1. Purpose, Policy and Administration.
A. The purpose of this Section is the regulation of the generation and disposal of grease interceptor waste for the protection of the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) and the environment.
B. The objective of this Section is to reduce the operational and maintenance costs of maintaining the POTW by preventing the accumulation of grease within the collection system lines.
C. This Section shall apply to the Borough of Marysville and to persons outside the Borough who, by contract or agreement with the Borough, are users of the Borough's POTW.
2. Administration.
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borough Manager and Borough Council shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this Section.
B. The Borough Manager, Borough Council and persons designated and under the instruction and supervision of the Borough Manager or Council, may investigate compliance of this Chapter.
3. Specialized Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context clearly indicates a different intention, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this Section, have the meanings indicated in this subsection:
ADEQUATELY SIZED GREASE INTERCEPTOR - an interceptor that does not allow a discharge of oil and grease in excess of 500 milligrams per liter (mg/l) concentrations, or otherwise has not been found by the Borough to be contributing grease in quantities sufficient to cause POTW line stoppages or necessitate increased maintenance on the POTW in order to keep line stoppages from occurring.
APPROVAL AUTHORITY - the Borough Manager or Codes Enforcement Officer. Where appropriate the term may also be used as a designation for other duly authorized officials, including authorized contractors, acting as representatives of the Borough Manager.
APPROVED - accepted as satisfactory under the terms of this Section and given formal and official sanction by the Borough.
BIOLOGICAL PRETREATMENT SERVICE - the application of any additive or enzyme or the use of any other biological means to digest waste in an interceptor that discharges into a public sewer system within the Borough.
DEP - the Department of Environmental Protection under which the Borough’s POTW is permitted.
DISCHARGE - the introduction of waste into a POTW.
DISPOSAL - the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of any solid or semi-solid grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, and/or sewage into or on any land or water so that such waste or any constituent thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters, including ground waters.
DISPOSAL FACILITY - a facility at which liquid waste including, but not limited to, grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, and sewage is received, processed, or treated in a manner compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.
DISPOSAL FACILITY OPERATOR - an individual who is authorized to accept or reject liquid waste at a disposal facility, and who is authorized to sign a trip ticket, regardless of actual title.
DISPOSAL SITE - a permitted site or part of a site at which grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, or seepage is processed, treated and/or intentionally placed into or on any land in a manner compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, and at which site said waste will remain after closure.
EMULSIFIERS AND/OR DE-EMULSIFIERS - any substance or substances which, when added or placed into a grease trap or grease interceptor, will form an oily substance to a milky fluid in which the fat globules are in a very finely divided state and are held in suspension, giving it the semblance of a solution; as the homogenization of milk emulsifies the fat with the whey forming a smooth milk product.
EXISTING FACILITY - any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants, the construction of which started before the adoption of this Section.
FATS - substances that are primarily fatty acid esters of the alcohol glycerol, also called acylglycerols, neutral fats, natural fats, or glycerides. They are the major components of depot, or storage, fats in plant and animal cells, especially in the adipose(or fat) cells of vertebrates. This term may include any synthesized substance of a like nature.
FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT - any facility that cuts, cooks, bakes, prepares or serves food, or which disposes of food-related wastes and/or which has a local, State, and/or Federal food service permit.
GARBAGE GRINDER - a device which shreds or grinds up solid or semisolid waste materials into smaller portions for discharge into the POTW.
GENERATOR - a facility that causes, creates, generates, stores, or otherwise produces waste from on-site process operations, whether domestically or commercially generated, or as a byproduct of some domestic or non-domestic activity. The generator is responsible for assuring that the produced waste is disposed of in accordance with all Federal, State and local disposal regulations.
GREASE - fats, waxes, free fatty acids, calcium and magnesium soaps, mineral oils and certain other non-fatty material from animal or vegetable sources, or from hydrocarbons of petroleum origins, commonly found in wastewater from food preparation and food service. Grease may originate from, but not be limited to, discharges from scullery sinks, pot and pan sinks, dishwashing machines, soup kettles and floor drains located in areas where grease-containing materials may exist.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR OR INTERCEPTOR - a water-tight receptacle utilized by commercial or industrial generators of liquid waste to intercept, collect, and restrict the passage of grease and food particles into the POTW to which the receptacle is directly or indirectly connected, and to separate and retain grease and food particles from the wastewater discharged by a facility.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR WASTE - any grease, food particles, or organic or inorganic solid or semisolid waste collected and intercepted by a grease interceptor, usually in layers of floatable, suspended, and settleable substances, which are ultimately removed from a grease interceptor for proper disposal. All layers must be removed for disposal.
INCOMPATIBLE WASTES - wastes that have different processing, storage or disposal requirements, or whose mixture would inhibit the proper disposal or treatment of each type of waste, or wastes that if mixed may cause a dangerous chemical or physical reaction including, but not limited to, grease interceptor waste and grit interceptor waste, grease interceptor waste and septic tank waste, seepage and hazardous waste, or any combination or combinations thereof.
INSPECTION PORT - openings, with easily opened covers, designed to allow inspectors quick access to the inlet flow control device, each compartment of the grease interceptor, and the effluent from the interceptor. A monitoring port is an inspection port large enough to allow temporary installation of monitoring devices such as samplers, strip recorders, flow meters, or other such measuring and/or monitoring devices.
INSPECTOR - the Borough, and person or persons designated and under the instruction and supervision of any of them, who are assigned to investigate compliance and detect violations of this Section.
LIVING QUARTERS - a facility, or an area of a facility, where a person or family has a distinct living area, which includes individual kitchen and bath facilities, utilized solely by that single person or family.
MANAGER - the person, regardless of actual title, immediately on-site at a location conducting, supervising, managing, or representing the activities of a generator, a transporter or a disposer.
MAY NOT - prohibit.
NEW FACILITY -
(1) Any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is (or may be) a discharge of pollutants, the construction of which commenced after the adoption of this Section; provided, that:
(a) The building structure, facility, or installation is constructed at a site at which no other source is located
(b) The building, structure, facility, or installation totally replaces the process or production equipment that causes the discharge of pollutants at an existing course.
(c) Any remodeling or modification that results in a new facility as determined by the Inspection Division of the Borough.
(2) Construction on a site at which an existing source is located results in a modification rather than a new source if the construction does not create a new building, structure, facility, or installation, but otherwise alters, replaces, or adds to existing process or production equipment.
(3) Construction of a new source as defined under this subsection has commenced if the owner or operator has:
(a) Begun, or caused to begin, as part of a continuous on-site construction program any placement, assembly, or installation of facilities or equipment; or significant site preparation work including clearing, excavation, or removal of existing buildings, structures, or facilities which is necessary for the placement, assembly, or installation of new source facilities or equipment.
(b) Entered into a binding contractual obligation for the purchase of facilities or equipment, which are intended to be used in its operation within a reasonable time. Options to purchase or contracts which can be terminated or modified without substantial loss, and contracts for feasibility, engineering, and design studies do not constitute a contractual obligation under this subsection.
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System as administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
OIL AND GREASE - any material, but particularly biological lipids and mineral hydrocarbons, recovered as a substance soluble in an organic extracting solvent using an appropriate analytical method approved under 40 CFR 136. It also includes other material extracted by the solvent from an acidified sample and not volatilized during the extraction procedure.
POTW - publicly owned treatment works.
SEWAGE - the liquid and water-carried domestic or industrial wastes from dwellings, commercial establishments, industrial facilities and institutions, whether treated or untreated. The terms “waste” and “wastewater” shall be deemed as sewage by definition.
SHALL NOT - prohibit.
SPILL - the unpermitted, accidental or intentional loss or unauthorized discharge of grease interceptor waste, grit interceptor waste, seepage, any other liquid waste, a chemical (hazardous or non-hazardous), or any other material that has the potential to contaminate any surface or ground water or in any other manner such that the waste is not duly and legally disposed.
TRANSPORTER - a user who transfers waste from the site of a generator to an approved site for disposal or treatment. The transporter is responsible for assuring that all Federal, State and local regulations are followed regarding waste transport.
TRIP TICKET - the written, multi-part form used as documentation and required to be in the possession of the generator, transporter, and disposer to document the generation, receipt, transportation, and disposal of grit interceptor waste, grease interceptor waste, seepage, and other liquid wastes enabling legal and proper disposal of hauled grit interceptor waste, grease interceptor waste, and seepage at a permitted or registered disposal site, and specifying the identity of the generator, transporter, and disposal facility operator of liquid wastes and the volume of grit interceptor waste, grease interceptor waste, seepage, and other liquid wastes disposed.
UNDER THE SINK GREASE INTERCEPTOR - a device placed under or in close proximity to sinks or other fixtures likely to discharge grease in an attempt to separate, intercept or hold grease waste to prevent its entry into the POTW. The Borough shall approve such “under the sink grease interceptors” and documentation shall be provided for the disposal of waste. Refer to subsection (10), below for applicability of this form of grease interceptor.
WASTE - the liquid and water-carried domestic or industrial wastes from dwellings, commercial establishments, industrial facilities and institutions, whether treated or untreated. The terms “sewage” and “wastewater” shall be deemed as waste by definition.
4. Applicability.
A. Waste, which contains grease, shall be discharged into the POTW system only under the conditions of this Section. The following facilities shall discharge all waste from sinks, dishwashers, drains, and any other fixtures through which grease may be discharged, into an adequately sized, properly maintained and functioning grease interceptor before the discharge enters the POTW, as well as providing a grease interceptor inlet flow control device inspection port and a grease interceptor effluent monitoring port:
(1) Every commercial food preparation and food service facility including, but not limited to, bakeries, boardinghouses, butcher shops, cafes, clubhouses, commercial kitchens, delicatessens, fat rendering plants, ice cream parlors, hospitals, meat packing plants, restaurants, schools, slaughter houses, soap factories, and similar facilities, especially where meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products or fried foods are prepared or served.
(2) All other facilities discharging grease in amounts that, in the opinion of the Borough, will, alone or in concert with other substances from the discharges of other facilities, have a reasonable chance to impede or stop the flow in the POTW.
B. All new areas of intensified dwelling including, but not limited to, adult day care facilities, assisted living facilities, convalescent homes, day nursing and childcare facilities, in which food preparation occurs, homes for the mentally challenged, hotels, maternity homes, motels in which there is a commercial food preparation service, nursing homes, retirement and life care communities and homes, and truck stops with commercial food service, shall be required to have grease interceptors. Modifications to existing facilities that do not add new buildings or new grease generating activities are exempt from this requirement. All such existing facilities may be so required, as determined by subsection (4)(A).
C. Interceptors shall not be required for single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, or apartment complexes, unless the Borough first determines there are discharges from the property that will create problems in the POTW. The determination shall be made based upon an investigation of the property, and a comparison of the content and amount of discharge from the property with the discharges of other properties similar in size and use. Upon a determination that the discharges will create problems in the POTW, the Borough may require the installation of a sufficiently sized grease interceptor to treat the discharges.
5. Compliance Date.
A. On or after the effective date of this Section, an existing facility shall be required to install an approved, adequately sized, and properly operated and maintained grease interceptor when any of the following conditions exist:
(1) It is found by the Borough to be contributing grease in quantities sufficient to cause sanitary sewer line stoppages or necessitate increased maintenance on the sanitary sewer collection system (POTW) in order to keep main line stoppages from occurring.
(2) It is remodeling the food preparation or kitchen waste plumbing facilities in such a manner to be subject to a permit issued by the Borough.
(3) Its interceptor allows a discharge of oil or grease in excess of 500 mg/l.
B. New facilities required by this or other applicable ordinances to maintain a grease interceptor shall install such a unit prior to commencement of discharge to the POTW.
A. Where oil and grease are a byproduct of food preparation and/or cleanup, reasonable efforts shall be made to separate waste oil and grease into a separate container for proper disposal. Except as contained in byproducts of food preparation and/or clean up, waste oil and grease shall not be discharged to any drains or grease interceptors. Such waste shall be placed in a container designed to hold such waste and either utilized by industry or disposed of at suitable locations.
B. None of the following agents shall be placed directly into a grease interceptor, or into any drain that leads to the interceptor:
(1) Emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, surface active agents, enzymes, degreasers, or any type of product that will liquefy grease interceptor wastes,
(2) Any substance that may cause excessive foaming in the POTW.
(3) Any substance capable of passing the solid or semi-solid contents of the grease interceptor to the POTW.
C. The influent to interceptors shall not exceed 140ºF. The temperature at the flow control device inspection port shall be considered equivalent to the temperature of the influent.
D. Toilets, urinals, and other similar fixtures shall not discharge through a grease interceptor.
E. All waste shall only enter the grease interceptor through the inlet flow control device, then the inlet pipe.
F. Where food-waste grinders are installed, the waste from those units shall discharge directly into the building drainage system without passing through a grease interceptor. Living quarters, as defined in this Section, are exempted from this requirement.
7. Requirements for Grease Interceptors.
A. All commercial and industrial facilities dealing with grease shall, at the permittee’s expense and as required by the Borough:
(1) Provide an adequately sized grease interceptor. Requirements for grease trap sizing and the design criteria are provided in subsection (7)(B).
(2) Locate the interceptor in a manner that provides ready and easy accessibility for cleaning and inspection.
(3) Obtain a written interceptor service agreement with a licensed transporter for a term of at least 1 year, or for the duration of the operation of the establishment, whichever is less, to maintain the interceptor in effective operating condition. A service agreement must be in effect as long as the facility is in operation.
(4) Unless otherwise specified by the Borough, service the interceptor every 90 days and maintain backup copies of trip tickets and a service log, on the premises of the facility, for at least 5 years. Copy of same to be filed with the Borough office.
(5) Report to the Borough quarterly regarding subsections (7)(A)(3) and (7)(A)(4).
(6) Allow inspection of the facility and of records during business hours.
B. Requirements for Grease Trap Sizing and Design Criteria.
(1) Introduction. Information contained within this document is based on standard industry practices and guidance found in both the International Plumbing Code (IPC) Commentary and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Appendix H. Size, type, and location of grease traps shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of the Borough.
(2) Applicability. These requirements are applicable to all commercial food service establishments, including those that are undergoing:
(a) New construction.
(b) Interior remodeling to accommodate expansion or operational modifications.
(c) Facilities, which may be experiencing difficulty in achieving compliance with maintenance and/or wastewater discharge limitations.
(3) Sizing Requirements. Sizing methods described herein are intended as guidance in determining grease trap/interceptor sizes that will afford the Borough’s sanitary sewer system (POTW) a minimum degree of protection against grease and other obstructing materials. Sizing determinations are based on operational data provided by business owners or their contractors. In approving a customer’s plumbing or grease interceptor design, the Borough does not accept liability for the failure of a system to adequately treat wastewater to achieve effluent quality requirements specified under this Section. It is the responsibility of the generator and/or contractors to insure the appropriate level of treatment necessary for compliance with environmental and wastewater regulations. Minimum acceptable grease trap/interceptor sizing shall be accomplished as follows:
(a) Sizing according to formulas found in subsection (4) below.
(b) Where sizing formulas result in determination of a grease trap less than 750 gallons in capacity, this minimum size is recommended. However, under no circumstances should exterior grease traps less than 500 gallons be utilized.
(c) In the circumstance of “single service kitchens” with no food preparation (heat/serve only), and which use only paper service items, a minimum 50-gallon per minute (gpm) flow rated, or 100 pound grease retention, mechanical grease trap may be used. In these instances, the grease trap is to be installed in an area separate from food handling area, and the trap must be readily accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
(4) Grease Trap Sizing Formulas. It is the responsibility of the generator and his/her contractors to ensure that the wastewater discharged from their facility is in compliance with the Borough’s discharge limitations. For the purpose of plans review, a general assessment of grease trap/interceptor design and size will be performed using the following formulas. (These formulas have been demonstrated as industry standards capable of achieving the Borough’s discharge criteria when systems are maintained in proper conditions.)
Method 1: Uniform Plumbing Code, Appendix H
Number of meals Per peak hour (1) | x | waste flow rate (2) | x | retention time (3) | x | storage factor (4) | = | Size Requirement (liquid capacity) |
Factors:
1) Number of meals served at peak operating hour (Seating Capacity) x Peak Factor
a. Where Peak Factor for fast food restaurant is 1.33
b. And, Peak Factor for all other food service types is 1.00
2) Waste Flow Rate:
a. With dishwasher 6 gallon flow
b. Without dishwasher 5 gallon flow
c. Single service kitchen 2 gallon flow
d. Food waste disposer 1 gallon flow
3) Retention Times
a. Commercial kitchen waste/dishwasher 2.5 hours
b. Single service kitchen/single serving 1.5 hours
4) Storage Factors
a. Fully equipped commercial kitchen 8 hr operation = 1
b. 16 hr operation = 2
c. 24 hr operation = 3
d. Single service kitchen = 1.5
The Uniform Plumbing Code includes a built-in safety factor that can yield very large grease trap size specifications. At this time, the Borough is not requiring traps larger than 4,000 gallons. However, the decision to use a trap smaller than that specified by the formula and calculations above is to be addressed in the plan submission.
Method 2: 5-Hour Detention/Peak Flow
A. Gallons of water used per hour of operation
B. A x 0.75 = average “gray water” flow per hour
C. B x 1.9 peak flow factor
D. C x 5 hours detention = volume trap
Required volume of trap = A x B x C x D
(5) Alternate Sizing Formulas/Proposals. Facilities that propose the use of alternate sizing techniques and/or procedures that result in specifications that differ from calculated requirements (or are less than the minimum 750 gallon recommendation), must submit formulas and other bases to support proposed grease trap size/installation. Submission should also provide documentation of ability to meet effluent quality requirements. This proposal must be signed by a licensed plumbing contractor or engineer licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
(6) Construction/Installation. All permitting, construction, and inspection activities must be completed in accordance with the Borough ordinances. Additionally, the following specifications must be incorporated into grease trap design.
(a) The grease interceptor shall be constructed with a minimum of two chambers or shall have a minimum of two tanks in series. If two chambered, the dividing wall must extend to within 1 foot of the bottom of the tank and within 2 inches of the top and be securely fastened to both sides.
(b) There must be inlet and outlet tees made of schedule 40 PVC installed. The inlet tee should extend down approximately one-third the depth of the trap from the top and the outlet tee should be located 12 to 18 inches off of the bottom of the trap.
(c) Grease traps are to be installed at a minimum distance of 10 feet from sinks and dishwashers to allow for adequate cooling of wastewater. Water temperatures must be less than 140ºF prior to entering grease trap.
(d) All grease bearing waste streams should be routed through an appropriate grease trap/inceptor, including: three-compartment sinks, pot/pan sinks, soup kettles, hand-washing sinks, dishwashers, mop sinks and floor drains.
Notable Exceptions: Drains that receive “clear waste” only, such as from ice machines, condensate from coils and drink stations, may be plumbed to the sanitary system without passing through the grease interceptor.
(7) Customer (Generator) Responsibilities.
(a) It is the responsibility of the customer (waste generator) to insure compliance with the Borough of Marysville’s discharge limitations.
(b) Hazardous wastes, such as acids, strong cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, paint, solvents, or gasoline should not be disposed of where they would go through grease or grit traps. If commercial dishwashers are discharged through a grease interceptor, care must be taken in system design. Dishwashers use detergents and elevated water temperatures that will melt grease. If the interceptor is either too small or too close to the commercial dishwasher, grease may pass through the interceptor and into the collection system.
(c) Generators are responsible for maintaining grease traps in continuous proper working condition. Further, generators are responsible for inspecting, repairing, replacing, or installing apparatus and equipment as necessary to ensure proper operation and function of grease traps and compliance with discharge limitations at all times.
(d) The generator must have a grease trap/grease interceptor service contract (for pumping, cleaning, and inspection), at a minimum frequency of every 90 days to ensure proper function. The trap shall be maintained more frequently if needed to meet the Borough’s discharge criteria. Records of maintenance are required to be maintained on site for 5 years. (90-day maintenance frequency assumes proper sizing and installation consistent with this guidance).
(e) Enzymes, solvents, and emulsifiers are not permitted, as they will only change the form of grease, allowing it to be carried out of the trap with the wastewater and deposited in the collection system (POTW). Biological treatment systems must be pre-approved by the Borough. These systems will not alleviate the necessity for inspection and proper maintenance.
8. Grease Interceptor Construction.
A. Any person responsible for discharges requiring a grease interceptor shall, at his own expense and as required by the Borough, provide plans and specifications for equipment and facilities of a design type and design capacity approved by the Borough. The grease interceptor must be in compliance with the current applicable Borough ordinances. The person shall locate the interceptor in a manner that provides easy accessibility for cleaning and inspection and maintain the interceptor in effective operating condition. The Borough shall inspect the interceptor during construction and upon completion. The Borough shall make a final inspection before any service connections are made.
B. Construction of items listed herein in accordance herewith or in accordance to the Borough’s specifications shall not constitute a defense to unlawful discharge and shall not limit the generator’s liability for any surcharge stated in this division.
C. If the Borough determines that there is a need for installation or upgrading of sample ports or grease interceptors on an existing establishment, the Borough may order the installation or upgrading of such interceptors on that existing establishment. If the Borough orders such installation, then the Borough shall serve notice of such order upon the grease generator. Within 10 days of receipt of such order, the grease generator may demand a hearing to review such order, in which case the Borough shall schedule a hearing to review such order within 30 days of receiving the demand for review from the grease or grit generator. If a hearing to review the order is scheduled, the Borough shall serve notice of the hearing to review such order upon the grease generator at least 10 days before the date of such hearing. At the hearing to review the order, the grease generator may present evidence, and the Borough may make new findings and issue new orders concerning the subject of the original hearing. After receiving notice of the order to install or upgrade ports or interceptors on an existing establishment, it shall be unlawful for a grease generator to allow or cause any discharge into the sanitary sewer not in compliance with such order.
D. Where the process wastewaters are generated in only part of the facility, the process wastewaters may, at the option of the Borough, discharge into a grease interceptor servicing only those areas that provide a suitable sampling port.
E. The Borough may waive the requirement for a grease interceptor provided the grease generator can verify that only domestic sewage is being discharged, with no floor drains or process water. The Borough may require testing by the user in connection with this request, with all costs for this testing being at the user’s expense.
9. Service/Inspection Ports and Monitoring Ports.
A. Except for “under the sink grease interceptors,” each interceptor shall be located outside of a building or structure in an area accessible for service, and so installed and connected that it shall be at all times easily accessible for inspection, and for cleaning and removal of the intercepted waste. Inlet flow control inspection ports, interceptor inspection ports, and effluent monitoring ports shall be in areas where vehicles may not temporarily block access to inspection. The use of ladders or the removal of bulky equipment or stored materials in order to inspect inlet flow control devices, inspect or service interceptors, or sample interceptor effluent shall constitute a violation of accessibility. Inspection ports and monitoring ports shall be located so as to allow inspectors quick and easy access to the inlet flow control device, each compartment of the interceptor, and the effluent from the interceptor. An interceptor shall not be installed in any part of a building where food is handled. The location of all interceptors, inspection ports, and monitoring ports shall meet the approval of the Borough and shall be shown on the approved building plans.
B. An inspection port shall be provided for the flow control device regulating flow into the interceptor.
C. A one-piece removable metal plate covering the entire interceptor shall be preferred as an interceptor inspection port, though at the discretion of the Borough, standard manhole ports may be installed over each divider in the interceptor, but in either case all parts of the interceptor shall be easily accessible for cleaning and visual inspection.
D. A monitoring port shall be provided for ease in sampling the treated effluent from the interceptor and shall be as close as possible to the connection with the Borough POTW within the bounds of the facility property. The port shall be installed according to the specifications of the Borough. The port shall be installed and maintained at the user’s expense. A generator shall properly place, monitor, and maintain the monitoring port so that wastewater samples taken from the monitoring port are representative of wastewater leaving the interceptor. It shall be unlawful for a grease generator to divert sewage around a monitoring point into the POTW.
10. Under the Sink Grease Interceptors.
A. In the event that an outside grease interceptor is not practicable, an “under the sink grease interceptor” may be installed subject to the approval of the Borough. In addition to the regular requirements of grease interceptors, “under the sink grease interceptors” are subject to the additional requirements.
B. General Requirements.
(1) The location of such interceptors shall be in as close proximity to the source of wastewater as physically possible.
(2) The lid shall be secured to the body with a single bolt. No wing nuts or screws shall be permitted.
(3) Baffle systems and all other internal pieces shall be removable to facilitate cleaning and replacement, but must be in place at all other times.
(4) The lid shall cover the deep seal trap. The deep seal trap shall be constructed so as to eliminate the possibility of sewer gas entering the kitchen area.
(5) The interceptors shall be constructed with bottom supports so that the body of the interceptor does not corrode by coming into contact with the floor.
(6) The interceptor shall be coated with a powder coated electrostatically applied cathodic epoxy coating so as to be resistant to corrosion.
(7) The interceptor shall be equipped with a flow control fitting.
C. Installation Requirements.
(1) The interceptor may be set on the floor, partially recessed in the floor with top flush with the floor, or fully recessed below the floor to suit piping and structural conditions, as acceptable by the Borough.
(2) There shall be sufficient clearance for the removal of the interceptor cover for cleaning.
(3) Unless specifically approved by the Borough, runs of pipe exceeding 25 feet between fixture and interceptor shall not be permitted.
(4) The interceptor shall not be installed in a waste line from a garbage grinder. Any garbage grinder waste shall bypass the interceptor.
(5) A suitable flow control fitting shall be installed ahead of the interceptor in the waste line beyond the fixture and as close as possible to the underside of the lowest fixture. When wastes of two or more sinks or fixtures are combined to be used by one interceptor, a single flow control fitting shall be used.
(6) Air intake for flow control either shall terminate under the sink drain board as high as possible to prevent overflow, or shall terminate in a return bend at the same height and on the outside of the building.
(7) To retain water and prevent siphoning, all interceptors shall have a vented waste, sized in accordance with the Plumbing Code.
(8) With the approval of the Borough, one interceptor may be used to serve multiple fixtures if the fixtures are located close together and the interceptor is sized to meet the combined flow of all the fixtures.
D. Maintenance Requirements.
(1) Interceptors shall be serviced at least every week. After accumulated grease and waste has been removed, the interceptor shall be thoroughly inspected to make certain that inlet, outlet, and air relief ports are clear of obstructions.
(2) Grease and other waste removed from the interceptor shall not be introduced into any drain, sewer, or natural body of water. The waste shall be placed in proper containers for proper disposal. It shall not be mixed with “edible” grease. Grease and waste removed from an interceptor shall not be disposed of in such a matter so as to become food for animals or humans.
(3) The grease generator shall maintain adequate documentation that the interceptor is appropriately cleaned and inspected.
11. Interceptor Maintenance.
A. Interceptor Maintenance Service Contract.
(1) All grease generators having interceptors shall perform all business transactions relating to interceptor pumping, cleaning, and servicing, and to liquid waste collection, transportation and/or disposal on a contractual basis via a written contract having a duration of at least 1 year, and provide copies of all such contracts to the Borough. Any modifications or changes to the contract must be submitted to the Borough within 10 working days of the change or modification. It is a violation for a grease generator to discharge through an interceptor without a service contract.
(2) A contract shall at a minimum:
(a) From the customer:
1) Contain the customer name, address and telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the facility to be serviced if different.
2) Contain the name of a primary and secondary contact person for the facility.
3) Indicate the size of each interceptor.
4) Indicate the precise and unambiguous location of the interceptor or interceptors to be serviced, including a diagram if necessary.
5) Indicate the frequency of pumpage required.
6) Be signed and dated by an authorized representative indicating acceptance of the terms of the contract.
(b) From the vacuum truck cleaning service:
1) Contain the vacuum truck company name, address, and telephone number.
2) Contain the name of a primary and secondary contact person.
3) Be signed and dated by an authorized representative indicating acceptance of the terms of the contract.
4) The name, address, and telephone number of the disposal site.
5) Additionally, the transporter shall provide a:
a) Certificate of insurance.
b) Certificate of assurance.
c) Certificate of indemnification.
(c) Other. Contain a statement of the duration of the contract, to be not less than 1year, or for the duration of the operation of the facility, whichever is less.
B. Required Pumping Frequency.
(1) Unless otherwise specified by the Borough, each interceptor in active use shall be cleaned at least once every quarter or more frequently as needed to prevent carry over of grease into the POTW, unless it can be demonstrated to the Borough that the pumping frequency can be performed at greater intervals. The Borough may specify cleaning more frequently when quarterly pumping is shown to be inadequate. Additional pumping may be required during time periods where increased loading is anticipated. Any grease generator desiring a schedule less frequent than quarterly shall submit a request to the Borough along with copies of the cleaning records for the last four interceptor cleanings, including measurements of the thickness of the surface scum/grease layer.
(2) At any time if an inspection finds the interceptor to be full, immediate steps shall be taken by the grease generator to pump out and clean it as soon as is practicable. The inspector shall make an evaluation of the advisability of allowing discharge to continue, and may at his or her discretion order an immediate cessation of all discharge from the facility.
C. All interceptors shall be maintained by the grease generator at the grease generator’s expense.
D. Requirement for Increased Pumpage or Servicing. If the Borough finds that a change in pumpage or servicing of an interceptor is necessary for an establishment to meet the discharge limits stated in this Section, the Borough may order a change in pumpage or servicing of an interceptor. If the Borough orders a change in the pumpage or servicing, then the Borough shall serve notice of such order upon the generator. Within 10 days of receipt of such order, the generator may demand a hearing to review such order, in which case the Borough shall schedule a hearing to review such order within 30 days of receiving the demand for review from the generator. If a hearing to review the order is scheduled, the Borough shall serve notice of the hearing to review such order at least 10 days before the date of such hearing. At the hearing to review the order, the generator may present evidence, and the Borough may make new findings and issue new orders concerning the subject of the original hearing. After receiving notice of an order by the Borough to change the frequency and/or methods of pumpage or servicing, it shall be unlawful for a generator to allow or cause any discharge into the sanitary sewer (POTW) not in compliance with such order.
E. Interceptor Maintenance Log.
(1) Every generator having an interceptor shall maintain an interceptor maintenance log indicating each pumping for the previous 12 months. This log shall include the date, time, amount pumped, hauler and disposal site, and shall be kept in a conspicuous location on the premises of the facility for inspection. Said log shall be made immediately available to any authorized Borough inspector.
(2) The information required in the maintenance log must be submitted to the Borough quarterly. The reporting period shall be the calendar year. The report shall be submitted within 30 days after the end of the quarterly reporting period to the Borough.
F. Cleaning Procedures.
(1) The owner or an employee of the facility shall supervise the interceptor cleaning, and shall be physically present and observe the entire cleaning operation.
(2) A generator shall cause the liquid waste hauler, transporter, or any other person cleaning or servicing an interceptor to completely evacuate all contents, including floating materials, wastewater, and bottom sludges and solids, of all grease and/or grit interceptors and other interceptors during servicing. Skimming the surface layer of waste material, partial cleaning of the interceptor or use of any method that does not remove the entire contents of the collection device is prohibited. The suction of the floating materials shall be done prior to removal of other contents. After complete evacuation, the walls, top, and bottom of the interceptor shall then be thoroughly scraped and the residue removed. The interceptor shall then be steam cleaned and the residue removed. Upon completion of the servicing, the manager of the facility shall make an inspection of the interior of the interceptor and then personally sign the trip ticket. The manager shall make an appropriate entry in the facility interceptor maintenance log, and post the generator section of the trip ticket in a conspicuous place with the log on the premises.
(3) It shall be unlawful for a generator to allow, the discharge of liquid, semi- solids, or solids back into an interceptor during and/or after servicing. Decanting or discharging of removed waste back into the interceptor from which the waste was removed or any other interceptor, for the purpose of reducing the volume to be disposed, is prohibited.
(4) Each interceptor pumped shall be fully evacuated unless the interceptor volume is greater than the tank capacity on the vacuum truck in which case the transporter shall arrange for additional transportation capacity so that the interceptor is fully evacuated within a 24-hour period following the transporter’s inability to fully evacuate the interceptor.
G. Disposal of Interceptor Pumpage. All waste removed from each interceptor shall be disposed of at a facility permitted and authorized to receive such waste in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. In no way shall the pumpage be returned to any private or public portion of the POTW, without prior written approval from the Borough, nor may it be returned to any portion of the POTW. Additionally, grease removed from an interceptor shall not be recycled so as to become a food product or part of a food product for animal or human consumption.
12. Required Reporting. All permitted interceptor waste generators shall, quarterly, submit to the Borough:
A. Copies of all manifests made by liquid waste transporters servicing their grease interceptor during the reporting period.
B. A copy of the interceptor maintenance log or receipt from hauler.
C. A copy of the interceptor service contract.
D. Any other information, including analysis of the discharge to the POTW of such pollutants as the Borough may require.
13. Grease Interceptor Treatment Products.
A. Use of grease interceptor treatment products, including bacteria, designed to digest grease, is specifically prohibited without prior written consent of the Borough.
B. Acceptance of such products for use may be considered only where a valid screening test, showing the product’s ability to treat the waste and to produce an influent in compliance with this Section, has been performed in accordance with methods outlined by the Borough.
C. Screening tests for such grease interceptor treatment products shall be designed by the Borough.
D. The results of screening tests shall be subject to technical review by the Borough.
E. All costs of screening tests shall be borne by the facility whether or not the product is accepted for use.
F. If a product is accepted for use, each facility shall obtain written permission from the Borough to use the product.
G. Complete descriptions of the chemical composition of all products must be disclosed to the Borough.
H. The Borough may revoke permission to use such products where the effluent from the interceptor or basin in which the product is used fails to meet the requirements of this Section.
14. Facility Closure. When a facility with a grease interceptor closes for business, and is subsequently:
A. Razed or demolished, then any grease interceptor or interceptors or traps shall be either:
(1) Physically removed; or
(2) Have all effluent pumped out, a straight line plumbed from the inlet to the outlet, and the remainder of the tank filled with soil or sand.
B. Remodeled such that the grease interceptor will not be used, then the grease interceptor or interceptors or traps may be left in place, however:
(1) The grease interceptor or interceptors or traps shall have all effluent pumped out, the trap cleaned thoroughly, and the grease interceptor or interceptors or traps left dry and empty.
(2) Be re-plumbed as to bypass the existing grease interceptor or interceptors or traps, either by straight through or by bypassing methods, while leaving the empty trap and in place for possible future utilization by another business.
C. Replaced with a type of business that will not utilize the grease interceptor, then that business may have any existing grease interceptor or interceptors or traps:
(1) Physically removed; or
(2) Re-plumbed as to bypass the existing grease interceptor or interceptors or traps, either by straight through or by bypassing methods, while leaving the empty trap and in place for possible future utilization by another business; or
(3) Re-plumbed with a straight line plumbed from the inlet to the outlet, and the remainder of the grease interceptor or interceptors or traps filled with soil or sand.
In all instances, the owner of the premises shall appropriately inform the Borough and perform the closure at such a time so as to permit an inspector to be physically present during the removal or filling of the interceptor.
15. Monitoring, Inspection and Entry.
A. It shall be unlawful for a grease generator to refuse to allow inspectors to enter their premises during reasonable hours to determine whether the grease generator is complying with all of the requirements of this Section and permit or order issued hereunder. A grease generator shall allow the inspectors access to all parts of the premises for purposes of inspection, sampling, records examination and copying, and the performance of additional duties. Arrangements for the immediate access of the Borough or his designate representative shall have been made ahead of time, and such failure to make adequate arrangements shall not be considered a legitimate reason to refuse admittance of the Borough.
B. In cases where a facility includes private living quarters, the right of access shall extend to all common areas, and any other area or areas a facility employee, including the manager and/or owner, may enter without expressed permission of the residents of such a facility.
C. Search Warrants. If the Borough has been refused access to a building, structure, or property, or any part thereof, and is able to demonstrate probable cause to believe that there may be a violation of this Section, or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program of the Borough designed to verify compliance with this Section or any permit or order issued hereunder, or to protect the overall public health, safety and welfare of the community, then the Borough may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
16. Confidentiality and Proprietary Information.
A. Information and data on a grease generator, or any other entity, obtained from reports, surveys, grease interceptor permits, and monitoring programs, and from the Borough’s inspection and sampling activities, and any other information submitted to the Borough pursuant to this Section, shall be available to the public without restriction.
17. Violation.
A. It is unlawful for any grease generator to discharge into the POTW in any manner that is in violation of this Section, or of any condition set forth in this Section. Additionally, a person commits an offense if the person causes or permits the plugging or blocking of, or otherwise interferes with or permits the interference of, a grease interceptor or the POTW, including alteration or removal of any flow constricting devices so as to cause flow to rise above the design capacity of the interceptor.
B. No person, and/or facility shall discharge grease in excess of 500 mg/l to the POTW. If such discharge occurs, the person or facility shall be considered in violation of this Section and subject to the remedies described herein. This includes non-permitted facilities.
C. The Borough and/or Borough may suspend water or sewer service when such suspension is necessary, in the opinion of the Borough, in order to stop an actual or threatened discharge which:
(1) Presents or may present an imminent or substantial endangerment to the health or welfare of persons or the environment.
(2) Causes stoppages or excessive maintenance to be performed to prevent stoppages in the sanitary sewer collection system.
(3) Causes interference to the POTW.
(4) Causes the Borough to violate any condition of its NPDES or TPDES permit.
D. Any person notified of a suspension of the water or sewer service shall immediately stop or eliminate the discharge. In the event of a failure of the person to comply voluntarily with the suspension order, the Borough shall take such steps as deemed necessary, including immediate termination of water or sewer service, to prevent or minimize damage to the POTW system or sewer connection or endangerment to any individuals. The Borough shall reinstate the water or sewer service when such conditions causing the suspension have passed or been eliminated. A detailed written statement submitted by the grease generator describing the cause(s) of the harmful discharge and the measure(s) taken to prevent any future occurrence shall be submitted to the Borough within 15 days of the date of occurrence.
E. In addition to prohibiting certain conduct by natural persons, it is the intent of this Section to hold a corporation, association, LLC, LLP or PS legally responsible for prohibited conduct performed by an agent acting in behalf of a corporation or association and within the scope of his office or employment.
F. Any person, operator or owner who shall violate any provision of this Section, or who shall fail to comply with any provision hereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000 for each violation and each day a violation continues, shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punished accordingly.
G. A permittee is liable to the Borough for any expense, loss, or damage occasioned by the Borough for reason of appropriate clean-up and proper disposal of said waste materials. Additionally, an administrative fee equal to one-half of assessed clean-up costs shall be levied by the Borough against the guilty party.
18. Authorization. The Borough is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as shall be reasonable and necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section according to its terms and intent.
(Ord. 398, 6/11/1987; as added by Ord. 559, 6/13/2005)