The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently passed new regulations that will reduce fats, oils and grease (also known as FOG) related sewer spills near multifamily dwellings.
The ordinance passed on Dec. 14 requires multifamily dwellings with 75 or more units to follow new regulations after an event such as a blockage or sanitary sewer overflow in their private sewer line.
These regulations include:
• Enrolling in the FOG Control Program
• Registering for a discharge permit
• Installing a grease trap, interceptor or other screening device
• Properly cleaning private sewer lines and removing debris and grease solids
• Inspecting pipes for FOG
The ordinance was written after DeKalb Watershed Management identified multifamily housing as an unregulated source of FOG impacting public sewers, pump stations and treatment plants.
According to county officials, approximately 40 percent of sanitary sewer overflows in DeKalb County are caused by fats, oils and grease, much of which enters the system after being poured down sink drains. FOG coats the inside of pipes and eventually forms a blockage leading to a spill.
In August, the Board of Commissioners approved CEO Thurmond’s request for $105.2 million for sewer repairs and maintenance in 2019-2020. These major projects will focus on reducing repeat sanitary sewer overflows and infrastructure improvements.
Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/watershed-management/fog.
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