San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Art. III Pretreatment of Wastewater

Users shall provide wastewater treatment as necessary to comply with this chapter and shall achieve compliance with all categorical pretreatment standards, local limits, and the prohibitions set out in Section 13.08.040 within the time limitations specified by EPA, the state, or the director, whichever is more stringent. Any facilities necessary for compliance shall be provided, operated, and maintained at the user’s expense. Detailed plans describing such facilities and operating procedures shall be submitted to the director for review, and shall be acceptable to the director before such facilities are constructed. The review of such plans and operating procedures shall in no way relieve the user from the responsibility of modifying such facilities as necessary to produce a discharge acceptable to the city under the provisions of this chapter. All pretreatment facilities must comply with all other applicable laws. (Ord. 1598 § 1, 2014)

A. Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) are a major concern to wastewater agencies throughout the state of California. The Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems requires the city to have a FOG discharge control program. A frequent cause of SSOs is the blockage of sewer lines due to discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into the sanitary sewer systems from food preparation and clean-up operations. To prevent SSOs in its sanitary sewer system, the city of San Luis Obispo has developed and implemented a program, as set forth herein, to reduce the discharge of FOG from restaurants and other food service establishments (FSEs) to mitigate blockages in sewer lines. This program enables the city of San Luis Obispo to comply with requirements of the California State Water Resources Control Board.

B. This program helps to protect public health and safety through:

1. Reducing the potential for blockages of and sewage releases from the city’s sewer systems due to accumulation of fats, oils, or grease;

2. Reducing the city’s costs of operating the sewer system;

3. Promoting proper handling and disposal of fats, oils, and grease through educational and regulatory programs.

C. Upon adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, all food service establishments (FSEs) shall be subject to this chapter to the extent permitted by law. Any facility with a permanently plumbed connection to the city sewer system that has the potential to generate discharges of fats, oils, or grease (FOG) must comply with this chapter.

D. Except as otherwise provided herein, the director shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this chapter. Any powers granted to or duties imposed upon the director may be delegated by the director to a duly authorized city of San Luis Obispo employee. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024; Ord. 1598 § 1, 2014)

A. Permit Required. All new FSEs and all existing FSEs shall have a current Class II industrial user permit issued by the director and at least one grease control device (GCD).

B. Permit Fees. Section 13.08.140 specifies that the city shall have the authority to assess and collect fees from users of the sanitary sewer system to recover costs incurred by the city when regulating discharges into the system. The fees specified therein are applicable to all FSEs. For a current cost of the annual permit fee, refer to the current city fee schedule.

C. Re-Inspection Fee. If an inspection by city staff determines that a permittee is in violation of one or more requirements of this chapter, the permittee shall be charged a re-inspection fee to reimburse the city for the cost of a re-inspection to determine that the violation has been corrected. Additional fees may be assessed if an administrative citation is issued to the permittee, as discussed in Chapter 1.24.

D. Used Cooking Oil Container. All FSEs shall have a container or drum for collecting waste kitchen grease and used cooking oil unless deemed unnecessary by the director. FOG removed from GCDs shall not be placed in this container, as it is more difficult to recycle. The container shall be used and maintained appropriately so as to prevent spills or leaking. The container shall be serviced (emptied or exchanged) and recycled by a waste hauler at an appropriate frequency as defined by Section 13.08.093 (Maintenance and operation of grease control devices). Receipts or other documentation of such service shall be retained at the FSE and presented to the city on request. The FSE shall maintain adequate employee training and/or signage to assure that the container is used and maintained in an appropriate manner, as discussed in subsection G of this section, Kitchen Best Management Practices. Any oil on or around collection container or drum shall be cleaned up immediately. Failure to maintain this area may constitute a violation of Section 13.08.096.

E. Stormwater Pollution. All FSEs shall operate in a manner which prevents any discharge of FOG or other wastes to the stormwater drain system. Any outdoor spills or washing activities may constitute a violation of Chapter 12.08.

F. Inspections.

1. To the extent permitted by law, city representatives may enter upon a facility’s premises to determine compliance with this chapter. The city shall attempt to perform inspections in a manner so as to minimize the impact on the operation of the food service establishment. However, the FSE shall provide the city, at all times that the FSE is open to the public and/or in operation, with access to the premises, specifically the GCDs, used cooking oil containers and maintenance records. If the GCD or used cooking oil container is inaccessible to city representatives due to placement of vehicles, mats, utensils, etc., FSE staff shall immediately remove such obstacles upon city entry for inspection.

2. Inspections may occur during normal operating hours without warning to verify appropriate grease control device maintenance and operation as well as during an emergency response or blockage investigation. Inspections will include all parts of the FSE that discharge or have the potential to discharge to the sanitary sewer system. City representatives will comply with all reasonable facility safety requirements as provided by the FSE operator at the time of entry.

3. Below is an outline of the city’s routine inspection and enforcement procedures.

a. Inspect the GCD by assessing the amount of grease and solids as a percentage of the total volume;

b. Inspect the structural integrity of the GCD;

c. Assess whether the GCD maintenance frequency is sufficient as defined by Section 13.08.093 (Maintenance and operation of grease control devices);

d. Inspect that all floor drains have strainer baskets not to exceed 3/16-inches in hole diameter;

e. Ensure that all kitchen best management practices are being implemented as set forth in subsection G of this section to minimize FOG from entering the sewer; and

f. Inspect recycled oil storage and trash areas for cleanliness and compliance with applicable stormwater codes (Chapter 12.08).

G. Kitchen Best Management Practices. The following best management practices (BMPs) must be followed by all FSEs:

1. Always dry wipe all pots, pans, and cooking equipment to remove leftover fat, oil, grease, and food waste prior to pre-rinsing or washing.

2. Install and maintain screens in all floor and sink drains. The floor drain screens must be a basket style and have a hole diameter of 3/16-inches or smaller. Dome style strainers are prohibited. The sink drains must be a fine mesh style, where applicable, or a similar type approved by the director.

3. Maintain grease control device(s) (GCD) to comply with the following:

a. In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions when the grease storage capacity of the GCD can be validated to exceed twenty-five percent of the total liquid volume by third-party performance testing; or

b. If the grease storage capacity of the GCD cannot be validated by third-party performance testing, the total depth of the floating FOG layer, plus the settled sludge layer cannot exceed twenty-five percent or more of the total liquid depth of the GCD.

4. Regularly maintain vent hood and filters and dispose of the waste to a drainage fixture connected to a GCD.

5. Wash all floor mats, grills, and greasy kitchen equipment in a drainage fixture connected to a GCD. Never wash equipment outside.

6. Place source-separated food and green waste in the organic material container pursuant to Section 8.04.213.

7. Display the FOG poster for all employees to see, ideally in the kitchen or dishwashing area.

8. Place “No Grease” stickers in dishwashing areas. Stickers are provided by the city at no charge and are available in English and Spanish.

H. Staff Training Requirements.

1. An annual training on kitchen BMPs as stated in subsection G of this section must be completed and documented for all staff. Records of this training must be kept on site for a minimum of three years and must be made available to city staff upon request during an inspection.

2. The training record must include the following:

a. What was covered during the training.

b. A list of names and signatures of all who attended the training.

I. Any FSE undergoing a kitchen remodel, as defined in Section 13.08.020, shall be required to submit GCD plans to the city for review.

J. Any FSE or other facilities identified under Section 13.08.090(C) must notify the city within thirty days, and may be required to install a grease control device, when any of the following changes occur or are planned:

1. Facility or operational modifications;

2. Changes to the type of food service;

3. Change of operator of the facility; or

4. Installation of a new GCD or transfer of responsibility for a GCD. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

A. GCDs must be sized according to both of the following steps:

1. Calculate Flow Rate. The minimum flow rate for a GCD may be calculated by either fixture volume or pipe diameter, as stated in the CPC, using either a one-minute or two-minute drainage period. Use a one-minute drainage period when the GCD will be installed within twenty feet of directly connected fixtures and/or has indirectly connected fixtures. When the interceptor will be installed beyond twenty feet of the connected fixtures, use a two-minute drainage period.

Note: per subsection J of this section, each GCD shall receive the drainage from all plumbing fixtures, equipment, and drain lines located in the food preparation, food service, alcohol service, and clean-up areas of FSEs, including but not limited to multi-compartment sinks, utensil sinks, food preparation sinks, pre-rinse sinks, dishwashers, hand washing sinks, floor sinks, floor drains, trench drains, and mop sinks.

2. Calculate Grease Capacity. Once the minimum flow rate has been established in step one, calculate the minimum grease storage capacity for the GCD required for the desired cleaning frequency, noting that required cleaning cannot be more frequent than ninety days. Use the following formula to correctly calculate the grease capacity required.

To determine the appropriate grease factor, using Table 13.08.092.A, select the menu type (1 through 33), then the correct column (A through D) for whether there is a fryer, and whether the establishment uses disposable or washable plates, glasses, knives, forks, and spoons (flatware). The table was produced from guidance in the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook 4, Plumbing Components and Equipment, Chapter 8, Grease Interceptors.

Table 13.08.092.A.

[Figure]

B. The approved GCD will meet the minimum flow rate from step one and the minimum grease capacity from step two above. In order to meet the minimum grease capacity in step two, a GCD with a higher flow rate may be required than is determined in step one.

C. Prior to installing or replacing a GCD as may be required by this chapter, FSEs must complete the city’s GCD sizing and selection worksheet with all required information and submit to the community development department for review and approval. Incomplete worksheets submitted will not be accepted and could delay project approval.

D. All FSEs installing or replacing a GCD pursuant to this chapter must submit a building permit application and the following documents to the community development department:

1. Map/drawing of all plumbing fixtures that will discharge to the proposed GCD.

2. Calculations for sizing of proposed GCD on the city’s GCD sizing and selection worksheet.

3. Manufacturer’s specification sheet of proposed GCD. (See subsection E of this section for prohibited materials and conditions of approval.)

E. The following CGDs are prohibited unless otherwise approved by the director:

1. Gravity grease interceptors.

2. Grease removal devices built from concrete.

3. GCDs built from metal, including metal GCDs with acid-resistant enamel or epoxy coatings.

F. Any facility identified as needing to install or replace a GCD must do so in accordance with this chapter within one hundred eighty days of notification from the city, unless approved otherwise by the director.

G. Hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Be constructed of a corrosion-resistant polymer.

2. No injection ports for chemicals or bacteria.

3. Installed per manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Appropriate flow restrictors, whether integral or external to the device, must be installed.

5. Shall meet the specifications and be constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Plumbing Code.

6. Shall be third-party tested and rated for efficiency and capacity in accordance with ASME A112.14.3, CSA B481, or PDI G101.

H. Each GCD shall be installed and connected at an exterior location such that it is at all times easily accessible for visual inspection, sampling, cleaning and removal of grease and other matter from all surfaces. The location of the GCD must be approved by the county, and shall not be located in a food or utensil handling area unless specifically approved by the county. The GCD must be installed prior to final city permit inspections.

I. A GCD shall be situated outdoors on the FSE’s premises, except when such a location would be impractical or cause undue hardship on the FSE. The city may issue an encroachment permit to allow the GCD to be installed in the public street or sidewalk area and located so that it will not be obstructed by landscaping or parked vehicles. If the GCD cannot be located outdoors pursuant to the terms of this provision, and the city does not issue an encroachment permit, then the FSE may install a GCD at an approved interior location that meets the requirements of applicable plumbing codes and this chapter at the discretion of the director.

J. Each GCD shall receive the drainage from all plumbing fixtures, equipment, and drain lines located in the food preparation, food service, alcohol service, and clean-up areas of FSEs, including but not limited to multi-compartment sinks, utensil sinks, food preparation sinks, pre-rinse sinks, dishwashers, hand-washing sinks, floor sinks, floor drains, trench drains, and mop sinks.

K. All FSEs shall ensure that wastes collected by GCDs are disposed of at a facility permitted to receive such wastes. FOG wastes must not be allowed to discharge to any private or public portion of the sanitary or stormwater collection systems.

L. The use of additives, emulsifiers, enzymes, or biological agents to break down or digest FOG for discharge to the sewer system is prohibited, unless authorized by the director.

M. Food waste disposers are prohibited.

N. Any waste material from routine cleaning of exhaust hoods, ducts, floor mats, and mop water shall be plumbed to the GCD prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer.

O. No drains from toilets, showers, or other domestic discharges shall be connected to the GCD. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

A. GCDs shall be maintained in efficient operating condition by periodic removal of the accumulated grease. No accumulated grease shall be introduced into any drainage piping or public or private sewer. The total depth of FOG layer shall not exceed the maximum rated capacity as established by the manufacturer of the GCD. If this information is not available, then the FOG layer plus the settled sludge layer cannot exceed twenty-five percent or more of the total liquid depth of the GCD.

B. GCDs shall be cleaned on a sufficient frequency to prevent objectionable odors, surcharge of the GCD, or interference with the operation of the sanitary sewer system. The required minimum frequency for maintaining the GCDs shall be determined during a routine inspection. A re-inspection may be requested to re-evaluate the required cleaning frequency. In the absence of a frequency determined and set by the city, the following is the required minimum frequency of cleaning for each type of GCD, unless otherwise approved by the director:

1. HGIs shall be cleaned at least once every thirty days.

2. Nonconforming existing GGIs shall be cleaned at least once every ninety days.

C. If a GCD is properly sized and installed, yet requires cleaning and maintenance at a greater frequency than the frequency determined in accordance with this section, then the director can require a GCD with a higher flow rate and grease capacity to be installed.

D. GCDs shall be cleaned by being pumped dry and all accumulated sludge on all surfaces shall be removed by washing down the sides, baffles, tees, and any other interior components. No water removed from the device during cleaning shall be returned to the GCD.

E. The director may grant an exception to the requirements of subsections (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this section where the director finds, based on evidence presented by the FSE, that a less frequent cleaning schedule will be sufficient to assure that the GCD will continue to operate efficiently and will not bypass FOG to the sanitary sewer system. The director may require more frequent cleaning if inspections indicate that cleaning at the current frequency is not adequate. Documentation provided by the FSE shall be based on a minimum of one year of cleaning and shall be verified by city inspections.

1. Waste Hauler Requirements. All GCD cleaning shall be performed by waste haulers who are certified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) as an “inedible kitchen grease commercial transporter.” The pumper shall transport the pumped waste to an “authorized receiving facility,” as defined by the DFA.

F. Persons cleaning a GCD shall ensure that all grease and sediment is removed and appropriately disposed. They shall also ensure that all baffles, flow control devices, and other equipment are properly installed subsequent to the cleaning. All wastes removed from the GCD during cleaning shall be placed in a dedicated container and be removed by an “inedible kitchen grease commercial transporter,” as described above. The waste may not be placed in the used cooking oil container, unless the grease hauler provides written certification that this is acceptable, and the hauler complies with all DFA regulations for “inedible kitchen grease.”

G. FSEs may not clean GCDs themselves, unless specific approval is granted by the director.

H. All FSEs shall implement best management practices (BMPs) in their operations to minimize the discharge of grease to the sanitary sewer system. See Section 13.08.091(G).

I. Abandoned GCDs shall be pumped empty, thoroughly cleaned, and filled as required by the California Plumbing Code. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

A. Within one week of each cleaning, the FSE shall submit proof of cleaning by utilizing the city’s online portal.

B. The following are required when reporting the cleaning of a GCD:

1. Date of cleaning;

2. Name of waste hauler that performed the cleaning;

3. Copy of invoice or manifest provided by the hauler;

C. If the city’s online portal is unavailable, one of the following alternative methods is acceptable:

1. Email (environmentalprograms@slocity.org); or

2. Mail or hand delivery to:

City of San Luis Obispo

Attn: Environmental Programs

879 Morro Street

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

3. Facility operators will bear the ultimate responsibility for providing maintenance records even if using a waste hauler to conduct maintenance of GCDs. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

A. Gravity grease interceptors (GGIs) have been demonstrated to pose numerous issues including, but not limited to: short-circuiting, production of hydrogen sulfide gas, production of sulfuric acid, and corrosion of the concrete interceptor. Hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) are performance tested and rated by an independent third party. As such, they are given a grease capacity rating that has been verified. All food service establishments, new construction, tenant improvement, or kitchen remodels, as defined in Section 13.08.020, established, approved, or completed after July 1, 2024, shall be required to install an HGI in accordance with this section.

B. Facilities may be required to plumb all fixtures to and/or install a new GCD per Section 13.08.092 in any of the following situations:

1. FSE has caused or contributed to a FOG-related blockage, build-up, or the need for increased maintenance of a city sewer; or

2. FSE has improperly installed or sized the GCD per Section 13.08.092;

3. Current sizing requires servicing more frequently than thirty days for HGIs or ninety days for GGIs; or

4. As determined by the director. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

Violations of this chapter include, but are not limited to, the following and may be enforced administratively pursuant to Chapter 1.24, civilly or criminally:

A. Failure to install required GCD;

B. Failure to maintain GCD in accordance with this chapter;

C. Failure to notify the city of a change of ownership, operation or other use as required by Section 13.08.091(J);

D. Failure to provide sampling access or entry to the facility for compliance inspections;

E. Use of emulsifiers, additives, enzymes and biological agents designed to break down/digest FOG for discharge to the sewer system;

F. Failure to submit maintenance-reporting documents as required by Section 13.08.094;

G. Failure to connect all FOG-producing fixtures to the required interceptor or FOG-removal equipment per city standards;

H. Failure to clean a grease interceptor at the frequency required under Section 13.08.093; or

I. Failure to dispose of FOG waste at an approved facility. (Ord. 1734 § 8, 2024)

The director shall evaluate whether each SIU needs an accidental discharge/slug discharge control plan or other action to control slug discharges. The director may require any user to develop, submit for approval, and implement such a plan or take such other action that may be necessary to control slug discharges. Alternatively, the director may develop such a plan for any user. An accidental discharge/slug discharge control plan shall address, at a minimum, the following:

A. Description of discharge practices, including nonroutine batch discharges;

B. Description of stored chemicals;

C. Procedures for immediately notifying the director of any accidental or slug discharge, as required by Section 13.08.240; and

D. Procedures to prevent adverse impact from any accidental or slug discharge. Such procedures include, but are not limited to, inspection and maintenance of storage areas, handling and transfer of materials, loading and unloading operations, control of plant site runoff, worker training, building of contaminant structures or equipment, measures for containing toxic organic pollutants, including solvents, and/or measures and equipment for emergency response. (Ord. 1598 § 1, 2014)

Any trucked or hauled waste is prohibited from discharge into the POTW, except at specific points designated by the director. (Ord. 1598 § 1, 2014)