THE BASICS OF FATS, OILS, AND GREASE (FOG)

By: Thea Parslow, Senior Environmental SpecialistBy: Thea Parslow, Senior Environmental Specialist

City of OrlandoCity of Orlando

Environmental Control SectionEnvironmental Control Section

Definitions for FOG

What are the components of FOGWhat are the components of FOG Fats Fats

Chains of fatty acids found in foodChains of fatty acids found in food OilsOils

Fats that are liquid at a certain temperatureFats that are liquid at a certain temperature GreaseGrease

Composed of a combination of fats and oilsComposed of a combination of fats and oils

Types of FOG

Two basic types of FOGTwo basic types of FOG PolarPolar

Exhibits an attraction to external surfacesExhibits an attraction to external surfaces Non polar Non polar

No attraction forces are producedNo attraction forces are produced

Polar FOG

Basic oils and fats from animals Basic oils and fats from animals and vegetablesand vegetables

Common in restaurants and Common in restaurants and industrial practicesindustrial practices

Coagulates in sewer pipelinesCoagulates in sewer pipelines

HazardsHazards Main source of sanitary sewer Main source of sanitary sewer

overflows (SSO’s) overflows (SSO’s) EPA reported over 40,000 SSO’s EPA reported over 40,000 SSO’s

for 2007for 2007• 43% of them were caused by 43% of them were caused by

pipe-blockagepipe-blockage The chemical constituents of polar The chemical constituents of polar

FOG make them corrosive to their FOG make them corrosive to their containers and piping.containers and piping.

Causes holes which allows Causes holes which allows untreated sewage to leach into untreated sewage to leach into the ground.the ground.

Harmful to the microbial processes Harmful to the microbial processes used in wastewater treatment used in wastewater treatment facilities, costing more money to facilities, costing more money to treat the water. treat the water.

Non-polar FOG Mainly petroleumMainly petroleum

Includes but not limited to Includes but not limited to crude oil, motor oil, crude oil, motor oil, lubricating oils, gasoline, lubricating oils, gasoline, diesel fuelsdiesel fuels

Doesn’t coagulate in Doesn’t coagulate in sanitary sewer systemssanitary sewer systems

However, very harmful to However, very harmful to the environment and the environment and wastewater treatment wastewater treatment processesprocesses

HazardsHazards Contributed to numerous kills of Contributed to numerous kills of

plants and animals in aquatic plants and animals in aquatic habitats ranging from rivers to habitats ranging from rivers to oceans.oceans.

Toxic to water suppliesToxic to water supplies June 22, 1969 Cuyahoga River June 22, 1969 Cuyahoga River

in Ohio caught fire due to in Ohio caught fire due to industrial pollution of chemicals industrial pollution of chemicals and PETROLEUM!!!and PETROLEUM!!!

National Academies Press National Academies Press reports that U.S. contributes 29 reports that U.S. contributes 29 million gallons of petroleum to million gallons of petroleum to the oceans each year!the oceans each year!

Long lasting compounds make Long lasting compounds make hazards persistent for years hazards persistent for years

Overview of Wastewater in the State of Florida Main purpose of wastewater systems is to collect, process, Main purpose of wastewater systems is to collect, process,

and utilize our water resources.and utilize our water resources. Facts:Facts:

Florida has over 7,700 lakes, 4,500 sq. miles of estuaries, 50,000 Florida has over 7,700 lakes, 4,500 sq. miles of estuaries, 50,000 rivers, and a countless number of specialized coastal and intercostals rivers, and a countless number of specialized coastal and intercostals aquatic habitats.aquatic habitats.

• Arguably supports some of the most diverse ecosystems in the Arguably supports some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. world.

Florida had an estimated population of 18,251,243 in 2006 by the Florida had an estimated population of 18,251,243 in 2006 by the Census Bureau Census Bureau

• With over 500,000 businesses (excluding firms and farms) With over 500,000 businesses (excluding firms and farms) • One of the largest growing populations with an estimated 500,000 One of the largest growing populations with an estimated 500,000

residents moving to Florida EVERY YEAR!!!!!residents moving to Florida EVERY YEAR!!!!!• Majority of the population is located urban areas*Majority of the population is located urban areas*

Pro’s vs. Con’s

ProPro Easier to mitigate pollution Easier to mitigate pollution

due to localization of point due to localization of point sourcessources

Forces local governments to Forces local governments to take on responsibility for take on responsibility for pollution controlpollution control

Proactive in recycling efforts Proactive in recycling efforts of water resourcesof water resources

Larger volumes of water are Larger volumes of water are utilized rather than wasted.utilized rather than wasted.

Education on environmentally Education on environmentally friendly practices can be more friendly practices can be more easily attainable for a larger easily attainable for a larger quantity of peoplequantity of people

ConCon Larger densities of people Larger densities of people

create more wastewatercreate more wastewater Creates more pollution in Creates more pollution in

a smaller areaa smaller area High potential for public High potential for public

health risks from SSO’shealth risks from SSO’s SSO’s increase the levels SSO’s increase the levels

of air-born disease and of air-born disease and pathogenspathogens

Increases the quantity of Increases the quantity of contaminates to the sewer contaminates to the sewer systems systems

Control of FOG

EPA looks poorly upon sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s)EPA looks poorly upon sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s) ALWAYS harmful to the environmentALWAYS harmful to the environment Results in costly repair for businesses, private citizens, and Results in costly repair for businesses, private citizens, and

municipalitiesmunicipalities Therefore mandated that the states install protective measures to Therefore mandated that the states install protective measures to

minimize the risk of SSO’s. minimize the risk of SSO’s.

FDEP initiated a state-wide program to prevent discharges FDEP initiated a state-wide program to prevent discharges from the sanitary sewer to the storm-water system and from the sanitary sewer to the storm-water system and surface waterssurface waters Entitled local municipalities to manage and mitigate their own Entitled local municipalities to manage and mitigate their own

sewer systems to prevent violating state code.*sewer systems to prevent violating state code.*

Grease Trap vs. Interceptor vs. Separator

http://www.oracwa.org/Pages/trapframe.htm

Grease Traps

Grease traps are usually in-doors Grease traps are usually in-doors For businesses that serve, process, or distribute food with a flow of For businesses that serve, process, or distribute food with a flow of

less than 51 gpm (gallons per minute), by FL. State Plumbing less than 51 gpm (gallons per minute), by FL. State Plumbing Code. *Code. *

When Grease Traps Go Bad!

Grease Interceptors and Separators Interceptors/Separators are usually installed outdoors due Interceptors/Separators are usually installed outdoors due

to their size. to their size. Used for businesses that contribute a medium to high volume of Used for businesses that contribute a medium to high volume of

low usually 51-100 gpm, set forth by the FL. State Plumbing Codelow usually 51-100 gpm, set forth by the FL. State Plumbing Code Size from 750-2000 gallons for concrete basins *Size from 750-2000 gallons for concrete basins *

Size various from 125-250 gallons for Polyethylene basinsSize various from 125-250 gallons for Polyethylene basins

When Grease Interceptors Go Bad!

http://www.hillsboroughnc.org/pdfs/Fats%20Oils%20and%20Grease.pdf

Extensions

There are extensions for businesses that produce more than There are extensions for businesses that produce more than 100 gpm but less than 10,000 gpd (gallons per day)100 gpm but less than 10,000 gpd (gallons per day) Multiple grease interceptors/separators are connected in series to Multiple grease interceptors/separators are connected in series to

handle the large volumes of discharged wastewater.handle the large volumes of discharged wastewater.

Separators combine the same function to collect petroleum Separators combine the same function to collect petroleum greasegrease Doesn’t congeal in sewer lines, but is very harmful to the Doesn’t congeal in sewer lines, but is very harmful to the

microbial process used in wastewater treatment facilities and to the microbial process used in wastewater treatment facilities and to the environment. environment.

Usually a recycling tank is attached to the end of the series of Usually a recycling tank is attached to the end of the series of separators used by carwash businesses*separators used by carwash businesses*

Principals of Capture and Retention of FOG The type, size, and location of a grease trap, interceptor, or The type, size, and location of a grease trap, interceptor, or

separator is to be determined by the Plumbing Official separator is to be determined by the Plumbing Official established by the Florida Building Code of Plumbing established by the Florida Building Code of Plumbing 1003.21003.2

Grease traps, interceptors, and separators are to be gas and Grease traps, interceptors, and separators are to be gas and liquid impenetrable. liquid impenetrable. Prevents external and internal matter from leaching in or out of the Prevents external and internal matter from leaching in or out of the

containment device. containment device.

Engineering of Grease Containment Devices In the past, large concrete traps were used to collect the In the past, large concrete traps were used to collect the

wastewater flowing through either a T or Sweep in-let.*wastewater flowing through either a T or Sweep in-let.* FOG and solids separate in the water column.FOG and solids separate in the water column.

Middle water is collected and sent to the sanitary sewer system.Middle water is collected and sent to the sanitary sewer system. Most FOG grease traps, interceptors, or separators have a baffle used to Most FOG grease traps, interceptors, or separators have a baffle used to

restrict the flow and keep solids from building up on the out-let side.restrict the flow and keep solids from building up on the out-let side. Sample boxes and clean-outs are placed on the out-let side*Sample boxes and clean-outs are placed on the out-let side*

http://www.hillsboroughnc.org/pdfs/Fats%20Oils%20and%20Grease.pdf

Future of Grease Traps, Interceptors, and Separators

Polyethylene basins and linersPolyethylene basins and liners In addition, it is standard that present day installed grease In addition, it is standard that present day installed grease

interceptors/separators have two man-holes interceptors/separators have two man-holes Liners are being added to concrete basins to improve protection Liners are being added to concrete basins to improve protection

and longevity of a grease trap, interceptor, and separatorand longevity of a grease trap, interceptor, and separator

New in-let and out-let designs are being designed and New in-let and out-let designs are being designed and implemented to improve the flow and retention ratings*implemented to improve the flow and retention ratings* Reduces the need for a baffleReduces the need for a baffle

A more constant flow generates an even distribution of grease and A more constant flow generates an even distribution of grease and solid build up which helps with cleaning and maintenance *solid build up which helps with cleaning and maintenance *

How to Track F.O.G

One Disposal Manifest!!!!One Disposal Manifest!!!!

Thanks To the Following:Thanks To the Following:

Summary In ConclusionIn Conclusion

The containment and treatment of Fats, Oils, and Greases within The containment and treatment of Fats, Oils, and Greases within the sanitary sewer systems of Florida should be a major focus for the sanitary sewer systems of Florida should be a major focus for today’s environmental push to minimize degradation, while today’s environmental push to minimize degradation, while improving public healthimproving public health

Arguably, water resources will become limited in the future if Arguably, water resources will become limited in the future if Floridians can not recover and recycle wastewaterFloridians can not recover and recycle wastewater

Potentially hundreds of SSO’s happen every year in Florida, resulting Potentially hundreds of SSO’s happen every year in Florida, resulting in negative impacts to terrestrial and aquatic habitats.in negative impacts to terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

• Most SSO’s can be prevented through the controlling of FOG’s Most SSO’s can be prevented through the controlling of FOG’s with continuously improving practices and procedures with continuously improving practices and procedures

Summary Cont.

Present day solutions to FOG control is through collection Present day solutions to FOG control is through collection devices such as grease traps, interceptors, or separatorsdevices such as grease traps, interceptors, or separators State and local code enforcement regulate the collected waste and State and local code enforcement regulate the collected waste and

ensure it is disposed and treated in an environmentally friendly ensure it is disposed and treated in an environmentally friendly way to ensure public safety.way to ensure public safety.

Local amendments allow each individual to become more Local amendments allow each individual to become more educated, responsible, and proactive at producing, controlling, educated, responsible, and proactive at producing, controlling, and distributing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)and distributing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

Literature Cited -                  -                  http://pubs.http://pubs.usgsusgs..govgov//wriwri/wri03-4260//wri03-4260/ --                                          http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wastewater/index.http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wastewater/index.htmhtm --                                          http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wastewater/contacts.http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wastewater/contacts.htmhtm --                                          http://www.http://www.sciencedailysciencedaily.com/releases/2005/05/050502190054..com/releases/2005/05/050502190054.htmhtm --                                          http://www.http://www.cici..knoxvilleknoxville..tntn.us/engineering/.us/engineering/stormwaterstormwater//ssosso/EPA-SSO-Jan1996./EPA-SSO-Jan1996.pdfpdf --                                          http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/pubs/fs_swpp_ssocso.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/pubs/fs_swpp_ssocso.pdf --                                          http://www.fwea.org/cmsitems/attachments/9/2FWF_5.pdfhttp://www.fwea.org/cmsitems/attachments/9/2FWF_5.pdf --                                          http://www.gru.com/Pdf/YourBusiness/DoBusinessWithGRU/OilGreaseManual.pdfhttp://www.gru.com/Pdf/YourBusiness/DoBusinessWithGRU/OilGreaseManual.pdf --                                          http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=239360http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=239360 --                                          http://www.springerlink.com/content/m5024277157574p5/http://www.springerlink.com/content/m5024277157574p5/ --                                          http://www.environment.no/templates/themepage.aspx?id=2775#Dhttp://www.environment.no/templates/themepage.aspx?id=2775#D -- http://www.hillsboroughnc.org/pdfs/Fats%20Oils%20and%20Grease.pdfhttp://www.hillsboroughnc.org/pdfs/Fats%20Oils%20and%20Grease.pdf --                                          Special reference to Florida State Plumbing CodeSpecial reference to Florida State Plumbing Code --                                          Grease Interceptors Catalog 2008 by Schier ProductsGrease Interceptors Catalog 2008 by Schier Products --                                          Factors for Interremedia, extrapolation of Biodegradability AssessmentFactors for Interremedia, extrapolation of Biodegradability Assessment --                                          Improved Methods for Estimating Bioconcentration/Bioaccumulation Improved Methods for Estimating Bioconcentration/Bioaccumulation

factiors from Octanol and Water Partition Coefficient factiors from Octanol and Water Partition Coefficient