Fats, Oils, & Grease Wastewater Discharge Permit

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Fat, Oils and Grease Control Program for Food Service Establishments and Commercial Kitchens

FOG is a common term for the excess animal fats and vegetable oils that are generated during cooking and many food preparation steps. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) enters the plumbing system through kitchen sinks and floor drains in food preparation areas. Over time, FOG sticking to the interior of pipes can lead to reduced hydraulic capacity or even a complete sewer blockage. When that occurs, the result will ultimately trigger a sewage spill, also known as Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). Food Service Establishments (FSE) have long been known to have the potential to adversely impact the sewer system by discharging FOG-containing wastewater from their kitchens.

Need More Information?

Please contact Lori McKinley at:

Phone: (714) 593-7505

Email: [email protected]

OC San’s Board of Directors adopted FOG Ordinance OCSD-25 which establishes the legal authority to prohibit FSEs from discharging FOG to the sewer system.

OC San is a regional agency that owns and maintains the large regional trunklines, while the cities and agencies that form OC San own and maintain the small sewers for the residents and businesses.

OC San relies on the cooperation and resources of the cities and agencies to implement FOG control programs for the FSEs that discharge directly to the local collection systems. Each city or sewer agency is required to develop and implement a FOG control program which suits its individual conditions and needs with the same basic approach of prohibiting FOG discharges and mandating the use of kitchen Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the FSEs in their jurisdictions.

Limited Food Preparation Establishments that are only engaged in reheating, hot holding, or assembly of ready-to-eat food products, whose wastewater discharge contains insignificant amounts of FOG, are not regulated under OCSD-25.

The following fact sheets provide additional information.

Please call for questions regarding the requirements in your area.