Sherwood adopts FOG rules for restaurants and vehicle shops; enforcement set for Jan. 1, 2013

The Village Board voted in October 2012 to adopt two ordinances regulating fats, oils and grease (FOG) discharges to the municipal sewer system: one targeted at food establishments and another at vehicle maintenance facilities.

Motivation and content: The Village’s wastewater operator reported foaming and grease accumulation in the treatment process, which can cause operational problems and increased treatment cost. To address that, the board approved ordinances requiring affected facilities to submit grease control plans, install pretreatment or interceptors where needed, and allow regular inspections by the Village or its operator. The Board agreed that control plans must be in place and enforcement would commence with a phased deadline leading to active enforcement on Jan. 1, 2013.

Why it matters: FOG discharges can cause sanitary sewer overflows and raise treatment costs paid by all customers; the ordinances give the Village regulatory tools to require pretreatment and to charge or fine noncompliant users under established municipal enforcement procedures.

Attribution and next steps: Bruce Genskow (MCO, village wastewater operator) and Engineer Jennifer Schaff briefed the Board on operational impacts and enforcement logistics. Trustees asked staff to help food and vehicle businesses comply, to collect control plans, and to begin code enforcement after the January 2013 compliance date.