Reno’s Grease Interceptor Rules: RMC 12.16.555, Explained

Who it covers

“Industrial users where preparation, manufacturing, processing of food or washing/sanitizing of dishes or equipment occurs” — the code names restaurants, cafes, fast food, pizza, delis, sandwich and coffee shops, schools and nursing homes, and says “these users shall install and maintain a gravity grease interceptor as directed by the city” (12.16.555(b)(3)). It reaches outside city limits too: anyone whose discharge enters the city’s treatment system “from areas within or without the city limits, shall be bound by this article” (12.16.500(a)).

The permit

“All FOG facilities will be issued a permit” (12.16.555(b)(2)). Environmental Control’s guidance says every food service operation with an interceptor gets an EC permit and is inspected annually, and that “the permit will specify the frequency for the cleaning and pumping” of the interceptor. The permit and inspection, in detail →

The equipment

Gravity interceptor, at least 750 gallons, two compartments, outside the building, approved in writing before installation; hydromechanical units not permitted in lieu; restrooms not through it. Sizing follows the formula written into the code — meals per peak hour × waste flow rate × retention time × storage factor. The formula, worked → On a change of ownership, the new applicant “shall have the burden to demonstrate that a properly sized and functioning grease interceptor is installed” ((b)(6)(i)d).

The maintenance rule

• Frequency: as specified in your permit; and cleaned “whenever the combined thickness of the floating greases and settled solids is greater than 25 percent of the design hydraulic depth” ((ii)a). The city may require more often; you may seek a variance for less ((ii)b).
• Who: “a licensed plumber or contractor normally engaged in the servicing of such plumbing fixtures” ((ii)c).
• Records: “document each pump-out with a waste manifest or trip ticket ... kept by the industrial user on site for at least three years,” with the hauler’s certification on each ticket ((ii)f–g). What a good one contains →
• Additives: “Use of enzymes or any other chemical or biological treatment or product that emulsifies or acts to emulsify FOG is prohibited” ((ii)e). Why →
• Solids: screens on connected fixtures; no food waste over one-half inch in any dimension ((i)g–h).

The discharge limit

No discharge containing animal fat or grease “in excess of 300 milligrams per liter,” and no reintroducing pumped waste into the sewer (12.16.530(b)(10)).

Inspection and enforcement

“The city may conduct inspections of any facility with or without notice” (12.16.555(a)(5)(i)). Violations run through notices, administrative citations, compliance and cease-and-desist orders and suspension of service (12.16.810); civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per violation (12.16.811(b)); charges for any obstruction or damage to city facilities (12.16.814); and any violation is “declared a public nuisance” (12.16.813).