§ 122-188. Interceptors.

(a)

Definitions and abbreviations. The following definitions and abbreviations shall apply only to this section.

Access port. A structure that allows access to and inspection of the interior of the interceptor.

Automatic grease removal device (AGRD). A plumbing appurtenance that is installed in the sanitary drainage system to intercept free-floating fats, oils and grease from wastewater discharge. Such a device operates on a time- or event-controlled basis and has the ability to remove free-floating fats, oils and grease automatically without intervention from the user except for maintenance.

Effluent tee. A T-shaped pipe extending from a passive exterior device at such a depth to allow recovery and discharge of water located under the separated layer of fats, oils and grease.

Fats, oils and grease (FOG). Any substance, such as a vegetable or animal product, that is used in, or is a by-product of, the food preparation process, that turns or may turn viscous or solidifies or may solidify with a change in temperature or other conditions.

Fixtures. A receptacle or device that discharges liquid waste or liquid-borne solid waste, oil and grease-laden wastes to a drainage system. Fixtures shall include but are not limited to pot sinks; prerinse sinks; soup kettles or similar devices; wok stations; floor drains or sinks into which kettles are drained; automatic hood wash units and dishwashers.

Grease interceptor, gravity. Plumbing appurtenances of not less than 750 gallons nor greater than 3,000 gallons capacity that are installed in the sanitary drainage system to intercept free-floating fats, oils and grease from waste water discharge. Separation is accomplished by gravity during a retention time of not less than 30 minutes.

Grease interceptor, hydromechanical. Plumbing appurtenances that are installed in the sanitary drainage system to intercept free-floating fats, oils and grease from waste water discharge. Continuous separation is accomplished by air entrainment, buoyancy and interior baffling.

Grease-laden waste. Effluent discharge that is produced from food processing, food preparation or other sources where grease, fats and oils enter automatic dishwater prerinse stations, sinks or other appurtenances.

Grease trap. See also grease interceptor or automatic grease removal device.

Influent tee. A T-shaped pipe extending into a passive exterior device to a depth allowing grease-laden wastes to be discharged beneath the layer of separated grease in a controlled manner.

Interceptor. A device designed and installed to separate and retain for removal, by automatic or manual means, deleterious, hazardous or undesirable matter from normal wastes, while permitting normal sewage or wastes to discharge into the drainage system by gravity.

Manifest. A log or record of the volume, date of removal and disposal destination of pumped materials from a grease trap.

Oil/water separator. An interceptor designed specifically to prevent petroleum oils from entering the sewage system or stormwater system.

Passive exterior device (PED). A grease interceptor that requires pumping and is housed outside a building or structure.

Passive interior device (PID). A grease interceptor that requires pumping and is housed inside a building or structure.

Sand trap. An interceptor that prevents sand and/or grit from entering the sewage system.

Solids interceptor. A device installed to separate food wastes from the discharge prior to connecting to the grease interceptor.

User. Establishments such as food service or food preparation establishments, car washes, buildings with dumpsters, garages and other operations that receive county wastewater system service.

(b)

Right to enter and inspect.

(1)

Inspection and entry. Any authorized representative of the county water system bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter and inspect all properties of nondomestic users, without prior notification, for compliance with code. This right of inspection shall include the right to measure, photograph, observe, monitor, sample, test, record, review and make copies of all pertinent documents in accordance with this section.

(2)

Inspection fees. No fee will be charged for an annual inspection by the county water system of the interceptor for the discharge permit. However, if the grease interceptor is not in compliance with this section, a re-inspection fee will be charged for each inspection thereafter until the interceptor is in compliance and approved by the county water system. Failure to pay the re-inspection fee shall result in the forfeiture of the discharge permit.

(c)

Food service establishment.

(1)

All users involved in the preparation of food for commercial purposes shall provide oil/grease interceptors that must be connected to all fixtures, unless exempted by the county water system. The county water system may exempt food service establishments that are determined by the county water system to not be a source of fats, oils or grease.

(2)

Technology required. An approved grease interceptor shall be installed consisting of one of the following methods:

a.

Passive technology that is an approved passive exterior device (PED).

b.

Passive technology that is an approved passive interior device (PID).

c.

Active technology that is an approved automatic grease removal device (AGRD).

(3)

Prohibited discharge.

a.

Wastewater from dishwasher machines or wastewater that otherwise exceeds 130 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be introduced into any interior grease interceptor.

b.

Food-waste grinders shall not discharge into the building drainage system through an interior grease interceptor unless preceded by a solids interceptor.

(4)

Passive exterior device (PED) requirements.

a.

Each PED design, including size, type and location shall be reviewed and approved by county water system in substantial conformity to a grease trap detail approved and amended from time to time by the county water system. PEDs shall:

i.

Be sized and engineered based upon the anticipated load and/or conditions of actual use.

ii.

Shall be constructed of sound durable material, not subject to excessive corrosion or decay, and shall be water and gas tight.

iii.

Be traffic-worthy with at least one manhole opening over each of the influent and effluent tees. If the PED has more than two compartments, there must be a traffic-worthy manhole opening over the additional compartment(s).

b.

Sizing. All passive exterior devices shall be sized by the county water system in accordance with standards developed by county water system.

(5)

Interior device requirements. Interior devices may be allowed in lieu of PEDs in accordance with the following conditions:

a.

A technically logistical reason exists as to why a passive exterior device cannot be installed (i.e., conflicts with existing utilities, elevation disparities or location on a second floor).

b.

The installation or use of all interior devices must be approved by the county water system.

i.

Passive interior devices (PIDs) shall be sized by the county water system in accordance with standards developed by the county water system.

ii.

Automatic grease removal device (AGRD) shall be sized by the county water system in accordance with standards developed by the county water system.

(6)

Alternative technology/methods. Engineered alternative technology or methods may be permitted, provided the technology or method meets the minimum performance standards set forth by this section or by the county water system.

(d)

Facilities other than food service establishments. All interceptors for areas below must have county water system approval.

(1)

Sand traps.

a.

All users whose wastewater stream is associated with unusually large quantities of grit, sand or gravel shall be required to install a sand trap. All car/truck wash systems shall be required to install sand traps.

b.

Design criteria. All sand traps used in conjunction with facilities other than eating establishments shall have a capacity that will provide not less than ten minutes nor more than 30 minutes retention time at the peak eight-hour flow rate. Flow-through velocities shall not exceed one foot per second at the peak eight-hour flow rate.

c.

Compliance with plumbing code. All sand traps shall be sized, located and constructed in accordance with the provisions of the duly adopted county plumbing code where such parameters have not been otherwise set forth in this article.

(2)

Dumpster interceptor/dumpster pads. Dumpsters/dumpster pads may be allowed to connect to the wastewater system under the following conditions:

a.

The dumpster/dumpster pad is covered and constructed in such a manner so as to protect the drainage connection from stormwater runoff; and

b.

The drain is connected to a passive exterior device which will be maintained by the user in the method prescribed by this section for other passive exterior devices. The trap shall be at least 750 gallons and shall comply with the dumpster trap detail approved and amended from time to time by the county water system.

(3)

Oil/water interceptor.

a.

All users whose wastewater stream may include oily and/or flammable liquid wastes shall install an interceptor.

b.

Design criteria. All interceptors used in conjunction with facilities other than eating establishments shall have a capacity that will provide not less than ten minutes nor more than 30 minutes retention time at the peak eight-hour flow rate. Flow-through velocities shall not exceed one foot per second at the peak eight-hour flow rate.

(e)

Interceptor user responsibilities and requirements. This section applies to all interceptors permitted by the county water system.

(1)

Registration requirement.

a.

Each user required to install an interceptor for the purpose of recovering oil, grease, or sand as set forth in paragraphs (c) or (d) of this section shall register its interceptor with the county water system for the purpose of obtaining a discharge permit. Such applications shall include the name, address, telephone number and email address of the applicant, and those factors indicating the potential for grease or grit laden waste to be introduced into the wastewater system. The county water system shall provide the user with a discharge permit number, its expiration date, and the capacity and design requirements of a compliant interceptor. The county water system shall keep a continuous public log of all permitted users, including their registration number, address and contact name of the user. The county water system may review discharge permits annually. The discharge permits of those found to be in compliance with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations will be renewed by the water system.

(2)

User responsibility.

a.

Users that are required to install an interceptor shall be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the interceptor located on the property.

b.

The user shall be responsible for maintaining any interceptor in such a manner that the oil and grease discharge shall not exceed a daily maximum discharge limit of 150 mg/L for discharges of 10,000 gallons per day and greater, nor 12.5 lbs/day for discharges less than 10,000 gallons per day. If the interceptor fails to prevent discharge over the daily maximum, the county water system will require the user to repair, replace or upgrade their interceptor at the user's expense.

c.

The user shall maintain accurate records (manifests and logs) of the dates of cleaning and the means of disposal of fats, oils and grease. These records are subject to inspection and review by the county water system pursuant to and in accordance with subsection (b)(1) above.

d.

Any removal and hauling of fats, oils, and grease shall be performed by a registered commercial waste transporter.

e.

The user is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the interceptor and for ensuring that the interceptor complies with the county water system's design criteria. The user will be required to make any repairs to the interceptor required by the county water system.

f.

All costs related to the building's sewer installation, interceptor connection and registration shall be borne by the user.

(3)

Maintenance requirements.

a.

Interceptor maintenance. All interceptors shall be maintained by the user at the user's expense. All users shall maintain their interceptors in a proper and effective manner at all times. Maintenance shall include the complete recovery of all contents, including floating materials, wastewater and bottom sludges and solids. All interceptors shall be properly and adequately maintained so as to achieve the intended purpose of the device.

b.

Recovery and removal for all interceptors. Users shall be responsible for the proper recovery, removal, and disposal by appropriate means of the captured material, and shall maintain records of the dates and means of disposal which are subject to review by the county water system.

c.

All PEDs shall be completely pumped out at a minimum of once every three months unless the county water system requires more frequent pumping or approves less frequent pumping. The frequency of pumping shall be such as to ensure that there are no overflows of fats, oils or grease into the wastewater system. Decanting or discharging of removed waste back into the trap from which the waste was removed or to any other grease trap or sanitary sewer connection for the purpose of reducing the volume to be hauled is prohibited.

d.

All PIDs shall be completely pumped out monthly unless the county water system requires more frequent pumping or approves less frequent pumping. The frequency of removal shall be such as to ensure that there are no overflows of fats, oils or grease into the wastewater system.

e.

All AGRDs shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and a copy of same shall be maintained at the site for review and inspection by the county water system.

f.

All interceptors for facilities other than food service establishments shall be pumped out at a frequency established by the county water system to ensure that there are no overflows of sand, fats, oils or grease into the wastewater system.

(4)

Requirements for the proper disposal of collected materials. Any removal and hauling of the collected materials from a grease trap, grit trap, oil-water separator, or sand trap, which is not an AGRD, must be performed by waste disposal firms holding a current registration and permit number as a commercial waste hauler under EPD rules. The collected materials shall not be returned to the wastewater system.

(5)

Record keeping requirements. All users with an interceptor must keep a record of any cleaning or maintenance of their interceptor. The following records must be kept on-site at the facility or, in the case of dumpster traps, at the office of the property management company for a minimum of three years:

a.

Manifest. The removal of interceptor contents (PEDs or PIDs) must be tracked by a state approved manifest that confirms the pumping, transport, and disposal of the contents.

i.

This manifest shall contain the following information:

A.

Generator information, including name, address, volume pumped, date and time of the pumping and signature of the generator verifying the information.

B.

Transporter information, including company name, address, license plate number, permit number and driver's name and signature verifying transporter information.

C.

Receiving information, including the facility's name, address, date and time of receiving, EPD number and signature verifying receipt of the waste.

ii.

Completed grease trap cleaning manifests must be submitted to the county water system office of environmental compliance within 14 days after the trap is cleaned.

A.

Maintenance log. For all AGRDs, a continuous log indicating each cleaning and/or maintenance for the previous 12 months, including the disposal of the recovered grease and oil, shall be maintained. This log shall be kept in a conspicuous place where it can be inspected by the health department and/or county water system upon request.

(f)

Violations and enforcement.

(1)

Violations. It shall be unlawful for any user or customer to discharge to the county wastewater system in a manner in violation of this section, or of any conditions set forth in this article. Any user who violates any provision of this section shall, in addition to the penalties specified herein, be subject to the provisions contained in sections 122-41 through 122-56 to the extent such violations, notice and penalties are not addressed in this section.

(2)

Noncompliance. If it is determined that the user has failed to comply with the provisions of this section, a written notice of violation shall be given to the user, the contractor named in the permit, or the user's authorized agent. If the user is not a customer (e.g., if the user is a tenant in a master-metered development), then the customer for the property on which the user is located shall receive a copy of the notice of violation. The notice shall set forth the violation and the measure needed to achieve compliance. The user shall be given a reasonable time frame to comply. Where an emergency exists, a written warning shall be given to the user, and user will have 24 hours to comply.

(3)

Failure to comply. Any user who fails to comply with a written notice of violation may be fined in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 per violation. Each day on which noncompliance shall occur or continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation. Such fines may be added to the next scheduled sewer charge of the user or the customer for the property on which the user is located. The county water system shall have the power and authority to enter upon the property of any user who fails to comply with a notice of violation to terminate the user's water and/or wastewater service in any manner deemed necessary and appropriate by the county water system. If a user who fails to comply with a notice of violation is not a customer, then the county water system shall have the power and authority to terminate the water and/or wastewater service of the customer for the property on which the user is located in any manner deemed necessary and appropriate by the county water system. Additionally, the county water system may request that the board of commissioners suspend or revoke the user's business license after a show cause hearing, pursuant to sections 122-44 and 78-45.

(4)

Overflow charge. Any sewer or manhole overflow traced to an inadequately operating interceptor or lack of an interceptor will result in a service charge to the user or the customer for the property on which the user is located. The service charge shall include the cost of cleaning up the overflow and for cleaning grease out of the immediately adjacent contaminated wastewater system. A fine in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 may be added to the service charge for each successive overflow. These charges and fines shall not impede other enforcement actions as delineated in sections 122-41 through 122-60. Additionally, the user or customer for the property on which the user is located, shall be responsible for payment of any fine levied by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division against the county as a result of overflows in the county wastewater system caused by grease traced to any inadequate or absent interceptor.

(5)

Alternative penalties. Any violation of this section may also be enforced by a citation or accusation returnable to the magistrate court of the county pursuant to section 1-10.

(Ord. of 6-28-88, § 3-26-99; Ord. of 12-12-00; Amd. of 2-22-11; Amd. of 2-23-16)