Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Program

Scottsdale’s Pre-Treatment Program is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Agency to control commercial and industrial sources of pollution discharged into our sanitary sewer.  One component of the overall Pre-Treatment Program is the FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease) Program which is necessary to control discharges from food service establishments.  If these discharges are not closely controlled they can contribute to:

• Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
• Odors
• Increased cost for repair, maintenance and replacement of sewer lines and treatment plants
  

Odor complaints are usually a result of hydrogen sulfide gas that is generated in grease interceptors (grease traps) and sewer systems.  Unpleasant odors can create public relations challenges for your business and Scottsdale - affecting customers, neighbors and citizens.

Hydrogen sulfide gas can also create problems in the city’s sewer system, resulting in costly repairs, maintenance or complete replacement.

How you can help

• Educate kitchen staff on Best Management Practices
• Routinely inspect and pump your grease interceptors or grease traps
• Keep accurate records of pumping
• Troubleshoot the origins of odors
• Never dispose of solid waste (food remnants, etc.) into the sewer system

Proposed Ordinance Change

Pre-Treatment devices are currently regulated by City Code.  The city of Scottsdale Water Resources Department is proposing ordinance changes that may impact your business.  The new ordinance would:

• No longer allow garbage disposals or food grinders to be installed or replaced  in restaurants 
• Liquefied waste does not easily pass through to the grease interceptor
• Solids can cause obstructions in the flow of the sewer
• Food waste is the primary cause of hydrogen sulfide gas in interceptors
• All existing disposals and grinders would be required to be removed within a certain timeframe
• Institute the use of re-inspection fees to provide reimbursement to cover Pre-Treatment Program expenses incurred by the city to enforce the city code
• Deter improper or ineffective maintenance

Your Input is Needed

We invite you to join us for a discussion of the challenges we have been documenting along with the benefits we anticipate from the proposed changes. We are asking for your input on an appropriate implementation timeline and/or any additional ideas you may have to help address the challenges.  Our goal is to ensure your business does not encounter any major hardships in complying with any new ordinance changes.

You are invited to provide input at an Open House on:

Wednesday, March 10
3 to 6 p.m.
Wrangler Conference Room
City of Scottsdale North Corporation Yard
9191 E. San Salvador Drive

If you are unable to attend the Open House, you can submit comments by e-mail to adechance@scottsdaleaz.gov or by mail to Annie DeChance, Water Resources Public Outreach, 9388 E. San Salvador, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.