Grease and Oil Interceptors

Process Description:
One of the leading causes of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) is the improper discharge of fats, oils and grease into the sanitary sewer system. It is the responsibility of the Pretreatment Coordinator to review and approve pretreatment systems and sizing calculations, prior to plan review. This approval is necessary to ensure that the proposed pretreatment system and sizing calculations are adequate for the estimated amount of fats, oils and grease that will be discharged into the sanitary sewer system.

To ensure that pretreatment systems and sizing calculations are approved prior to submitting plans for food service establishments and vehicle maintenance facilities. This process applies to the review of new buildings, additions, change of use, alterations and interior completions.

A food service establishment includes any commercial building that has a kitchen or food preparation area where grease-laden waste is drained into the sanitary sewer system.

A vehicle maintenance facility is where automobiles are serviced, greased, repaired or washed, and includes automobile repair shops, engine repair shops, car and rental equipment washes.

Exceptions to the process:

• A typical break room such as a small kitchen inside an office building that has residential fixtures: residential double bowl sink, residential four burner range or a residential under counter dishwasher, will not require preapproval as these do not require a grease interceptor.

• The Pretreatment Coordinator will review buildings such as club houses inside a residential neighborhood, daycares and schools with residential kitchens to determine if a grease interceptor is required.

Are there any prerequisites to this process?
The applicant is required to obtain approval for the pretreatment system prior to submitting plans to the Development Services Customer Service Center.

How do I start the process?
Contact the Pretreatment Coordinator, Tim Beasley, at Timothy.Beasley@raleighnc.gov or at (919) 250-7825 to obtain the approval document.

What do I need to submit to the City?

What additional documents may be needed?

• Public Utilities Handbook
• NC Plumbing Code - Chapter 10
• City of Raleigh Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-2119 (b) (3)

Where do I submit my permit submittal package?

What are the keys to success?
Contractor must check on the list whether a grease trap will be part of the project.

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?
This is a review requirement and is part of the regular plumbing review. No additional fees are required.

How long will this process take?
Number of days to process is dependent on the type of review path chosen (i.e. Express vs. Standard). Please reference the review process for details.