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Council directs ordinance drafting on grease control after debate between environmental groups and restaurants; ordinance approved 11–1
Summary
After weeks of negotiations and public testimony, the Council voted (11–1) to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance addressing fats, oils and grease (FOG) discharges from food-service establishments. The motion emphasizes best management practices with enforcement steps and requires ongoing reporting and committee review.
The Los Angeles City Council on May 15 directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to control fats, oils and grease (FOG) discharges from food-service establishments, approving the action 11–1 after extended public comment and council debate.
Speakers at the public hearing disagreed over the most effective approach. Steve Fleischley, executive director of Santa Monica Baykeeper, told the Council that grease blockages account for a large share of sewage spills and urged a requirement for grease interceptors, with limited exceptions for hardship or space constraints. He said the Baykeeper and regulators believe interceptor programs have produced measurable reductions in spills in other cities.
Michael Procio of the California Restaurant Association and industry representatives supported the Bureau of Sanitation’s proposal centered on best management practices…
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