WCW24

Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) is the number one cause of blockage in the City of Calgary wastewater system. It is estimated that about half is contributed by Food Services Establishments (FSE), despite this category accounting for only two to three per cent of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) customers. Currently, Calgary has more than 7000 FSE's. To protect the wastewater system from FOG buildup and blockages, the City Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012 has specific regulations for FSEs, with requirements for proper installation, regular maintenance and record keeping of their pre-treatment systems, mainly grease interceptors. Starting in 2012, a pilot project with 144 FSEs was conducted, with the intention to develop a FOG compliance program, FSE inspections tools and to determine if the Wastewater Bylaw requirements related to grease interceptors were being complied with by these customers. Later a FOG education campaign was launched which included creating a slogan (Stop and Think! Not down the Sink!), educational material (posters, stickers, BMPs and handouts) and a FOG program video as well as updating the FOG program landing webpages. In January 2022, The City initiated a customer education-first approach using Water Educators. Educators audited more than 7000 FSE's sites with the objectives to educate customers on FOG onsite management practices using educational materials developed during the FOG campaign and to determine the state of compliance and the level of risk associated with each FSE. Following the audit each business was categorized by risk for further enforcement or follow up from the compliance team. So far, this approach is working very effectively, within a short two year's period, the compliance team was able to work with the businesses to install XX new grease interceptors, which are estimated to prevent more than 170,000 lbs/year of FOG from entering the city wastewater system. Success and challenges experienced throughout the FOG program journey and statistical outcome as well as our next steps for achieving sustainability of the program will be presented.