Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) pose major problems for every municipality in the U.S. and Dothan is no exception. The greasy waste enters the sewers through connections from homes, food service establishments, and industrial wastewater dischargers. Through chemical processes, FOG solidifies in the sewer system causing blockages and back-ups to the normal flow in the system. This ultimately causes sanitary sewer overflows which release raw, untreated sewage into our neighborhoods, business community, creeks, streams, and rivers. Under the direction of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Dothan has adopted an ordinance designed to manage the discharge of FOG waste into the sewer system. The purpose of the ordinance is to eliminate the impact of FOG on the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants, prevent sanitary sewer overflows, reduce or eliminate clean-up costs for the taxpayers, reduce or eliminate adverse effects on the environment, and reduce health risks to the public.

Alternative Grease Control Equipment (GCE) – The FOG ordinance allows the use of alternative grease control equipment. For instance, alternative GCE can be considered for existing buildings where the recommended equipment that is the best solution for the food service establishment (FSE) classification can't feasibly be installed. When an FSE cannot install the minimum acceptable size grease control equipment for their specific class, FOG program personnel may recommend an acceptable alternative. However, if that recommended alternative is not acceptable, the FSE may propose an alternative system. It is the responsibility of the FSE to show that the proposed alternative is of sufficient size considering all kitchen plumbing fixture units, the discharge plumbing pipe diameter for each fixture unit, storage capacity, type of facility, and has adequate retention time. The FSE's engineer, architect, a licensed plumber, or contractor must attest that the proposed alternative is adequate. We strongly recommend that one of these spreadsheets (XLS) be used for that purpose and be submitted along with an application (PDF). If not, documentation (including certification) for the proposed alternative must be submitted along with the application (PDF). The proposed alternative will be reviewed for consistency with ordinance intent.

For more information about how you can help prevent FOG discharges into the sewers and comply with the requirements of the FOG Ordinance, view the links below. Call the FOG Program Office at (334) 615-4454 with any questions.

Additional Information for:

• Food Service Establishments (FSEs)
• Residential
• Grease Waste Haulers (GWHs) and Plumbers
• Architects and Contractors
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