Newberg FOG Control Program

What is FOG? 

FOG is a combination of fats, oils and grease, including cooking oil, fat, lard, grease, butter, tallow, shortening, and margarine. Kitchen waste containing these materials, as well as water that has been used to wash kitchen equipment and floors, contains waste FOG. In the sewage collection and treatment business, FOG is singled out for special attention because of its poor solubility in water and its tendency to separate from the liquid solution and stick to the interior surfaces of pipes and tanks.

Why is FOG a problem? 

When food waste FOG is poured down the drain and into the sewer lines, it cools, solidifies, and sticks to the interior of pipes, restricting or clogging wastewater flow. The FOG accumulation in the City sewers creates increased sewer line maintenance costs and interferes with pump station and wastewater treatment plant operations. FOG buildup in the sewer system can completely block pipes, creating wastewater overflows that endanger the public and harm the environment.  These blockages cause sewage to enter into basements and buildings or flow overland into drainage ways if they are not cleared.  The damage caused from these overflows can be very expensive to repair not to mention the disruption to the occupant of the property.

What we are doing 

The City has adopted a maintenance program to frequently inspect and clean the sewer lines. Sewer line maintenance cannot by itself alleviate the problem, though. The most effective way to minimize FOG accumulation in sewers is to minimize the introduction of FOG into the sewer system in the first place. Problems with FOG can be greatly reduced by residents and food service establishments following best management practices for disposal of FOG. To realize this goal, the City is developing a FOG Control Program that regulates and educates restaurant and industry owners and managers, and gives residents the information needed to help minimize the introduction of FOG into City sewers.

How you can help

 At home:

• Do not pour liquid fats, oils or grease into sinks.

• Pour grease and used cooking oil into a can, store it in the freezer and put it in the trash when it's full. Call us or stop by the wastewater treatment plant to get a free “Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain” kit that includes a scraper and a can lid.

• Do not use garbage disposals for food waste containing FOG. Scrape food scraps into the trash. Better yet, start your own food waste composting system. Contact Yamhill County Solid Waste  or Metro  for more information about residential composting.

       
Restaurants and other food service establishments:
 

·         Make sure you have the proper size and type of grease trap or interceptor, and that it is installed properly. Check with the City if you are unsure.

Clean the traps, interceptors, and separators frequently enough to prevent FOG from passing through into the sewer system.

·          Do not use additives of any kind in grease traps or interceptors. They are not designed to work with additives, and using additives is an improper operation of the device. The city sewer use ordinance requires grease traps and interceptors be operated properly.

·          Use a reputable pumping company to clean your traps and interceptors. The City is participating in a regional Preferred Pumper Program . The companies on the preferred pumper list have agreed to a set of best management practices that will help prevent FOG build up in the sewer system.

·          Do not use garbage disposals. Plumbing garbage disposals to a grease trap or interceptor is prohibited by the uniform plumbing code. Scrape food waste into the garbage. Dry wipe pots and pans before washing.

·          Post “No Grease” signs above sinks to remind employees.

·          Clean vent hoods and filters regularly.

·          Recycle used oil.

·          Use lower temperature water. Water above 140°F dissolves grease and allows it to pass through into the sewer system where it cools and solidifies. Using a three sink (wash, rinse, bleach) system allows the use of lower temperature water.

·          Make sure outside waste storage areas are covered and away from storm drains. Dumpsters should have water tight covers if exposed to the elements.

·         Do not discharge solvents, acids, caustics, or emulsifying agents into the sewer system

 
Contact us:
If you have any questions or would like assistance in reducing FOG, please call or email us. We will be happy to help.


            Alan Lee, Environmental Services Supervisor