Pretreatment Programs
Fats, Oil & Grease Control
What are
Best Management Practices? |
Best Management Practices Practices (BMPs) are a series of activities that effectively manage and control disposal of waste FOG generated from the operation of food service establishments.
For the FOG Control Program, BMPs are “clean kitchen” practices that focus on:
- Good Housekeeping measures
- Operations management techniques including employee training
- Spill control plans (clean up measures for FOG spills)
- Proper waste disposal methods
- Recycling
BMPs are utilized to minimize the amount of waste FOG that enters the sewer system. Implementation of BMPs will help FSEs achieve compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
 For additional information on best management practices, the City has developed numerous publications, available for download from our PUBLICATIONS PAGE.
|
 The Bureau of Sanitation (BOS) is responsible for maintaining the City's sewer system and clearing blockages that can often result in the overflow of sewage into the environment.. It has been found that many of these blockages are caused by fats, oil and grease (FOG) that build up in the sewer lines and restrict flow. The FOG also interferes with the operation of sewage pumping stations and results in increased maintenance costs.
In order to reduce sewage overflows into the environment, the BOS has developed a comprehensive program aimed at reducing the discharge of FOG to the sewer system. This program includes: regulatory control of food service establishments (FSEs); public outreach to residences; and improved preventive maintenance The FOG Control Program requirements are specified in the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 64.30 and the Board of Public Works' Rules and Regulations Governing Disposal of Industrial Wastewater into Publicly Owned Treatment Works of the City of Los Angeles (Rules and Regulations).
Food service establishments (FSEs) may obtain a permit by filling up and mailing this application, with its application fee..
Summary of the FOG Control Ordinance
 Shown below is a summary of sections from Industrial Waste Control Ordinance, and the Board of Public Works' Rules and Regulations, pertaining to FOG Control Program.
- All food service establishments that discharge grease will be required to obtain an industrial wastewater permit. A one-time $356.00 application fee and annual $244.00 inspection and control fee will be assessed to the FSE.
- All food service establishments will be required to use best management practices (BMPs) to reduce the grease discharged to the sewer system.
- The use of garbage grinders in food service establishments is prohibited, unless specifically allowed.
- Any FSE that is known to cause grease-related sewage spills or fails to implement BMPs will be required to install a grease interceptor or a grease trap.
- All new construction of FSE must include the installation of a grease interceptor.
- All existing FSEs planning a remodel valued at $100,000.00 or more will be required to include the installation of a grease interceptor.
- Exemptions, conditional waivers or variances will be available to the FSEs that do not generate grease or have very limited space in their property such that installation of a grease interceptor is unfeasible.
Restaurant and Hospitality Express
The Restaurant and Hospitality Express Program enables new FSEs to open on time and on budget by making the permitting and inspection process more efficient. Please see the Restaurant and Hospitality Express Bulletin from the publication web page. |
