DeKalb Passes Ordinance to Reduce Sewer Spills

DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently passed new regulations that will reduce Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) related sewer spills near multifamily dwellings. 

Under the ordinance passed on Dec. 14, 2018, multifamily dwellings with 75 or more units will be required 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.

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.

The county launched the “No FOG, No Clog” education program to educate residential customers and students on the importance of keeping FOG out of the sewer system. The campaign partnered with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and developed FOG disposal education materials for its English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The county also partnered with the DeKalb County School District to educate more than 102,000 elementary, middle and high school students about the hazards of grease clogs.

In August 2018, 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. 

To view the ordinance or for more information about FOG, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/watershed-management/fog.