Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Prevent Blockages in the Sewer System

  1. Train kitchen staff about how they can help ensure bmps are implemented.
    • Reason: People are more willing to support an effort if they understand the basis for it.
    • Benefit: All of the subsequent benefits of BMPs will have a better chance of being implemented.
  2. Post “No Grease” signs above sinks and on the front of dishwashers.
    • Reason: Signs serve as a constant reminder for staff working in kitchens.
    • Benefit: These reminders help minimize grease discharge to the traps/interceptors and reduce the cost of cleaning and disposal.
  3. Use water temperatures less than 140°F in all sinks, especially the pre-rinse sink before the mechanical dishwasher.
    • Reason: Temperatures in excess of 140°F will dissolve grease, but the grease can re-congeal/solidify in the sewer collection system as the water cools.
    • Benefit: The facility will reduce energy costs for heating the water, reduce the plugging of the sewer lateral, and the need to hire someone to unplug it.
  4. Use a three-sink dishwashing system (washing/rinsing/sanitizing in a 50-100 parts per million (ppm) bleach solution) – water is less than 140°F (Please Reference Best Practice Number 3).
    • Reason: The three-sink system uses water less than 140°F, whereas a mechanical dishwasher requires a minimum temperature of 160°F. The UPC prohibits the discharge of dishwasher water to grease traps.
    • Benefit: The facility will reduce energy costs for heating the water and operating the dishwasher.
  5. Recycle waste cooking oil.
    • Reason: There are waste oil recyclers in northern California.
    • Benefit: Recycling is a low-cost option, which will reduce the amount of garbage a facility must pay to have hauled away.
  6. “Dry-wipe” pots, pans, and dishware prior to dishwashing.
    • Reason: By dry-wiping and disposing of the garbage, the material will not be sent to the grease traps.
    • Benefit: This will reduce the amount of material collected in the grease trap and interceptors, and will lessen cleaning and maintenance costs of FOG in collection systems.
  7. Dispose of food waste by recycling or by depositing it with other solid wastes.
    • Reason: To divert food waste away from grease traps and interceptors.
    • Benefit: Recycling or solid waste disposal will reduce the frequency and cost of grease trap and interceptor cleaning.

For additional information or answers to your questions, please feel free to contact the Lake County Special Districts Administration, at 707-263-0119.