HOW CAN I HELP: Fats, Oils & Grease

Grease in our sewer system is a major environmental problem. Have you ever stopped and wondered where the fats, oils and greases that you pour down your drains are going? If your answer is NO … you are not alone. Though most of us are aware of the potential health risks of having too much grease in our diets, we don't realize that putting grease into our sewer system poses a public health hazard and threatens the environment.

As grease from households and businesses passes through the sewer system, it sticks to the inside of the sewer lines. Over time, this grease builds up and blocks the sewer system causing raw sewage overflows and backups.

In order to alleviate these environmental problems, wastewater agencies must devote considerable resources to removing grease from the sewer lines. These increased operations and maintenance costs ultimately impact customers with higher user fees.Renewable Water Resources already addressing the grease problem with local food service establishments. Several years ago, the Sewer Use and Pretreatment Regulation was amended to include a plan for the collection and transportation of fats, oils and greases from food service establishments. Each business is currently being surveyed to determine the quantity of grease that it generates and whether a grease interceptor is necessary. Businesses that transport grease are now being required to obtain a ReWa permit in addition to a South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control permit. All grease must be hauled to an approved ReWa site.

Unfortunately, these regulations only address part of the problem. Most grease comes from homes. We need your help to protect the health of our community and the streams of the Upstate.

Check out our FOG-fighting tips!

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