NJ Boroughs Step Up Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning

An amended version of the Sewers and Septic Systems chapter of the Yorktown New York code was proposed at the March 28 work session in order to better control the disposal of grease that might adversely affect the town’s septic system.

At the meeting, Councilman Vishnu Patel compared the effects to cholesterol in the human body—improperly trapped grease “clogs” the system. Grease traps, or “grease interceptors” as referred to by the proposed legislation, essentially stop the fats and oils from entering the system.

Town Engineer Michael Quinn said that the town’s code currently allows inspections of the grease traps, but has not been enforced. Quinn said the engineering department suspects excess grease to be the cause of many recent blockages in the system and plans to begin regularly inspecting the traps at area restaurants.

The proposed amendments are intended to “beef up” the portion of the code that specifies grease trap requirement, installation and inspection.

Supervisor Michael Grace said there is, “a chronic issue with a couple of restaurants,” which, over time, has cost the town money and time to remedy.

Councilman Ed Lachterman, who has spent more than three decades in the food-service industry, suggested the use of a commonly used bacterial digestant be either folded into the law, or formally recommended to area restaurants. Quinn said the town is working to assemble a compilation of best practices and locations of the town’s grease traps.

The amended chapter calls for an annual compliance report to be filed with the Engineering Department by Oct. 31 of each year. Violation of amended code could result in a $2,500 fine, added Town Attorney Michael J. McDermott.

To prevent your grease interceptor from getting clogged with food solids, consider installing The Drain Strainer so you won’t have to pump your grease trap as often.