FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) Program

Jon Clack, Asst. Director

Water/Wastewater Utilities

512.393.8010

In 2008, the City of San Marcos began participation in the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Initiative (SSOI) program with TCEQ. This is a voluntary, proactive program that attempts to reduce sanitary sewer overflows. As part of this program, the City initiated the FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) Program. The FOG Program attempts to trap or intercept sewer clogging substances at the source before they enter the sanitary sewer system.

Helpful FOG Information

• Contacts
• FOG FAQ's
• Request for Variance for Grease Trap/Interceptor Installation 
• Request for Grease Trap Self-Cleaning Authorization  
• Request for Grease Trap Sizing Exception
• Ordinance 

Contacts

General Information:

Jon Clack - Asst. Director, Water/Wastewater Utilities

jclack@sanmarcostx.gov

512.393.8003

Inspections & Compliance:

Robert Piper, R.S. - Chief Sanitarian

rpiper@sanmarcostx.gov

512.393.8443

Charles (Chuck) Schlegel - Sanitarian

cschlegel@sanmarcostx.gov

512.393.8444

Nick Alexander - Sanitarian

nalexander@sanmarcostx.gov

512.393.8445

Grease Trap/Interceptor Sizing:

David McMillan - Chief Building Official

dmcmillan@sanmarcostx.gov

512.805.2630

Sampling & Analysis:

Ed Sprencel - Water Quality Supervisor

esprencel@sanmarcostx.gov

512.393.8038

 

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FOG FAQ's

1. What is FOG?
2. What is a grease trap? How does it work?
3. Do I need a grease trap?
4. Is my existing grease trap adequate?
5. What maintenance schedule is required for a grease trap?
6. What if I don't comply with the FOG Program?

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What is FOG?

FOG is short for fats, oils and grease. FOG is found in foods such as meats, sauces, salad dressings, foods cooked in deep fat fryers, cookies, pastries, cheese, butter and many, many more. The FOG Program is a written agreement between the City and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that went into effect on January 1, 2009. This program seeks to reduce the number of sewer system blockages and overflows caused by fats, oils and grease.

What is a grease trap? How does it work?

A grease trap is a small reservoir built into wastewater piping a short distance from the grease producing area (typically the kitchen area). It is designed for the purpose of removing fats, oils, and grease and preventing them from entering the sanitary sewer system. Baffles in the grease trap reservoir hold the wastewater long enough for the grease to congeal and rise to the surface. The grease can then be removed and disposed of properly.

Click here to view grease trap animation.

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Do I need a grease trap?

A grease trap is required if your establishment generates FOG as a result of food manufacturing, processing, preparation or food service. Establishment such as restaurants, food processors, hospitals, hotels/motels, nursing homes, prisons and any other facility preparing, serving or makey any foodstuff available for consumption may be required by the City to have a grease trap.

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Is my existing grease trap adequate?

If grease is clogging your sewer service line or the City's sewer mains near your establishment, your grease trap may not be adequate. The number of fixtures connected and the maintenance schedule dictate if a trap is effective in preventing FOG from entering the sewer system.

If you have concerns about your grease trap, contact Food Services at 512.393.8440.

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What maintenance schedule is required for a grease trap?

Grease traps will be completely pumped out a minimum of every 90 days or more frequently when:

• 25% or more of the operational capacity contains FOG or sediment
• the discharge of FOG causes obstruction in the City's wastewater collection system
• the establishment has a history of non-compliance

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What happens if I don't comply with the FOG program?

Any person who violates any provision of the FOG Ordinance will be subject to the following:

• Written warning for the 1st violation
• $1,000 civil penalty for the 2nd violation
• $1,500 civil penalty for the 3rd violation
• $2,000 civil penalty for the 4th violation

               (when occurring within a 2-year period)

If it is determined an establishment is responsible for a blockage of the City's sewer mains, the owner will owe a civil penalty of:

• $1,000 for the 1st violation
• $1,500 for the 2nd violation
• $2,000 for the 3rd violation

              (when occurring within a 2-year period)

Continuous violations will result in an increase in penalty by $500 and may result in termination of services.

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