Wastewater and Wastewater Services

Wastewater FAQ

WHAT IS THIS FAILURE NOTICE? 

A failure notice notifies a property owner or operator of a commercial kitchen or establishment that their grease trap or interceptor has failed to properly capture FOGG. The notice typically includes information about the level of failure and the required corrective actions to bring the device back into compliance with local regulations. It is typically the responsibility of the property owner or operator to ensure that their FOGG retention device is properly maintained and cleaned to prevent blockages and other issues in the local sewer system. 

MY PUMPER SAYS I ALREADY PUMPED—whY AM I GETTING A FAILURE NOTICE? 

If you received a failure notice for your FOGG retention device even though you recently had it pumped, there are a few possible explanations:  

1. Timing: The inspection may have occurred shortly before the last pumping. If you believe this to be the case, please schedule with the inspector using this link to confirm the results.  

2. Inadequate pumping: Your FOGG retention device may not have been pumped adequately during the last service, and some grease may have been left behind in the device. It is important to make sure that the pumper you hire is experienced and certified to clean and pump your specific type of FOGG retention device.  

3. Mechanical issue: Your FOGG retention device may have a mechanical issue, such as a clogged inlet or outlet pipe, which can prevent the device from working properly even after pumping. In this case, you should contact a licensed plumber to inspect and repair the device.  

It is important to address any failure notices promptly, as repeated failures can lead to sewer backups and fines.  

You should keep track of the maintenance schedule for your grease interceptor, as regular cleanings are necessary to ensure that it is working effectively. Your pumper should provide you with documentation of the cleaning and maintenance they perform, including the date and time of the service, the volume of material removed, and any other observations or recommendations.  

WHERE IS MY GREASE INTERCEPTOR LOCATED? 

The location of a grease interceptor can vary depending on the specific building and plumbing layout. Generally, a grease interceptor is located outside of a building, underground, and near the kitchen or food preparation area. The exact location can vary based on local codes and regulations. The City of Westminster does not allow the use of internal grease interceptors unless prior approval is obtained.  

If you are unsure if your building has a grease interceptor and where it might be located, you can contact your local public works.   

CAN I INSTALL AN INTERNAL GREASE INTERCEPTOR? 

It is common for local codes and regulations to require the installation of external grease interceptors for commercial kitchens, as it is easier to maintain and monitor their effectiveness. Internal grease interceptors, such as hydro-mechanical grease interceptors (HGI), are sometimes allowed but require prior approval from the local government. If you are unsure about the type and location of your grease interceptor, you should contact the City of Westminster's Wastewater Division for further information.  

I’M NOTICING A WEIRD SMELL. IS IT MY GREASE INTERCEPTOR? 

It's possible that an odor issue could be related to a grease interceptor. Grease interceptors can produce unpleasant odors if they are not properly maintained or if they are damaged. Some common causes of odor issues with grease interceptors include:  

• Buildup of FOGG (fats, oils, grease, and food solids) in the interceptor, which can lead to decomposition and foul odors.  

• Blockages in the interceptor or the sewer line leading to the interceptor, which can cause backups and odors.  

• Cracks or damage to the interceptor, which can allow odors to escape.  

If you are experiencing odor issues and suspect that your grease interceptor may be the cause, it's important to have it inspected and serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your grease interceptor can help prevent odor issues and keep your wastewater system functioning properly.   

WHAT ARE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR A FOGG PRODUCING BUSINESS? 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for a FOGG (Fats, Oils, Grit and Grease) program are guidelines and practices that help businesses effectively manage and prevent the accumulation of FOGG in their wastewater systems. Here are some common BMPs for a FOGG program:  

1. Employee Training: Provide comprehensive training for all employees on the proper handling and disposal of FOGG. Educate them about the impacts of FOGG on the wastewater system and the importance of following program requirements.  

2. Proper Grease Disposal: Establish clear procedures for the disposal of FOGG waste generated during food preparation and cleaning processes. Use designated containers or receptacles to collect and store FOGG waste for proper disposal, such as recycling or rendering services.  

3. Grease Interceptors: Install and maintain properly sized and functioning grease traps or interceptors in accordance with local regulations. Regularly clean and maintain these devices to ensure efficient FOGG removal and prevent blockages or overflows.  

4. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of grease traps/interceptors to ensure they are in good working condition. Inspect for any signs of damage, blockages, or excessive buildup of FOGG, and address issues promptly.  

5. Monitoring and Recordkeeping: Keep detailed records of grease interceptor maintenance, cleaning schedules, and inspections. This helps demonstrate compliance with program requirements and allows for effective monitoring of FOGG management practices.  

6. Proper Plumbing Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems, including drain lines, to prevent FOGG buildup. Address any plumbing issues or leaks promptly to prevent FOGG from entering the wastewater system.  

7. Grease Recycling Programs: Explore options for recycling or reusing collected FOGG or yellow grease, such as partnering with local rendering companies or biodiesel producers. Properly disposing of FOGG waste reduces its environmental impact.  

8. WHO DO I CALL WHEN THERE IS A SEWAGE BACKUP ON MY PROPERTY? 

   Private Property: Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sewer lateral line that runs from their property to the point of connection with the City's main sewer line. If there is a backup in the sewer lateral line on your property, you should contact a licensed plumber to assess the situation and perform any necessary repairs. 

   Public Property:  If the backup is determined to be in the City's main sewer line, you should contact Public Works department at (303) 658-2500 to report the issue. We will send a crew to investigate and address the problem if it is on the public side of the property line.
    
   If you see a manhole cover in your neighborhood, there’s a good chance the City owns a sewer main under the road. For more information, please reference Westminster Municipal Code, Title VIII, Chapter 8. 

   I SEE A BIG TRUCK OR WHITE VAN WITH HOSES IN THE MANHOLE AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD. WHAT ARE THEY DOING? 

   You’ve just spotted one of the City’s vacuum trucks! Westminster regularly maintains over 400 miles of sewer pipe. Crews are often out inspecting the lines to make sure sewer water is continuing to flow away from your home. Regular maintenance helps avoid costly blockages. The vacuum truck is a vacuum and pressure washer that goes in and clears debris, grease, and roots from the line. Our closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection vans use cameras mounted on remote control vehicles to go through the pipe and look for structural and maintenance defects. Our crews use the data collected from the CCTV inspection to determine the best approach for maintaining or repairing every section of sewer pipe. 

   WHY DO I SMELL A STRONG SEWER ODOR COMING FROM MY BASEMENT OR A SPECIFIC ROOM? 

   A strong sewer odor coming from your basement or a specific room could indicate a problem with your plumbing or sewer system. Some possible causes of the odor include:  

9. A dry P-trap, which allows sewer gas to enter your home  

10. A damaged sewer pipe  

11. A blocked or damaged sewer vent pipe.  

12. If you smell sewer gas in your home, it’s important to address the issue promptly for health and safety reasons. You should contact a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing system and identify the source of the odor. They can recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem, which may involve repairs or replacement of damaged pipes or fixtures, or installation of a new sewer vent pipe.