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

For more information on Scottsdale's Pre-Treatment Program, please call us at (480) 312-8732 or email us at WaterOperations-CustomerService@scottsdaleaz.gov.