The City of Sanford's Work Commission convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the Oil and Grease Prevention Program, presented by Public Works and Utilities Director Brett Johnson. The meeting aimed to address the significant issue of sewer overflows and blockages caused primarily by grease, which incurs substantial costs for the city.

Johnson began the presentation by highlighting that grease-related issues are the leading cause of sewer problems, particularly in residential areas. He noted that these issues cost the city thousands of dollars annually due to the need for unclogging blocked lines or replacing damaged sections. The presentation outlined the regulatory framework governing grease management, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's oversight of grease haulers and disposal sites.

A key focus of the discussion was the ongoing update of the city's Oil and Grease ordinance, which aims to consolidate various regulations into a single, comprehensive manual. This effort addresses discrepancies between existing ordinances and utility manuals, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible and consistent. Johnson emphasized that all establishments involved in food preparation, processing, or serving must maintain oil and grease separators, a requirement that extends beyond traditional food service businesses to include laundromats and automotive facilities.

The presentation also detailed the technical specifications for grease traps, including the minimum capacity requirements and the distinctions between hydro-mechanical and gravity-based systems. Johnson explained that while the Florida Plumbing Code sets a minimum capacity of 750 gallons for grease traps, the city may require larger units based on specific circumstances, particularly in densely populated areas where space is limited.

Commission members raised questions regarding the financial implications of the program, particularly whether the city had data on cost savings resulting from the grease management initiatives. Johnson acknowledged the lack of concrete figures but indicated that the program's effectiveness could be inferred from the volume of grease collected from traps.

In addition to regulatory updates, the meeting highlighted community outreach efforts led by Environmental Coordinator Hope Duncan, who educates residents about proper grease disposal and the importance of maintaining grease traps. The city has established used cooking oil recycling centers to further mitigate grease-related issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the Oil and Grease Prevention Program, ensuring that the city's infrastructure remains protected from the detrimental effects of grease and oil in the wastewater system. The commission plans to monitor the implementation of these updates and assess their impact on city operations moving forward.