Event Calendar

Watershed Management

Permit Information

One of the most important responsibilities of the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is protecting the environment. When fats, oils, and greases (FOG) are released into the wastewater collection system it causes blockages which sometimes result in sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). SSOs occur when raw sewage is released into the environment.

Current Initiatives

  • Education – The Compliance Inspectors are committed to educating the public on the harmful effects of fats, oils, and greases on the environment. We have created educational material for FSEs, single and multi-family residence, and schools. We have set up different meeting locations, dates, and times to educate FOG generators on the new permitting process and the proper disposal of FOG.


FOG Interceptors

Managing FOG Interceptors -- FOG Interceptors are very useful in collecting FOG from kitchen wastewater, but they must be periodically serviced in order to be effective. FOG Interceptors are usually above ground or in ground tanks that allow water draining from a kitchen to slow down. When the wastewater slows, oil can float to the surface and solids can fall to the bottom as sludge. The wastewater between the top layer of FOG and the bottom layer of sludge can exit the FOG Interceptor and flow into the sewer system.

What to do about Fats, Oils, and Grease

Managing Fats, Oils, and Grease in Wastewater

Fats, oils, and grease are problems for the wastewater system. When hot oil is poured down a drain, or greasy wastewater enters the drain from a dishwasher, the oil cools and can coat the inside of drain pipes, causing slow drainage or blockage in pipes. Limits are set by wastewater treatment authorities on how much fats, oils, and greases (abbreviated as FOG) the wastewater generated by restaurants and food products manufacturers can contain.

Compliance Inspector

Mission Statement:
The Compliance Inspectors’ mission is to educate the public and the Food Service Establishments (FSE) that produce the by-products known as Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) on proper Capacity, Management, Operation & Maintenance of the wastewater collection system. Also to enforce the county’s codes and ordinances to reduce sanitary sewer overflows.

 

Subscribe to Watershed Management