Item 8BAGENDA ITEM # 8B
SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: FOG Program -Grease Trap/Interceptor Additives
SUBMITTED BY: Donna Kaluzniak, Utility Directo
DATE: September 2, 2008
BACKGROUND: Fat, oil and grease (FOG) cause major problems in sanitary sewer systems, and
cost the City over $15,000 last fiscal year. FOG can cause sewer backups in homes and businesses,
sanitary sewer overflows, and treatment plant malfunctions leading to environmental harm and
regulatory fines.
The City Commission approved a FOG program proposed by staff at the August 25, 2008 meeting,
but requested information on the use of chemicals rather than pumping to clean grease traps and
interceptors.
The City is using JEA's FOG Program, including their Preferred Hauler list. Staff checked with JEA
regarding the use of chemicals in grease traps and found the following:
Interceptor Additives
Many vendors service grease interceptors with chemicals or microorganisms to remove FOG
material. Known interceptor additives are:
Emulsifters, detergents, or caustic substances -these chemicals act to break up the
grease and allow it to pass through the interceptor and into the sewer system where it
can reform and cause blockages. These substances reduce the efficiency of the
interceptor or trap and are prohibited for use as an additive.
Enzymes -have the same affect as emulsifiers and are therefore prohibited as
additives.
Microorganisms -typically cultured bacteria are added to the interceptor. Ideally
these bacteria digest the FOG converting it to innocuous substances. Microorganisms
are not prohibited as an additive. However, since bacteria need an environment with
specific requirements to proliferate, the effectiveness of these organisms in the
environment of the interceptor is not known. The use of microorganisms does not
relieve a Food Service Establishment of the minimum pump out frequency requirements.
Staff also checked with several of the haulers to obtain quotes for pumpout of a typical restaurant
grease interceptor of 900 -1000 gallons, and the costs ranged from $160 to $195. This would equate
to an annual cost of less than $800.
AGENDA ITEM # 8B
SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
BUDGET: No funding or additional personnel are being requested for the program. As food service
establishments begin complying with the law, staff expects to see a cost savings for sewer-related
problems.
RECOMMENDATION: Prohibit the use of emulsifiers and enzymes in grease traps/interceptors.
Microorganisms may be used in interceptors, but will not relieve a food service establishment from
the minimum pump-out requirements.
ATTACHMENTS:
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
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