Fats, Oils, and Greast (FOG) Overview
FOG Inspections
What is FOG?
“FOG” stands for fats, oils, and grease. These substances may be derived from plant and animal sources and are often a byproduct of cooking.
Some examples of FOG include:
- Food scraps
- Pan drippings
- Cooking oil and shortening
- Fat from meats
- Dairy products
- Oily sauces and salad dressing
Restaurants, condominiums, apartment buildings, schools, churches, shopping malls, hospitals, retirement/assisted living facilities, and households produce FOG.
Why is FOG a Problem?
When FOG makes its way down your drain, it can solidify inside the pipe, creating a clog. Over time, this buildup can restrict or completely block your pipes, causing messy, costly sewer backups in your business, home, or environment.
Every business, food service establishment (FSE), and household plays an important role in preventing neighborhood sewer blockages.
By following simple best management practices, you can help keep FOG from entering the sewer system. Your efforts may also help reduce sewer maintenance and operation expenses as well as minimize public health risks associated with sewer overflows.
FOG Myths vs. Facts
FOG Inspections
FOG inspections help maintain the integrity and capacity of the sanitary sewer collection system and help prevent the introduction of pollutants that can interfere with wastewater treatment plant operations.
Liberty employees educate and inspect commercial facilities to maintain compliance with Liberty’s Industrial Pretreatment Tariff (Code of Practice “LPSCO-CP-01-004” Section 4-Food Service Operations).
Commercial facilities include food service establishments, hotels, schools, automotive shops, carwashes, laundries, apartments, grooming, and other facilities that may pose a concern to the wastewater collection system or treatment plant. Staff may also prepare and distribute outreach materials to residential customers.
What to Expect During an Inspection
FOG inspections may be set up by appointment or, in some instances, may be unannounced. Liberty makes an effort to work with our customers to set these inspections up during non-peak business hours. Upon arrival, Liberty employees can be identified by their uniform as well as their Liberty-issued identification badge.
The appropriate paperwork will be filled out and signed by both the Liberty employee and the customer. Paperwork will include:
- Notice of Inspection Rights
- FOG Inspection Report
- Various outreach materials
The Liberty employee will request records of grease trap/interceptor maintenance and pumping manifests. If a follow-up is required, the Liberty employee will note that on the paperwork and follow-up accordingly.
*Note: Customer will be provided copies of signed paperwork for their records.