- Home
- Government
- Departments & Divisions
- Public Works
- Safe Sewer Practices
- Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) Program
Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG) Program
The City of Pismo Beach has a proactive, cooperative relationship with local restaurants to keep Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) out of the sewer system and prevent spills.
FOG Facts
To Your business
As your sewer pipes back up, the sewage and food particles that accumulate can attract insects and other vermin, cause unpleasant odors, and could create health hazards. Property damage can also result from sewage backups and lead to expensive cleanup and plumbing repairs. Health code violations or closures can greatly impact your business.
To the Environment
Clogged sewers can lead to overflows. As sewage overflows onto streets, it enters the storm drain system and is carried to our local creeks and beaches, creating health risks for swimmers, fish and plant life.
To the City
Increased sewer blockages and overflows lead to costly maintenance and can result in severe fines from State regulatory agencies. This can increase your sewer fees.
Information for Restaurants & Building Owners/Managers
The city's FOG program creates a partnership with food establishments to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system. The Program has been formalized based on existing regulations from the City of Pismo Beach's Municipal Code, its NPDES permit no. CA0048151, its Sewer System Management Plan and its partnership between the city and your food establishment to protect the environment and save you money!
The City of Pismo Beach's Pretreatment Inspector contacts all food establishments within city limits to determine their current method for treating FOG. The city works with the business to ensure they comply with all city regulations. This program also requires routine periodic inspections. For more information on the FOG Program, please contact the Pretreatment Inspector at (805) 773-7067.
Links
Food Service Establishments
FOG Facts
- Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) clog the sewer lines. Sewage backups and overflows can be the result of grease buildup that can cause property damage, environmental problems, and other health hazards.
- FOG gets into the sewers mainly from commercial food preparation establishments that do not have adequate grease control measures in place, such as grease interceptors.
- All too often, fat, oil, and grease are washed into the plumbing system, usually through kitchen sinks and floor drains found in food preparation areas. They stick to the inside of sewer pipes both on your property and in the sewer pipes. Over time, FOG builds up and eventually blocks the entire pipe, causing sewage backups and overflows.
To Your business
As your sewer pipes back up, the sewage and food particles that accumulate can attract insects and other vermin, cause unpleasant odors, and could create health hazards. Property damage can also result from sewage backups and lead to expensive cleanup and plumbing repairs. Health code violations or closures can greatly impact your business.
To the Environment
Clogged sewers can lead to overflows. As sewage overflows onto streets, it enters the storm drain system and is carried to our local creeks and beaches, creating health risks for swimmers, fish and plant life.
To the City
Increased sewer blockages and overflows lead to costly maintenance and can result in severe fines from State regulatory agencies. This can increase your sewer fees.
Information for Restaurants & Building Owners/Managers
The city's FOG program creates a partnership with food establishments to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system. The Program has been formalized based on existing regulations from the City of Pismo Beach's Municipal Code, its NPDES permit no. CA0048151, its Sewer System Management Plan and its partnership between the city and your food establishment to protect the environment and save you money!
The City of Pismo Beach's Pretreatment Inspector contacts all food establishments within city limits to determine their current method for treating FOG. The city works with the business to ensure they comply with all city regulations. This program also requires routine periodic inspections. For more information on the FOG Program, please contact the Pretreatment Inspector at (805) 773-7067.
Links
Food Service Establishments