[Added 2-27-2014]
The purpose of this article is to outline the wastewater pretreatment
requirements for food preparation establishments and other commercial
facilities that discharge fats, oils, and grease in their wastewater
flow. All new and existing facilities that generate and discharge
fats, oils, and grease in their wastewater flow shall install, operate,
and maintain a FOG pretreatment system. The requirements of this article
shall supplement and be in addition to the requirements of this chapter.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Authorized representative of the WPCA.
The individual responsible for overseeing daily operation
of the food preparation establishment and who is responsible for overseeing
the food preparation establishment's compliance with the FOG
pretreatment program.
Animal- and plant-derived substances that may solidify or
become viscous between the temperatures of 32° F. and 150°
F. (0° C. and 65° C.) and that separate from wastewater by
gravity. Any edible substance identified as grease per the most current
EPA method as listed in 40 CFR 136.3.
A passive tank installed outside a building and designed
to remove fats, oils, and grease from flowing wastewater while allowing
wastewater to flow through it, and as further defined herein.
Refers to properly installed and operated FOG interceptors
and FOG recovery units as approved by the WPCA.
All active indoor mechanical systems designed to remove fats,
oil, and grease by physical separation from flowing wastewater, as
further defined herein.
Class III and Class IV food service establishments and any
other facility determined by the WPCA to discharge FOG above the set
limits in Section 5(b)(2) of the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection's General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated
with Food Preparation Establishments. These facilities shall include,
but not be limited to, restaurants, hotel kitchens, hospital kitchens,
school kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias, and clubs. Class III and
Class IV food service establishments shall be as defined under Section
19-13-B42 of the State of Connecticut Public Health Code.
Food-grade grease that has become contaminated with sewage,
detergents, or other constituents that make it unacceptable for rendering.
Written notification from the WPCA for authorization to install
and/or operate an alternate FOG pretreatment system.
A facility for the collection and disposal of nonrenderable
FOG approved by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection.
Material that can be recovered and sent to renderers for
recycling into various usable products. Renderable grease is created
from spent products collected at the source, such as frying oils and
grease from restaurants. This material is also called yellow grease.
Refers to a closed, leakproof container for the collection
and storage of food-grade fats, oil, and grease.
A.
FOG pretreatment systems shall be provided for:
(1)
All new and existing food preparation establishments, including restaurants,
cafeterias, diners, and similar nonindustrial facilities using food
preparation processes that have the potential to generate FOG in wastewater
at concentrations in excess of the limits defined in this article.
(2)
New and existing facilities which, in the opinion of the WPCA, require
FOG pretreatment systems for the proper handling of wastewater containing
fats, oils, or grease, except that such FOG pretreatment systems shall
not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units.
B.
All new food preparation establishments which generate and discharge
wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease and which will require
a FOG pretreatment system, as determined by the WPCA, shall include
the design and specifications for the FOG pretreatment system as part
of the sewer connection application as described in this chapter.
C.
All existing food preparation establishments which generate and discharge
wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease, and which require a
new FOG pretreatment system, as determined by the WPCA, shall maintain
workable FOG pretreatment systems in accordance with this article.
The application shall be in accordance with this chapter.
D.
Existing food preparation establishments which generate and discharge
wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease, and which have an existing
noncomplying FOG pretreatment system, may, as determined by the WPCA,
operate the existing FOG pretreatment system. Such facilities shall
come into full compliance with this article within 90 days of notice
by the WPCA.
[Amended 12-19-2019]
E.
All costs and related expenses associated with the installation and
connection of the FOG interceptor(s) or alternate FOG pretreatment
system(s) shall be borne by the food preparation establishment. The
food preparation establishment shall indemnify the WPCA for any loss
or damage that may directly or indirectly occur due to the installation
of the FOG pretreatment system.
No facility shall discharge or cause to be discharged any wastewater
with a FOG concentration in excess of 100 milligrams per liter, as
determined by the currently approved test for total recoverable fats
and grease listed in 40 CFR 136.3, or in concentrations or in quantities
which will harm either the sewers or water pollution control facility,
as determined by the WPCA.
A.
An application for the design and installation of a FOG pretreatment
system shall be subject to review and approval by the WPCA per this
chapter and subject to the requirements of all other applicable codes,
ordinances, and laws.
B.
Except as provided by § 254-55, the wastewater generated
from food preparation establishments shall be treated to remove FOG
using a FOG interceptor.
C.
Every structure at the subject facility shall be constructed, operated,
and maintained in a manner to ensure that the discharge of food preparation
wastewater is directed solely to the FOG interceptor or alternate
FOG pretreatment system. No valve or bypass piping that could prevent
the discharge of food preparation wastewater from entering appropriate
pretreatment equipment shall be present.
D.
The contact person at each food preparation establishment shall notify
the WPCA when the FOG pretreatment system is ready for inspection
and connection to the public sewer. The connection and testing shall
be made under the supervision of the Plumbing Inspector and agent.
E.
All applicable local plumbing/building codes shall be followed during
the installation of the FOG pretreatment system.
F.
FOG interceptor requirements.
(1)
The FOG interceptor shall be installed on a separate building sewer
servicing kitchen flows and shall only be connected to those fixtures
or drains which can allow fats, oils, and grease to be discharged
into the sewer. This shall include:
(a)
Pot sinks;
(b)
Pre-rinse sinks, or dishwashers without pre-rinse sinks;
(c)
Any sink into which fats, oils, or grease may be introduced;
(d)
Soup kettles or similar devices;
(e)
Work stations;
(f)
Floor drains or sinks into which kettles may be drained;
(g)
Automatic hood wash units;
(h)
Dishwashers without pre-rinse sinks; and
(i)
Any other fixtures or drains that can allow fats, oils, and
grease to be discharged into the sewer.
(2)
No pipe carrying any wastewater other than from those listed in Subsection F(1) above shall be connected to the FOG interceptor.
(3)
No food grinder shall discharge to the FOG interceptor.
(4)
The FOG interceptor shall be located so as to maintain the separating
distances from well water supplies set forth in Section 19-13-B51d
of the Public Health Code.
(5)
The following minimum separating distances shall be maintained between
the FOG interceptor and the items listed below:
(6)
The FOG interceptor shall have a retention time of at least 24 hours
at the maximum daily flow based on water meter records or other calculation
methods as approved by the WPCA. The FOG interceptor minimum capacity
shall be 1,000 gallons. FOG interceptors shall have a minimum of two
compartments. The two compartments shall be separated by a baffle
that extends from the bottom of the FOG interceptor to a minimum of
five inches above the static water level. An opening in the baffle
shall be located at mid-water level. The size of the opening shall
be at least eight inches in diameter but not have an area exceeding
180 square inches.
(7)
FOG interceptor shall be watertight and constructed of precast concrete,
or other durable material.
(8)
FOG interceptors constructed of precast concrete shall meet the following
requirements:
(a)
The exterior of the FOG interceptor, including the exterior
top and bottom and extension to grade manholes, shall be coated with
a waterproof sealant.
(b)
All concrete FOG interceptors shall be fabricated using minimum
4,000 psi concrete per ASTM standards with 4% to 7% air entrainment.
(c)
All structural seams shall be grouted with nonshrinking cement
or similar material and coated with a waterproof sealant.
(d)
Voids between the FOG interceptor's walls and inlet and outlet
piping shall be grouted with nonshrinking cement and coated with a
waterproof sealant.
(9)
All nonconcrete septic tanks must be approved for use by the WPCA.
(10)
The FOG interceptor shall be accessible for convenient inspection
and maintenance. No structures shall be placed directly upon or over
the FOG interceptor.
(11)
The FOG interceptor shall be installed on a level stable base
that has been mechanically compacted with a minimum of six inches
of crushed stone to prevent uneven settling.
(12)
Select backfill shall be placed and compacted around the FOG
interceptor in a manner to prevent damage to the tank and to prevent
movement caused by frost action.
(13)
The outlet discharge line from the FOG interceptor shall be
directly connected to the municipal sanitary sewer.
(14)
The FOG interceptor shall have a minimum liquid depth of 36
inches.
(15)
Separate cleanouts shall be provided on the inlet and outlet
piping.
(16)
The FOG interceptor shall have separate manholes with extensions
to grade above the inlet and outlet piping. FOG interceptors installed
in areas subject to traffic shall have manhole extensions to grade
with ductile iron frames and round manhole covers. The word "SEWER"
shall be cast into the manhole covers. FOG interceptors installed
outside areas subject to traffic may have concrete risers with lids
either having a minimum weight of 59 pounds or shall be provided with
a lock system to prevent unauthorized entrance. All manholes and extensions
to grade providing accesses to the FOG interceptor shall be at least
17 inches in diameter.
(17)
Inlet and outlet piping shall have a minimum diameter of four
inches and be constructed of Schedule 40 PVC meeting ASTM 1785 with
solvent weld couplings.
(18)
The inlet and outlet shall each utilize a tee-pipe on the interior
of the FOG interceptor. No caps or plugs shall be installed on the
tee-pipes. The inlet and outlet shall be located at the center line
of the FOG interceptor and at least 12 inches above the maximum groundwater
elevation. The inlet tee shall extend to within 12 inches of the bottom
of the FOG interceptor. The inlet invert elevation shall be at least
three inches above the invert elevation of the outlet but not greater
than four inches. The outlet tee pipe shall extend no closer than
12 inches from the bottom of the FOG interceptor and the diameter
of this tee pipe shall be a minimum of four inches.
(19)
The diameter of the outlet discharge line shall be at least
the size of the inlet pipe and in no event less than four inches.
(20)
When necessary due to installation concerns, testing for leakage
will be performed using either a vacuum test or water-pressure test.
(a)
Vacuum test. Seal the empty tank and apply a vacuum to two inches
of mercury. The tank is approved if 90% of the vacuum is held for
two minutes.
(b)
Water-pressure test. Seal the tank, fill with water, and let
stand for 24 hours. Refill the tank. The tank is approved if the water
level is held for one hour.
A.
When it is not practical for the food preparation establishment to install an outdoor in-ground FOG interceptor per § 257-54, an alternate FOG pretreatment system may be utilized upon approval by the WPCA and upon receiving a "Notification of Approved Alternative FOG Pretreatment System." Approval of the system shall be based on demonstrated (proven) removal efficiencies and reliability of operation. The WPCA will approve these systems on a case-by-case basis. The contact person may be required to furnish the manufacturer's analytical data demonstrating that FOG discharge concentrations do not exceed the limits established in this article.
C.
Alternate FOG pretreatment systems shall meet the requirements of § 257-54A through E and § 257-54F(2) and (3) and shall be installed immediately downstream of each of the fixtures and drains listed in § 257-54F(1).
D.
Alternate FOG pretreatment system requirements.
(1)
FOG recovery units shall be sized to properly pretreat the measured
or calculated flows using methods approved by the WPCA.
(2)
FOG recovery units shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material
such as stainless steel or plastic.
(3)
Solids shall be intercepted and separated from the effluent flow
using a strainer mechanism that is integral to the unit.
(4)
FOG recovery units shall operate using a skimming device, automatic
draw-off, or other mechanical means to automatically remove separated
FOG. This skimming device shall be controlled using a timer, FOG sensor,
or other means of automatic operation. FOG recovery units operated
by timer shall be set to operate no less than once per day.
(5)
FOG recovery units shall be included with an internal or external
flow control device.
(6)
FOG recovery units shall be located to permit frequent access for
maintenance and inspection.
E.
Other alternate FOG pretreatment system.
(1)
Other alternate FOG pretreatment systems that do not meet the requirements of § 257-54F or 257-55D may be considered for approval by the WPCA on a case-by-case basis. The application shall include:
(a)
Documented evidence that the alternate FOG pretreatment system will not discharge FOG concentrations that exceed the discharge limits per § 257-53.
(b)
Plans and specifications for the proposed system, including
plans and profile of system installation, manufacturer's literature,
documentation of performance and any other information detailing the
alternate system.
(c)
A written operation and maintenance plan, which shall include
the schedule for cleaning and maintenance, copies of maintenance log
forms, a list of spare parts to be maintained at the subject facility,
and a list of contacts for the manufacturer and supplier. Following
receipt of written Notification of Approved Alternate FOG Pretreatment
System from the WPCA, the operation and maintenance plan shall be
maintained on the premises. The plan shall be made available for inspection
on demand by the WPCA.
(d)
A written FOG minimization plan, which shall include procedures
for all food preparation establishment employees to minimize FOG entering
the wastewater collection system.
(e)
Description of a FOG pretreatment training program for food
preparation establishment employees in minimization procedures.
(2)
A Notification of Approved Alternate FOG Pretreatment System may be granted for a duration not to exceed three years, with extensions, when demonstrated to the satisfaction of the WPCA that the alternate FOG pretreatment system, operation and maintenance plan, FOG minimization plan and FOG pretreatment training program are adequate to maintain the FOG concentration in the wastewater discharge below the limits set in § 257-53.
A.
The FOG pretreatment system shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory
and effective operation, at the food preparation establishment's
expense.
B.
The contact person shall be responsible for the proper removal and
disposal, by appropriate means, of the collected material removed
from the FOG pretreatment system.
C.
A record of all FOG pretreatment system maintenance activities shall
be maintained on the premises for a minimum of five years.
D.
The contact person shall ensure that the FOG interceptor is inspected
when pumped to ensure that all fittings and fixtures inside the interceptor
are in good condition and functioning properly. The depth of grease
inside the tank shall be measured and recorded in the maintenance
log during every inspection along with any deficiencies, and the identity
of the inspector.
E.
The contact person shall determine the frequency at which its FOG
interceptor(s) shall be pumped according to the following criteria:
(1)
The FOG interceptor shall be completely cleaned by a licensed waste
hauler when 25% of the operating depth of the FOG interceptor is occupied
by grease and settled solids, or a minimum of once every three months,
whichever is more frequent.
(2)
If the contact person can provide data demonstrating that less frequent
cleaning of the FOG interceptor will not result in a grease level
in excess of 25% of the operating depth of the FOG interceptor, the
WPCA may allow less frequent cleaning. The contact person shall provide
data, including pumping receipts for four consecutive cleanings of
the FOG interceptor, complete with a report from the FOG hauler indicating
the grease level at each cleaning, and the FOG interceptor maintenance
log.
(3)
A maintenance log shall be maintained on the premises, and shall
include the following information: dates of all activities, volume
pumped, grease depth, hauler's name, location of the waste disposal,
means of disposal for all material removed from the FOG interceptor,
and the name of the individual recording the information. The maintenance
log and waste hauler's receipts shall be made available to the
WPCA for inspection on demand. Interceptor cleaning and inspection
records shall be maintained on file a minimum of five years.
F.
All removal and hauling of the collected materials must be performed
by state-approved waste disposal firms. Pumped material shall be disposed
of at a regional FOG disposal facility. Pumping shall include the
complete removal of all contents, including floating materials, wastewater
and settled sludge. Decanting back into the FOG interceptor shall
not be permitted. FOG interceptor cleaning shall include scraping
excessive solids from the wall, floors, baffles and all piping.
G.
The contact person shall be responsible for the cost and scheduling
of all installation and maintenance of FOG pretreatment system components.
Installation and maintenance required by the WPCA shall be completed
within the time limits as given below:
A.
The contact person shall make every practical effort to reduce the
amount of FOG contributed to the sewer system.
B.
Renderable fats, oils, and grease shall not be disposed of in any
sewer or FOG interceptor. All renderable fats, oils, and grease shall
be stored in a separate, covered, leakproof, renderable FOG container,
stored out of reach of vermin, and collected by a renderer.
C.
Small quantities of FOG scraped or removed from pots, pans, dishes
and utensils shall be directed to the municipal solid waste stream
for disposal.
A.
Every person violating any provision of this article or refusing
to comply with any order made hereunder within 30 days after notice
of such order shall be punished as provided below:
(1)
Each day of violation after notice by the WPCA for compliance shall
be fined in the sum of $100 per day.
B.
Each occurrence of a violation, and each such day that such violation
shall continue, shall constitute a separate violation and shall be
subject to a separate penalty.
C.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the WPCA Board may defer the imposition
of penalties for good cause shown.