Town of Apex Oil and Grease Control Ordinance FAQ’s
What
types of facilities are required to meet the directives of this
ordinance?
Are
residential customers required to meet the directives of this ordinance?
Will
pre-existing establishments receive “grandfathering”
status?
What
are the main points of interest for establishments to be compliant
with the ordinance?
What
are the consequences for non-compliance with the ordinance?
Is
there a grace period to achieve compliance without incurring penalty?
On Tuesday, September 2, 2003 the Apex Town Council adopted an ordinance requiring certain commercial establishments to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors to limit and control the introduction of fats, oils, and greases into the sanitary sewer system. All commercial and institutional food service establishments will be required to conform to the regulations expressed in the ordinance.
The Oil and Grease Control Ordinance is the result of a mandate from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources that each municipality install a program of oil and grease control to aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and overflows that adversely impact the environment. Previous surveys and inspections of food service facilities suggest that the majority are already compliant with the main focal points of this ordinance. Inspections of facilities for compliance with the ordinance will be an on-going process.
Below are answers to anticipated questions and concerns on the part of the regulated establishments:
1. What types of facilities are required to meet the directives of this ordinance?
All commercial and institutional cooking establishments as well as some non-cooking food service establishments will be required to meet the regulations set forth in the ordinance. This includes restaurants, schools, day cares, nursing homes, bakeries, delicatessens, grocery stores, caterers, and any other food preparation operations.
2. Are residential customers required to meet the directives of this ordinance?
No. Residential customers are not required to put grease interceptor equipment in service, but the limit of 250 mg/l of oil and grease into the sanitary sewer is a local limit and applies to all sewer connections, residential and commercial. Any blockages caused by greases of residential origin are regulated by and violations issued under the Apex Sewer Use Ordinance. Educational materials will be used to inform residents of the grease limitations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to implement to aid in the effort. No one is allowed to dispose of greases into the sanitary sewer system.
3. Will pre-existing establishments receive “grandfathering” status?
No. All establishments required to comply with the Ordinance must make the necessary alterations to enable complete compliance with all specifications of the Ordinance.
4. What are the main points of interest for establishments to be compliant with the ordinance?
Facilities must have an appropriately sized and fully functioning grease interceptor. The outflow from the interceptor can not contain more than 250 mg/l of oil and grease. In-ground interceptors must be pumped out not less than every 30 days, while in-floor or under-sink interceptors must be cleaned weekly. Maintenance records on interceptor cleaning and pumping must be maintained for three (3) years and must be available for inspection on the premises.
5. What are the consequences for non-compliance with the ordinance?
Inspections of facilities required will be conducted by Town officials at regular intervals. Violations will result in written notices of violation and timelines for corrective actions. If corrective action is not taken, a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) per day per violation may be assessed. Any obstruction to a Town sewer main that can be attributed in part or whole to an accumulation of greases from an establishment will be subject to enforceable actions in accordance with the Sewer Use Ordinance.
6. Is there a grace period to achieve compliance without incurring penalty?
Yes. For a one (1) year period following the adoption of the ordinance
no enforcement actions will be taken for failure to comply. During
this timeframe, if any establishment obstructs a Town sewer main
with greases, enforceable actions will be taken.
In establishing an Oil and Grease Program, the Town of Apex wants
to be proactive in protecting the environment from sewer overflows,
aid our food related industries in meeting existing oil and grease
limits of the Apex Sewer Use Ordinance, and to save on maintenance
and repair costs to the sewer system.
If you have any questions about this survey or need help with the specifics on your kitchen or grease trap please call David Hardin, Pretreatment Coordinator at 249-3366.