Michigan Town Implementing Grease Trap Cleaning Ordinance
In a recent move to protect the town’s sewer system, the Roseville Michigan City Council unanimously approved two new ordinances aimed at reducing the amount of fats, oils, and greases entering the sewers. This decision reflects an increasing trend among municipalities to proactively manage FOG to extend the lifespan of their infrastructure.
The Director of the Department of Public Services highlighted the detrimental effects of these substances on cement pipes, explaining that they become acidic and can significantly damage the sewer system. By implementing regulations on the disposal of fats, oils, and greases, the town aims to prevent these issues and streamline maintenance efforts.
The new policies require food businesses to install and maintain grease traps, entering them into an inspection program. This move is expected to reduce the time spent by public services employees cleaning out the sewers, as grease will be trapped and properly disposed of within the establishments themselves.
The initial ordinances establish annual fees for sewer clean-outs and inspections, and set guidelines for businesses to follow in disposing of grease. These regulations are considered preliminary and subject to further refinement.
The first ordinance introduces a fee structure, charging restaurants an annual fee for sewer maintenance, while the second ordinance outlines the requirements for grease trap installation and maintenance.
Depending on the type of business, grease traps may vary from under-sink models to external bins, which will require regular grease trap cleaning.
Collaboration with the town’s engineering firm played a crucial role in developing these ordinances. The approach is intended to be gradual, aiming to support local businesses while protecting the sewer system.
The town’s intention is to foster a cooperative relationship with businesses rather than impose punitive measures for grease trap cleaning.
Businesses established after the ordinance change will need to install adequately sized grease traps. Existing businesses will be phased into compliance through an educational campaign followed by implementation. This process ensures that all businesses understand and meet the new standards.
The general manager of a local restaurant described their current system for managing grease, which includes two-stage traps that prevent grease from entering the sewer system. The restaurant contracts a service for bi-monthly grease trap cleaning and receives detailed reports on their condition. The manager expressed support for the new regulations, seeing them as beneficial and manageable compared to potential fines for non-compliance.
The town’s initiative mirrors similar programs in neighboring communities, which have successfully integrated these regulations over the years. The assistant superintendent of water and sewer from a nearby town noted that their program has been in place for over a decade, with restaurants now accustomed to regular inspections.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by improper disposal of fats, oils, and greases.
A notable example cited was the costly cleanup of a massive blockage, referred to as a “fatberg,” which highlighted the severe impact these substances can have on sewer systems.
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The town’s new ordinances represent a proactive step towards sustainable sewer management, aiming to balance regulatory requirements with business cooperation for the benefit of the entire community.
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