FOG History

Beginning in 2012 the City of Biddeford experienced an increase in the need for cleaning and maintaining sewer lines due to the buildup of fats, oils, and grease, commonly referred to as "FOG." Indications were the FOG was the result of discharges from restaurants and other food service establishments. When FOG is discharged, usually in conjunction with warm water from washing or as hot grease from cooking, the fats, oils, and grease cools and solidifies creating a buildup on sewer pipes. This buildup, if not addressed, could lead to equipment failures and sewer backups in municipal and homeowner sewer lines. The buildup also places an undue maintenance cost burden on sewer users. In order to address this issue and reduce the amount of FOG entering the sewer system, the Wastewater Division proposed a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Rule for Food Service Establishments.

Public Notice

The public was notified of the proposed ordinance and there were several opportunities for review and comment. After several months of review by staff, wastewater commission members, and the Policy Committee, the Ordinance was presented to the City Council for adoption. The City Council adopted the Ordinance on April 7, 2015 by Council Order.

Examples

Grease clogging Vactor hose (A Vactor is a vehicle used to clean sewer manholes and sewer lines). Once FOG enters the sewer system it must be removed by scraping, water blasting. The FOG then causes a problem getting it off the truck because it is mixed with other solids from the wastewater.
Grease clogging a float switch at pump station. Pump stations transfer wastewater within the sewer network. When FOG prevents a float switch from signaling a pump to turn on, the pump station overfills and causes a backup down stream...this could affect your home or business.
Floating grease in influent channel at wastewater treatment plant. The floating FOG clogs the influent screens reducing primary treatment effectiveness.
Grease buildup at Maple Street Pump Station. The FOG coats the walls and equipment making entry dangerous and reducing pump capacity.
Grease clogging sewer drain pipe. FOG solidifies when exposed to the cool temperatures underground. Over time the buildup can cause backups and costly cleaning / repairs.