FAQs

What can I expect during grease trap/interceptor inspection?

All FSE's are on an annual inspection schedule. The grease trap/interceptor will be inspected using the following criteria:

• If the trap is in good condition, you will be advised to maintain hauling schedule and kitchen operations.
• If trap is in poor condition, a non-compliance order to have trap cleaned immediately will be issued, and a follow-up inspection will occur. At which time, the facility will have to provide a copy of the manifest (pump out) from the hauler.
o Proper maintenance of the grease trap is removing accumulated FOG and solids on a 25% capacity rule. After a trap has reached 25% capacity of both FOG and solids, FOG begins to pass through to the sewer system.
• FSE's must keep records of pump outs for inspections.
What if I don't install a grease trap/interceptor?

All FSE's (food service establishments) are required to have an appropriately sized and maintained grease trap to protect the public sewer system. Violation notices, citations, and water shut-offs may be imposed for non-compliance. Without a grease trap you may have encountered sewer backups or may be facing one soon. Current regulations state a facility causing a sanitary sewer overflow is in violation of the Clean Water Act and enforcement actions may have the facility pay for all costs involved.
How do I maintain grease traps/interceptors?
1. Have grease trap pumped at least once every 90 days (or frequency determined by inspector) by a licensed waste hauler
2. Maintain a copy of the manifest provided by the waste hauler for each pump out
3. Do not use additives
4. Grease traps/interceptors must be maintained in effective operating condition to comply with the City

More FAQs

FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease)

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Inspection Program

Commercial & Industrial Customers
Routine inspections help to minimize negative impacts. The purpose of this program is to provide assurance that grease, oil, grit, lint traps and oil-water separators are maintained so that grease, oil, grit, and lint discharged by facilities are removed prior to entry into the public wastewater system. Over time excessive fats, oils, grease, and particulate can create stoppages in the collection system leading to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), increase potential for odor problems in the collection system, or pass through at the wastewater treatment plants.

It becomes a significant public health issue when the sewer overflows or the wastewater plant cannot treat wastewater effectively. Dischargers include food service establishments, industries, auto repair shops, commercial laundries, car washes, schools, and hotels.

Fees
Fees charged for this program will reflect on the water bill.

Enforcement

Enforcement actions can range from a Notice of Violation to the issuance of a civil penalty. For severe and repetitive cases, the City can stop sewer services.

Requirements

New businesses complete a Wastewater Survey prior to connecting to the sewer system. The City evaluates each business to determine Pretreatment measures.

Ordinance

The City of Pearland has implemented proactive approaches to prevent problems before they happen Click here for more information regarding ordinances.