of the debris or a grinding device shall be installed on the discharge line from the facility that will grind all of the debris into small pieces before entering the sanitary sewer. The grinding device, commonly referred to as a “comminutor,” shall be installed and must be approved by the city and shall be at the cost of the user, not the city. All plans for location and installation must be approved prior to installation by the city engineer or his designee.
The design of such an installation shall comply with all TCEQ design requirements as found in 30 TAC chapter 317. |
A sampling port or manhole shall be provided on the discharge side of the unit(s) allowing random testing by both the generator and the city. |
Failure to comply with federal, state or local standards will result in mandatory pretreatment and equalization of discharge flows. |
(2002 Code, sec. 53.01; Ordinance 573 adopted 11/7/06)
(a)
New facilities.
Food processing or food service facilities which are newly proposed or constructed, or existing facilities which will be expanded or renovated to include a food service facility where such facility did not previously exist, shall be required to design, install, operate and maintain a grease trap/interceptor in accordance with locally adopted plumbing codes or other applicable ordinances. Grease traps/interceptors shall be installed and inspected prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(b)
Existing facilities.
Existing grease traps/interceptors must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and in accordance with these model standards, unless specified in writing and approved by the POTW.
(c)
Disposal of waste.
All grease trap/interceptor waste shall be properly disposed of at a facility in accordance with federal, state or local regulations.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(A))
(a)
Grease traps and grease interceptors shall be maintained in an efficient operating condition at all times.
(b)
Each grease trap that is pumped shall be fully evacuated unless the trap 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 trap is fully evacuated within a 24-hour period, in accordance with 30 Texas Administrative Code section 312.143.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(B))
(a)
Grease trap self-cleaning operators must receive approval from the POTW annually prior to removing grease from their own grease trap(s) located inside a building, provided:
(1)
The city is notified both prior to and immediately after cleaning;
(2)
The grease trap is no more than 50 gallons in liquid/operating capacity;
(3)
Proper on-site material disposal methods are implemented (e.g., absorb liquids into solid form and dispose into trash);
(4)
Grease trap waste is placed in leakproof, sealable container(s) located on the premises and in an area for the transporter to pump out;
(5)
Detailed records on these activities are maintained; and
(6)
The city inspects such for adequacy immediately after cleaning.
(b)
Grease trap self-cleaning operators must submit a completed self-cleaning request to the POTW for approval. The written request shall include the following information:
(1)
Business name and street address;
(2)
Grease trap/interceptor operator name, title, and phone number;
(3)
Description of maintenance frequency, method of disposal, method of cleaning and size (in gallons) of the grease trap/interceptor; and
(4)
Signed statement that the operator will maintain records of waste disposal and produce them for compliance inspections.
(c)
Self-cleaners must adhere to all the requirements, procedures and detailed recordkeeping outlined in their approved application to ensure compliance with this division. A maintenance log shall be kept by self-cleaning operators that indicates, at a minimum, the following information:
(1)
Date the grease trap/interceptor was serviced;
(2)
Name of the person at the company servicing the grease trap/interceptor;
(3)
Waste disposal method used;
(4)
Gallons of grease removed and disposed of;
(5)
Waste oil added to grease trap/interceptor waste; and
(6)
Signature of the operator after each cleaning that certifies that all grease was removed and disposed of properly, the grease trap/interceptor was thoroughly cleaned, and all parts were replaced and in operable condition.
(d)
Violations incurred by grease trap self-cleaners will be subject to enforcement action including fines and/or removal from the self-cleaner program.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(C))
(a)
Grease traps and grease interceptors shall be cleaned as often as necessary to ensure that sediment and floating materials do not accumulate to impair the efficiency of the grease trap/interceptor, to ensure the discharge is in compliance with local discharge limits, and to ensure no visible grease is observed in discharge.
(b)
Grease traps and grease interceptors subject to these standards shall be completely evacuated a minimum of every 90 days, or more frequently when:
(1)
Twenty-five percent or more of the wetted height of the grease trap or grease interceptor, as measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe, contains floating materials, sediment, oils or greases;
(2)
The discharge exceeds BOD, COD, TSS, FOG, pH, or other pollutant levels established by the POTW; or
(3)
If there is a history of noncompliance.
(c)
Any person who owns or operates a grease trap/interceptor may submit to the POTW a request in writing for an exception to the 90-day pumping frequency of their grease trap/interceptor. The POTW may grant an extension for required cleaning frequency on a case-by-case basis when:
(1)
The grease trap/interceptor owner/operator has demonstrated the specific trap/interceptor will produce an effluent, based on defensible analytical results, in consistent compliance with established local discharge limits such as BOD, TSS, FOG, or other parameters as determined by the POTW; or
(2)
Less than 25% of the wetted height of the grease trap or grease interceptor, as measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe, contains floating materials, sediment, oils or greases.
(d)
In any event, a grease trap and grease interceptor shall be fully evacuated, cleaned, and inspected at least once every 180 days.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(D))
(a)
Each pump-out of a grease trap or interceptor must be accompanied by a manifest to be used for recordkeeping purposes.
(b)
Persons who generate, collect and transport grease waste shall maintain a record of each individual collection and deposit. Such records shall be in the form of a manifest. The manifest shall include:
(1)
Name, address, telephone number, and commission registration number of the transporter;
(2)
Name, signature, address, and phone number of the person who generated the waste, and the date collected;
(3)
Type and amount(s) of waste collected or transported;
(4)
Name and signature(s) of responsible person(s) collecting, transporting, and depositing the waste;
(5)
Date and place where the waste was deposited;
(6)
Identification (permit or site registration number, location, and operator) of the facility where the waste was deposited;
(7)
Name and signature of the facility on-site representative acknowledging receipt of the waste and the amount of waste received;
(8)
The volume of the grease waste received; and
(9)
A consecutive numerical tracking number to assist transporters, waste generators, and regulating authorities in tracking the volume of grease transported.
(c)
Manifests shall be divided into five parts and records shall be maintained as follows:
(1)
One part of the manifest shall have the generator and transporter information completed and be given to the generator at the time of waste pickup.
(2)
The remaining four parts of the manifest shall have all required information completely filled out and signed by the appropriate party before distribution of the manifest.
(3)
One part of the manifest shall go to the receiving facility.
(4)
One part shall go to the transporter, who shall retain a copy of all manifests showing the collection and disposition of waste.
(5)
One copy of the manifest shall be returned by the transporter to the person who generated the waste within 15 days after the waste is received at the disposal or processing facility.
(6)
One part of the manifest shall go to the local authority.
(d)
Copies of manifests returned to the waste generator shall be retained by the generator for five years and be readily available for review by the POTW.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(E))
(a)
A person commits an offense if the person introduces, or causes, permits, or suffers the introduction of, any surfactant, solvent or emulsifier into a grease trap. Surfactants, solvents, and emulsifiers are materials which allow the grease to pass from the trap into the collection system, and include but are not limited to enzymes, soap, diesel, kerosene, terpene, and other solvents.
(b)
It is an affirmative defense to an enforcement of subsection (a) of this section that the use of surfactants or soap is incidental to normal kitchen hygiene operations.
(c)
Bioremediation media may be used with the POTW’s approval if the person has proved to the satisfaction of the POTW that laboratory testing which is appropriate for the type of grease trap to be used has verified that:
(1)
The media is a pure live bacterial product which is not inactivated by the use of domestic or commercial disinfectants and detergents, strong alkalis, acids, and/or water temperatures of 160° F (71° C).
(2)
The use of the media does not reduce the buoyancy of the grease layer in the grease trap and does not increase the potential for oil and grease to be discharged to the sanitary sewer.
(3)
The use of the bioremediation media does not cause foaming in the sanitary sewer.
(4)
The BOD, COD, and TSS discharged to the sanitary sewer after use of the media does not exceed the BOD, COD, and TSS which would be discharged if the product were not being used and the grease trap was being properly maintained. Acceptable pH levels must be between 6 and 9.
(d)
All testing designed to satisfy the criteria set forth in subsection (c) shall be scientifically sound and statistically valid. All tests to determine oil and grease, TSS, BOD, COD, pH, and other pollutant levels shall use appropriate tests which have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the state commission on environmental quality and which are defined in 40 CFR 136 or title 30, Texas Administrative Code section 319.11. Testing shall be open to inspection by the POTW, and shall meet the POTW’s approval.
(2002 Code, sec. 53.03(F); Ordinance 573 adopted 11/7/06)
(a)
Generally.
(1)
Applicability.
These requirements are applicable to all commercial food service establishments and cafeterias, including those that are undergoing:
(2)
Sizing requirements.
(A)
Sizing methods described herein are intended as guidance in determining grease trap/interceptor sizes that will afford the city’s sanitary sewer system a minimum degree of protection against grease and other obstructing materials. In approving a customer’s plumbing or grease interceptor design, the city does not accept liability for the failure of a system to adequately treat wastewater to achieve effluent quality requirements. It is the responsibility of the generator and/or contractors to insure the appropriate level of treatment necessary for compliance with wastewater regulations.
(B)
Minimum acceptable grease interceptor sizing shall be accomplished as follows:
(ii)
Where sizing formulas result in determination of a grease interceptor less than 750 gallons in capacity, this minimum size is required wherever possible.
(iii)
In the circumstance of “single service kitchens” with no food preparation (heat/serve only), and which use only paper service items, a minimum 50 gallon per minute (gpm) flow rated, or 100 pound grease retention, mechanical grease trap may be used. In these instances, the grease trap is to be installed in an area separate from food handling area, and the trap must be readily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. (See subsection (5), below.)
(3)
Grease interceptor sizing formulas.
It is the responsibility of the generator and his/her contractors to ensure that the wastewater discharged from their facility is in compliance with the city’s discharge limitations. For the purpose of plans review, a general assessment of grease trap/interceptor design and size will be performed using the following formulas. (These formulas have been demonstrated as industry standards capable of achieving the city’s discharge criteria when systems are maintained in proper condition.)
(A)
Method 1:
Uniform Plumbing Code, appendix H (sizing worksheet follows)[1]
(i)
Number of meals per peak hour: x (times)
(ii)
Waste flow rate: x (times)
(iii)
Retention time: x (times)
(iv)
Storage factor: = Size requirement (liquid capacity)
Factors: | ||
(i) | Number of meals served at peak operating hour (seating capacity) x peak factor: Fast food restaurant: 1.33; all other food service types: 1.00 | |
(ii) | Waste flow rate: | |
a. | With dishwasher: 6 gallon flow | |
b. | Without dishwasher: 5 gallon flow | |
c. | Single service kitchen: 2 gallon flow | |
d. | Food waste disposer: 1 gallon flow | |
(iii) | Retention times: | |
a. | Commercial kitchen waste/dishwasher: 2.5 hours | |
b. | Single service kitchen/single serving: 1.5 hours | |
(iv) | Storage Factors: | |
a. | Fully equipped commercial kitchen: | |
8-hour operation: 1 | ||
16-hour operation: 2 | ||
24-hour operation: 3 | ||
b. | Single service kitchen: 1.5 | |
The Uniform Plumbing Code includes a built-in safety factor that can yield very large grease interceptor size specifications. At this time, the city is not requiring interceptors larger than 2,000 gallons. However, the decision to use a trap smaller than that specified by the formula and calculations above is to be addressed in the plan submission. | ||
[1]
Editor's note-The sizing worksheet is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(4)
Alternate sizing formulas/proposal.
Food service establishments that propose the use of alternate sizing techniques and/or procedures that result in specifications that differ from calculated requirements (or are less than the minimum 750-gallon recommendation), must submit formulas and other data to support installation of the proposed size grease interceptor. Submission should also provide documentation of ability to meet effluent quality requirements. This proposal must be signed by a licensed plumbing contractor or professional engineer.
(5)
Construction/installation.
All permitting, construction, and inspection activities must be completed in accordance with the city’s adopted plumbing code. Additionally, the following specifications must be incorporated into grease interceptor design:
(A)
The grease interceptor shall be constructed with a minimum of one baffle.
(B)
Grease interceptors are to be installed at a minimum distance of 10 feet from sinks and dishwashers to allow for adequate cooling of the wastewater. Water temperatures must be less than 120 degrees F prior to entering the grease interceptor.
(C)
All grease-bearing waste streams should be routed through an appropriate grease interceptor, including: three-compartment sinks; pot/pan sinks; soup kettles; handwashing sinks; dishwashers; mop sinks; and floor drains.
Notable exceptions: Drains that receive “clear waste” only, such as from ice machines, condensate from coils and drink stations, may be plumbed to the sanitary 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.
(D)
All concrete grease interceptors will be equipped with two sets of twenty-four-inch diameter manhole type rings and lids...one on the primary side and one on the secondary side, to serve as maintenance access ports.
(E)
All grease interceptors are to be installed with an effluent sampling well. Sample wells will have a minimum 10-inch diameter access cover and a minimum 6-inch drop from inlet to outlet piping through the sampling well. Mechanical grease traps and interceptors that are installed above ground must be equipped with an influent flow regulator and an effluent valve assembly that allows for sample collection.
(6)
Customer (generator) responsibilities.
(A)
It is the responsibility of the customer (waste generator) to insure compliance with the city’s discharge limitations, as specified in the city’s wastewater treatment plant permit issued by TCEQ.
(B)
Hazardous wastes, such as acids, strong cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, paint solvents, or gasoline shall not be disposed of where they would go through grease interceptors or grit traps. Care must be taken in system design when commercial dishwashers are discharged through a grease interceptor. Dishwashers use detergents and elevated water temperatures that will melt grease. If the interceptor is either too small or too close to the commercial dishwasher, grease may pass through the interceptor and into the collection systems.
(C)
Generators are responsible for maintaining grease interceptors in continuous proper working condition by removing the oil and grease buildup in the interceptor at sufficient intervals to maintain efficient operation. 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.
(D)
The city and TCEQ require grease trap/interceptor maintenance records be maintained on site for three (3) years.
(E)
Additionally, the city discourages the use of enzymes, solvents, and emulsifiers as they will only change the form of grease, allowing it to be carried out of the trap/interceptor with the wastewater and be deposited in the collections system.
(b)
Other types of interceptors and sizing requirements.
Interceptors are required for oil, grease, sand and other substances harmful or hazardous to the building drainage system, the public sewer or sewage treatment plant. Design, size and location of pretreatment devices must be submitted by a licensed plumbing contractor or professional engineer for review and approval.
(1)
Laundries.
(A)
Commercial laundries, laundromats, and dry cleaners shall be equipped with an interceptor in order to reduce the quantity of lint and silt that enter the collection system. The system must be of adequate size and design to allow for cooldown of wastewater so that separation can be more readily achieved. The interceptor must be installed with a wire basket or similar device, removable for cleaning that prevents passage into the drainage system of solids larger than 14 inches in any dimension, string, rags, buttons or other materials detrimental to the public sewage system.
(B)
Sizing must be in accordance with guidance found in the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), appendix H, which uses the following formula:
(TCG) x (CPH) x (RT) x (ST) = Size of lint interceptor (gallons) |
Where: | ||
TCG | = | Total gallons per cycle |
CPH | = | Cycles per hour |
RT | = | Retention time |
2.5 for institutional laundry | ||
2.0 for standard commercial laundry | ||
1.5 for light commercial laundry | ||
ST | = | Storage Factor, based on hours of operation |
1.0 for 8 hours of operation | ||
1.5 for 12 or more hours of operation | ||
(C)
Currently, no effluent sample well is required for small commercial laundries. However, large and/or industrial laundries may be subject to federal pretreatment regulation.
(2)
Carwashes.
(A)
Self-service carwashes shall have grit separators with a minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons for the first bay, with an additional 500 gallons of capacity for every other bay.
(B)
Additionally, wash racks must be constructed to eliminate or minimize the impact of runoff from rain/storm events. Minimum requirement are roofed structures with at least two walls and appropriate grading to prevent stormwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer.
(3)
Automotive repair facilities (garages and service stations).
(A)
Where automobiles are serviced, greased, or repaired or where gasoline is dispensed, oil/water separators shall have a minimum capacity of 500 gallons for the first 1,000 square feet of area to be drained, plus 250 gallons for each additional 1,000 square feet of area to be drained into the separator.
(B)
An effluent sampling well is required, per specifications listed in subsection (a)(5)(E) above.
Note: Parking garages shall not require a grit separator unless vehicle servicing, repairing, washing, or gasoline dispensing occurs. Areas in commercial garages utilized only for storage of automobiles are not required to be drained through a grit separator. |
(Ordinance 573, app. A, adopted 11/7/06)