Current Seattle Municipal Code:
- Prohibits visual accumulation of grease in a private sewer
- Requires grease to be intercepted by grease traps or interceptors prior to discharge
- Requires grease traps and interceptors to be maintained in continuously efficient operation at all times
Proposed Municipal Code revisions would:
- Replace "continuously efficient operation" with the 25% rule
- Prohibit the use of additives in grease traps or interceptors
- Modify the enforcement process to:
- Include civil penalties
- Use a multi-factor matrix to determine penalty amounts
What's the 25% Rule?
Grease traps and grease interceptors are designed so that food waste will settle to the bottom and grease will rise to the top of the wastewater within the chambers. Accumulated grease and food waste must be periodically cleaned for the trap or interceptor to function properly. The 25% Rule requires that the trap or interceptor be cleaned when 25% of its volume is occupied by accumulated grease and food waste.
Why ban additives?
Additives are available to promote the break down of grease traps and interceptors. For these products to work properly, certain conditions, such as temperature, pH, and length of time in a chamber must be met. Monitoring these conditions is costly and time consuming. Incomplete grease break down leads to corrosive conditions in the trap and in the sewer system, potentially damaging City infrastructure and causing health and safety concerns for City workers. Furthermore, the grease problem may simply get moved down the line, and still contribute to sewer blockages and backups.
When will these code changes happen?
These proposed code changes will likely go to City Council during summer 2008.
Where can I see the proposed code language?
The proposed code language will be posted in the next few weeks on the Department of Planning and Development website. Please sign up to receive an email notification when the draft is posted.
How do I comment on these proposed revisions?
You can email comments to:
spufog@seattle.gov
Or you can mail comments to:
Seattle Public Utilities
700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900
PO Box 34018
Seattle, WA 98124-4018
ATTN:FOG
