What is FOG?
FOG stands for Fats, Oils and Grease, all of which can severely damage your sanitary sewer system. FOG includes animal and vegetable fats, as well as oils used to cook and prepare food. Food Service Establishments (FSEs) use large volumes of FOG. Oil and grease from sinks and drains accumulate in the pipe system. As grease cools, the fat hardens and pipe capacity decreases. This requires more frequent cleaning and increases maintenance costs at treatment plants. Backups in your home or business are costly, but can be reduced when you implement best management practices to keep grease out of your sinks and drains.
What is the FOG Program?
The FOG Program ensures that Food Service Establishments (FSEs), schools, car wash facilities, automotive repair facilities, oil change facilities, etc. are in compliance with the Hebron Sewer Use Ordinance through proper grease trap/interceptor installations, accurate FOG inspections, and adherence to established cleaning frequency schedules. The FOG Program consists of education and periodic inspections of “FOG facilities” to determine compliance with the Town of Hebron’s Sewer Use Ordinance and to gather records of routine maintenance of grease interceptors and grease traps.
How FOG Impacts the Sewer System
When poured down the drain, FOG can cause problems in sanitary sewer pipes and sewer laterals. Grease buildup in pipes can cause major damage to pipes and lead to sewage back-ups in your business or home.
The FOG Program is not just good for sewers. It's the law.
Town of Hebron Sewer Use Ordinance 2021-12-1 prohibits sewer users from discharging fats, wax, grease, petroleum, oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral oil origin into the sanitary sewer. Failure to comply with the sewer use ordinance may result in suspension of sewer service if it causes harmful conditions; and a fine of no more than $2,500.00 per first-time offense or violation, and no more than $7,500.00 for any subsequent offense or violation.