The Point Arena City Council has unanimously approved sending formal letters to residents and business owners asking them to stop putting fats, oils and grease (also known as FOG) or similar waste down drains connected to the city’s sewer system.
Point Arena’s sewer system was originally installed in the 1930s. There have been renovations and replacements since, but some of the old infrastructure still exists, according to the city’s website.
According to an agenda item summary that was introduced at the Nov. 18 Point Arena City Council meeting, “The city of Point Arena has observed a steady increase in grease buildup within the wastewater collection and treatment systems. This accumulation can reduce treatment efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and cause sewer blockages or backups, ultimately affecting all ratepayers.”
In the agenda item, the city also said that each business owner and resident was responsible for maintaining and cleaning the grease interceptors, which are devices that trap grease before it is released into the sewer system. The document stated that the city code required residents and business owners to clean these interceptors regularly, so they do not create blockages in the sewer system.
Additionally, the document stated that, “Rather than adopting a new ordinance at this time, using the existing code to enforce proper installation, maintenance, and operation of grease interceptors among local food businesses is possible.”
Letters outline interceptor requirements
Letters that outline the maintenance requirements of grease interceptors will likely be sent out to Point Arena business owners and residents between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a city spokesperson.
The letter states that interceptors need to be regularly maintained, and the city’s wastewater plant chief operator will visit businesses sporadically to ensure the establishments are cleaning their interceptors and will work with the owners on evaluating the interceptors and determining whether new ones are needed.
A “grease trap/maintenance log” will also be included with the letters sent out by city staff. These logs will allow residents and business owners to track how often they clean their interceptors and how much grease and other waste is being collected.
City staff are asking business owners and residents to begin keeping detailed records of their grease interceptor cleaning schedules starting Monday, Dec. 1.
According to the city spokesperson, the total cost of sending the letters will be $200.
The next Point Arena City Council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Point Arena Veterans Building at 451 School Street. Residents can also participate virtually via Zoom. Meeting agendas can be found on the city’s website. To ask questions or request a physical copy of the agenda, call (707) 882-2122, email the city, or go in person to the Council Chambers.