(A) A grease interceptor or trap shall be considered to be at its maximum level and shall not be considered operative if the grease layer and solids (sludge pocket) combined measures 50% of the depth of the interceptor or trap; a grease interceptor or trap shall be considered in operating condition only if the combined measurement of the grease layer and solids is less than 50% of the total interior depth measurement of the interceptor or trap. In no event shall the grease layer extend below the bottom of the effluent tee regardless of the depth of the grease layer.
(B) All grease interceptors and grease traps shall be routinely and regularly cleaned and inspected to insure proper operation. If the grease level is at its maximum, the grease interceptor or trap shall be immediately cleaned or discharge into same shall be prohibited. If any grease interceptor or trap is determined to be at its maximum upon inspection then cleaning frequencies shall be increased. A grease trap or interceptor is recommended to be cleaned when the grease layer and solids combined measure 30% of the depth of the grease interceptor or trap.
(C) The on-duty manager of user must witness all cleaning of grease traps and interceptors to insure that the cleaning is performed completely and properly. To properly clean a grease interceptor the entire contents must be removed, including grease layer cap (floating grease) and sludge pocket (settled solids); failure to remove the sludge pocket (settled solids) from the bottom will result in lower capacity and reduced detention. The manager must also be sure removable baffles are replaced after cleaning.
(D) Grease interceptors shall be cleaned by removing the grease layer, solids layer, and water; the sides and bottom of the grease interceptor shall be cleaned with a scraper and all tees, baffles, and the bottom shall be inspected for problems. All water shall be removed from the grease interceptor and shall be replaced with clean water and no water which has been skimmed or pumped from the grease interceptor or from any other grease interceptor shall be reintroduced back into the grease interceptor. Separator trucks which pump the contents of the grease trap into the truck, separate the water layer from the fats, oil and grease and then returns water into the grease trap are prohibited.
(E) The grease interceptors during maintenance must be inspected and great care must be taken to insure that the baffles are in place and properly positioned.
(F) The cover of the grease interceptor must fit properly so it does not leak. All in-ground interceptors should be examined for cracks which could allow wastewater to leak out or groundwater to leak in.
(G) Maintenance and cleaning records shall be kept in strict accordance with § 51.020 below.
(Prior Code, Art. 16A, § IIE)