City Considers 'Fats, Oils and Grease Control' Ordinance

The City of Redwood City is considering adoption of an ordinance to implement a "Fats, Oils, and Grease Control Program."

In a statement sent out Monday, City spokesperson Malcolm Smith said the dumping of such materials is leading to blocked sewers and sewer overflows.

The statement said, if adopted by the City Council, restaurants and other food service establishments would be prohibited from discharging FOGs into the sewer system, and would be required to install "grease interceptors" within two years of the effective date of the ordinance.

In advance of that, to help restaurants and food service establishments learn more about the proposed ordinance, the City will hold an informational workshop for those businesses which may be affected. The workshop is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Public Works Services building at 1400 Broadway.

Business owners wishing to attend should RSVP to 650-780-7464 or tkyaw@redwoodcity.org. Invitations have been sent directly to affected businesses in Redwood City.

The State of California requires cities to have a Sewer System Management Plan, including a FOG Control Program. Therefore, cities are held responsible for sewer spills and overflows within their boundaries.

If adopted, the new regulations will require property owners causing a sewer spill or overflow to reimburse the City for any costs of clean-up, remediation, and fines or penalties incurred by the City as a result.

Installing a grease interceptor can be costly and can require a large amount of space. Therefore, the ordinance will allow restaurants to apply for an exemption if their facility produces only a minimal amount of FOGs, or if installation of a grease interceptor is infeasible due to severe site constraints.

What do you think of the proposed new ordinance, and the fact that businesses will be held financially responsible for spills, back-ups and overflows? Tell us in the comments below.