Fat, Oil, and Grease Program
Nondomestic users who may discharge fat, oil or grease.
The information below is meant to inform our customers about the requirements that help protect sewer infrastructure, prevent costly backups and maintenance, protect the downstream environment, promote a more environmentally friendly method to handle grease waste, and protect the ratepayer's investment in the sanitary sewer system.
Facilities with the potential to discharge grease in their wastewater are required to maintain a grease interceptor. These interceptors help prevent excessive amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the wastewater collection system which could cause blockages and sewer backups that may endanger public health and pollute our local waterways.
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are found in most restaurants. It is washed off dishes, utensils, countertops, and even linens. This FOG makes its way down the drain where it can solidify, accumulate, and even combine with other material, such as, paper products, solid materials, hygiene products, and wipes. This can restrict or close the sewer lines causing back-ups into businesses, homes, and onto the streets. These overflows can harm the environment, cause foul odors, and release harmful pathogens endangering public health.
Grease accumulates at the Water Reclamation Plant, where it must be collected, treated, and disposed of costing the ratepayers more money and takes up valuable space in local landfills. A city ordinance (Chapter 13.20.545) is in place to require restaurants or businesses that generate this FOG waste, to treat it before it enters the sewer system and because a cost for the ratepayers to bear.
What is a grease interceptor?
Any gravity grease interceptor, hydromechanical grease interceptor or other mechanism, device, or process, which attaches to, or is applied to, wastewater plumbing fixtures and lines, the purpose of which is to trap or collect FOG prior to it being discharged into the sewer system. Grease interceptors may also include any other proven physical method to reduce FOG subject to approval of the Board of Public Utilities.
How do I maintain my grease interceptor?
- Clean grease interceptor every 90 days or at a frequency specified by the Board of Public Utilities per the requirements listed in Cheyenne City Code Chapter 13.20.545
- Verify grease interceptor and its parts are in place and in full operable condition.
- Email or mail the cleaning manifests supplied by your hauler within 14 days of each service to the Board of Public Utilities at ipp@cheyennebopu.org or Board of Public Utilities, Attn: IPP, 2416 Snyder Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001.
- Keep all records of maintenance onsite and available for three years.