Utility board approves new fats, oils and grease management standards for town wastewater code

The Thompson's Station Utility Board on Feb. 17 approved language to add a fats, oils and grease (FOG) management program to the town's wastewater code, a step staff said is needed as the town's commercial sector grows.

Matthew Johnson, a town staff member presenting the draft, said the ordinance would require grease interceptors for food-service establishments and institutions, mandate record-keeping of maintenance and require at least annual inspections. "If something is found that needs to be repaired," Johnson said, the town would have the option to issue a notice of violation and pursue escalation up to cutting off wastewater service for noncompliant entities.

Johnson noted the draft sets inspection frequency (at least every 90 days for some categories) and leaves specific penalty amounts unspecified in the current draft, saying the enforcement approach generally follows costs the town incurs. He also said the draft contains provisions addressing multiunit residential complexes and that staff are exploring software to allow businesses to upload reports and streamline compliance tracking.

A resident asked whether existing businesses would be grandfathered; staff said businesses will be subject to inspections and that some limited grandfathering clauses appear in the draft but outreach and clarity will be required. A motion to adopt the FOG program language as presented was made, seconded and approved by the board.

Board members asked staff to clarify the show-cause hearing process and to return with more-detailed penalty scheduling, outreach plans and status reporting at a future meeting.