Commercial FOG

Commercial Fats, Oils, & Grease (F.O.G) for Food Service Establishments (FSE)

The State requires each city or sewer agency to develop and implement a FOG control program.  Though the specifics vary, the programs generally follow the basic approach of prohibiting FOG discharges and mandating the use of kitchen Best Management Practices (BMPs) at the FSEs in their jurisdictions.  

Fredericksburg’s FOG Control Program currently includes approximately 140 FSEs that discharge directly to Fredericksburg owned sewer lines.

FOG is a common term for the excess animal fats and vegetable oils that are generated during cooking and many food preparation steps. 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 have long been known to have the potential to adversely impact the sewer system by discharging FOG-containing wastewater from their kitchens.

Food Service Establishments (FSE) 

The City of Fredericksburg is currently designing a program to partner with FSE’s to help ensure Grease Control Devices (GCD) are in place and properly maintained. 

The following fact sheets provide more information on Fredericksburg’s FOG Control Program, discharge prohibitions, and kitchen BMPs. All website materials may be printed or electronically distributed for use under the following conditions: the content is used for informational and non-commercial purposes only and the content is not modified. 

Additional Resources 

The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) provides information on how commercial foodservice establishments can better control F.O.G. discharge in their Commercial F.O.G. Fact Sheet (PDF). 

The Virginia Municipal League’s “Understanding Wastewater Regulation in Virginia” provides additional information on F.O.G. https://vml.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/06WaterReg_Rpt_0.pdf