Oakley council enacts fats‑oils‑grease rules for sewer system, gives existing businesses 180 days to comply

Oakley City Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑02 on April 8, enacting a chapter to regulate fats, oils and grease (FOG) discharges to the city sewer system meant to protect the wastewater treatment plant and reduce system upsets.

Council member Chris (who led work on the drafts) described the ordinance as closing gaps in the existing code and aligning Oakley with limits and testing responsibilities common in other municipalities. "We've come up with some proposed ordinance amendments ... and enacting a chapter relative to regulating the discharge of fats, oils, and grease," he said, adding the ordinance provides responsibilities for users connected to the system, including oil separators and testing stations so the city can verify compliance.

During discussion, a council member asked whether 180 days is sufficient or whether the period should be shortened to 90 days; staff and council noted construction lead times and equipment availability as reasons to keep a 180-day compliance window for existing establishments. A motion to adopt Ordinance 2026‑02 was made and seconded and the council approved the ordinance by roll call.

The ordinance requires new and existing users to meet separator and grease-trap requirements, allows city verification and testing, and gives the city enforcement authority under the code. Council members thanked staff and the sewer plant team for drafting the amendments and responding to recent operational issues at the treatment plant.