Policy and Procedure No.: P-04-15 

Purpose

The City of Elk Grove Building Safety and Inspection Division has adopted Chapter 10 (Traps and Interceptors) of the California Plumbing Code and incorporated these requirements into the Elk Grove Municipal Code.

This policy establishes the requirements for grease interceptors at restaurants and similar food-handling facilities where oils and grease may be discharged into the public sewer system.

Background

Oil and grease in wastewater from food service facilities can result in decreased carrying capacity of sewers due to congealed, cooled grease which coats the inside of the pipes. Once a pipe becomes constricted, the potential for a stoppage increases. Stoppages can and will eventually cause sanitary sewer overflows. To ensure efficient sewage treatment, protect the sewer system and protect public health, the City of Elk Grove’s Division has established the following requirements for businesses.

Policy

New Facilities

For newly constructed businesses where grease and oil may be discharged into a public sewer, a grease interceptor shall be provided when necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease.

Remodels and Alterations

When remodels and alterations are proposed for existing restaurants or similar food establishments, they shall be retrofitted with grease interceptors according to the new demands.

General Requirements

Each business establishment for which a grease interceptor is required shall have an interceptor which shall serve only that tenant.

  • Each interceptor shall be installed and connected so that, at all times, it is easily accessible for inspection, cleaning and removal of grease and other material. Interceptors or traps installed outside of the building shall be constructed in such a manner to exclude the entrance of surface water and storm water.
  • The interceptor shall be situated on the User's premises.
  • Waste discharges from fixtures, including but not limited to, scullery sinks, pot and pan sinks, soup kettles and floor drains, shall be drained into the sanitary sewer through an interceptor/trap. Toilets, urinals, and other similar fixtures shall not drain through the interceptor. 1014.1
  • Interceptors shall be maintained in efficient operating condition. At minimum, grease traps must be cleaned monthly or as deemed necessary by the Industrial Waste Inspector. The use of chemicals, bacteria, or other agents to dissolve grease or otherwise clean grease interceptors is specifically prohibited. No such grease shall be introduced into any drainage piping or public or private sewer.
  • Large capacity concrete type interceptors shall have a suitable sample box to provide access for collection of wastewater samples. Large interceptors must be serviced every three months or as deemed necessary by the Industrial Waste Inspector.
  • Each appliance connected to a pre-cast under sink type grease trap shall have a flow device installed. No dishwasher may be connected to these types of grease traps.
  • When a grease interceptor is located within traffic areas, it shall be designed according to the additional loads per engineered calculations.

Additional Information

  • It is the responsibility of the owner or operator of the commercial food service or processing establishment to maintain the grease interceptors in a sanitary, safe, and efficient operating condition; this includes for the periodic inspection and removal of the accumulated grease and other waste contained in the trap or interceptor.

Additional Outside Agency Requirements

A separate review and permit is required from the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please contact this agency for additional information. 

Access Contact Information

Sizing Criteria

The following criteria are used to determine the size of an interceptor: Table 1014.3.6 CPC

Marking and Identification

Grease interceptors shall be permanently and legibly marked as follows:

  • Manufacturer's name of trademark
  • Model number
  • Product listing number (IAPMO), including certification mark with registration ®

Information

Specific information may be requested at the Building Safety and Inspection office located at:

8401 Laguna Palms Way
(916) 478-2235
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Was this content useful?