FOG is Fats, Oil and Grease. Certain businesses, such as restaurants and institutional food service facilities - for example, in schools or nursing homes - may discharge large amounts of fats, oil and grease into the District’s sewer system as a byproduct of their operations. Large quantities of FOG have the potential to clog up the sewer system, creating backups or other problems that can negatively impact public health.

Most restaurants and food service facilities have a grease trap. A grease interceptor (trap) is a device that captures the fats, oil and grease, preventing their discharge into the sewer system. Grease interceptors must be properly maintained, and the captured FOG properly disposed of on a regular basis. Some companies will even take the captured FOG and, in turn, process it into biofuels.

FOG Facts:

• Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) clog the sewer lines. Sewage backups and overflows can be the result of grease buildup that can cause property damage, environmental problems, and other health hazards.
• FOG gets into the sewers mainly from commercial food preparation establishments that do not have adequate grease control measures in place, such as grease interceptors.
• All too often, fat, oil, and grease are washed into the plumbing system, usually through kitchen sinks and floor drains found in food preparation areas. They stick to the inside of sewer pipes both on your property and in the sewer pipes. Over time, FOG builds up and eventually blocks the entire pipe, causing sewage backups and overflows.

FOG Costs:

To your Business: As your sewer pipes back up, the sewage and food particles that accumulate can attract insects and other vermin, cause unpleasant odors, and could create health hazards. Property damage can also result from sewage backups and lead to expensive cleanup and plumbing repairs. Health code violations or closures can greatly impact your business.

To the Environment: Clogged sewers can lead to overflows. As sewage overflows onto streets, it enters the storm drain system and is carried to our local creeks and rivers creating health risks for swimmers, fish and plant life.

To the District: Increased sewer blockages and overflows lead to costly maintenance and can result in severe fines from State regulatory agencies. This can increase your sewer fees.

Information for Restaurants and Building Owners/Managers about the City's Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Program:

The District's FOG program creates a partnership with food establishments and businesses to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system.

The District works with the business to ensure they comply with all regulations. This Program also requires routine periodic inspections. For more information on the FOG Program, please contact the District at 530-682-0297 or 530-743-4866

FOG Documents