Restaurants and Food Preparation Facilities
The City's Environmental Services Program actively promotes management practices required to reduce the amount of fats, oils and grease that is discharged to the wastewater collection system, where it can cause obstructions or blockages of sewer pipes and increase the need for collection system maintenance. The management practices are based on the "Fats, Oil, and Grease: Best Management Practices Manual" produced by the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies with funding from DEQ.
These management practices recommend that facilities install and maintain grease traps or interceptors and keep written records of the maintenance activities. New food facilities in the planning/construction process must install grease traps or interceptors as part of their building permit requirements, and facilities that are remodeling also must meet these requirements. City of Albany pretreatment staff conduct site inspections at new and existing businesses to insure compliance with the requirements.
Obstructions caused by heavy amounts of grease from food preparation facilities can result in sewer back ups and overflows, contaminating storm drains and causing health hazard conditions. Facilities that cause problems in the public sewer lines due to grease discharges may be charged for City response resources used, and these facilities may also be required to upgrade their grease trap or interceptor installations.
If you would like more information about food preparation facility management practices, or if you would like a copy of the DEQ Best Management Practices Manual, contact the Environmental Services office at (541) 917-7600.