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1. What is FOG?

FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) comes from animal and vegetable fats used in food and drink preparation and cooking.

2. Why is FOG a problem?

FOG is washed from cooking equipment and floors into the sanitary sewer system where it builds up and causes blocked pipes and sewer backups. Food service establishments responsible for FOG-related sewer problems can be held financially responsible for resulting damages.

3. What can be done about the FOG problem?

The City of Blaine’s FOG ordinance requires all food service establishments to install grease removal devices and undergo regular inspections. Complying with the FOG ordinance will help prevent sewer problems that are both costly and hazardous to public health.

4. What is a grease interceptor and how does it work?

Grease interceptors are located outside buildings and will trap floating grease and food waste, and prevent it from entering the sewer system.

5. What is a grease trap and how does it work?

Grease traps are usually located inside a building. It collects grease and food waste before it enters the plumbing system.

6. Who needs to install grease traps or interceptors?

The City of Blaine’s FOG ordinance requires all food service establishments to install grease removal devices and undergo regular inspections.

7. How often should grease interceptors and traps be cleaned?

Grease removal devices must be cleaned regularly, and all activity must be recorded on a maintenance log. Inspectors will ask to see this log during inspections. Grease interceptors need to be cleaned every 30-90 days, depending on the volume of waste. Grease traps need to be cleaned daily to weekly. All FOG must be disposed of properly, either as a solid waste or by a licensed hauler.

8. How often will establishments be inspected?

City inspectors will visit food service establishments annually or biannually to check for compliance, review maintenance records, and answer questions.

9. How can I get in compliance?

The City of Blaine will provide guidelines for getting in compliance and reducing or eliminating FOG from entering the plumbing and sewer systems. City inspectors check food service establishments for proper grease control devices and ensure they are being cleaned and maintained properly. Facilities that do not have grease control devices will be required to install them. Inspectors will also check that establishments have procedures for handling FOG and cleaning grease control devices.

10. What if I do not get in compliance?

Food service establishments that fail to comply with Blaine’s FOG policies may be required to install additional grease removal equipment, endure a fine, and/or the city may terminate utility services to the facility.