This chapter contains the city's requirements for the control of the discharge of fats, oils and grease to the city's sewerage system. Large quantities of fats, oils and grease that are discharged from commercial and residential kitchens contribute to blockages in the city's sewerage system. The resulting clogs in sewer pipes cost the city money each year in grease removal and sewer repair costs, and result in the overall degradation of the city's sewer infrastructure.
The city utilizes a comprehensive pollution prevention program to keep fats, oils and grease out of the city's sewer system, and remain compliant with the city's current Clean Water Act national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit. The city's control of fats, oils and grease is intended to enhance its compliance with the Clean Water Act, and also reduce the potential for system back-ups in the sewer system.
The provisions in this chapter shall apply to all food processing establishments, food sales establishments, and food service establishments, commercial businesses, and any other facility ("facility") that discharges fats, oils and grease to the sanitary sewer collection system and is located within the municipal boundaries of the city of Port Orchard sanitary sewer service area.
The objectives of the program are:
(1)
To provide standards for the types of grease capturing equipment that must be installed by food service establishments to reduce fats, oils and grease discharges from local food service establishments into the city's sewerage system;
(2)
To provide for the effective long-term use of grease capturing equipment through related operational requirements and prohibitions, and periodic inspections;
(3)
To increase opportunities for recovering both food solids (which can be composted) and waste grease (which can be recycled, and may also be able to be converted to biofuel) from wastewater discharge conveyances;
(4)
To aid in preventing sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions from contributions and accumulation of fats, oils and grease in the sanitary sewerage system;
(5)
To prevent the uncontrolled introduction of fats, oils and grease into the sewage system that will interfere with its operation; and
(6)
To facilitate city compliance with applicable federal and state laws regarding sewerage system operations.
(Ord. 020-23 § 1 (Exh. A))