Apopka Businesses: Strict Grease Trap Maintenance Rules Mandated by City Ordinance

Apopka businesses must adhere to strict regulations for grease trap, interceptor, and separator maintenance. The City's Sewer Use Ordinance places sole responsibility for these units' cleaning and upkeep on the owner. Businesses must hire a professional hauler for cleaning and maintenance at least every 90 days, or sooner if solids and grease reduce the unit's removal capacity by more than 20%.

Haulers operating in Apopka must follow specific rules during cleaning and pump-out procedures. This includes the complete removal of all contents from the units, such as floating materials, wastewater, sludge, and solids. Cleaning must extend to the tank walls, baffles, cross pipes, and both inlet and outlet pipes.

The ordinance strictly prohibits practices like decanting, backflushing, or discharging removed wastes back into the interceptor or trap. All wastes removed must go to a facility permitted to receive such materials. No portion of the pumpage can return to any private or public collection system or treatment plant without prior written approval from the Public Services Director.

Haulers must document all pumping and maintenance on a hauling manifest. This manifest needs to detail the pumping, hauling, and disposal of wastes, along with the depth of grease in the unit and any accumulated sludge or solids. A copy of the completed manifest, including disposal information, must be emailed to Apopka's Pretreatment within five business days of the pump-out event.

These regulations ensure proper waste management and protect the city's sewer infrastructure. Businesses should review their maintenance schedules and ensure their chosen haulers comply with all local requirements.