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Council holds first reading of fats, oils and grease control ordinance after DPW warns of costly 'fatbergs'
Summary
At first reading, DPW staff described recurring 'fatberg' sewer blockages and urged an ordinance requiring grease traps for restaurants; councilmembers and business owners raised concerns about retrofit costs (estimated $25,000–$30,000) for existing establishments and timetables for compliance.
City staff told the council a new ordinance to regulate fats, oils and grease (FOG) is intended to give enforcement tools to trace problematic discharges back to businesses and require grease traps that meet city standards. DPW staff showed sewer images and said crews had repeatedly re-lined segments only to see grease buildup return months later.
Staff said the ordinance will allow the city to trace discharges to sources and require grease traps for new restaurants; for existing businesses the code would require compliance within a defined timeframe and allow the city to work with owners. Council members and members of the public pushed back on the expected retrofitting cost, which staff and council estimated in discussion at roughly $25,000–$30,000 for some sites. Councilmember questions focused on how many businesses already have traps, enforcement capacity and a schedule for required upgrades.
The item was read as a first reading (receive and file); the council noted the second reading/final passage will be on a later agenda so stakeholders can continue discussions and the city can clarify compliance timelines and cost mitigation options.
Next steps: staff to return with more detailed cost estimates, a timeline for compliance for existing businesses, and information about enforcement and variance procedures.
