August 22, 2023

Did you know…Accumulation of Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) in the City’s sewer collection system can cause Sanitary Sewer
Overflows which damage the environment and public and private property? FOG in the sewer collection system also interferes with pump, pipe and manhole efficiencies and increases sewer maintenance and treatment costs!

The City plans to adopt a new Ordinance to address discharge of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) into the City’s sewer collection system. The new Ordinance establishes FOG and insoluble waste discharge prohibitions and requirements, provides for City inspections and enforcement, and requires FOG and insoluble waste dischargers to participate in the City’s FOG Control Program.

Who will this ordinance affect?

The Ordinance will apply to all food service establishments, food manufacturer/processors, commercial and industrial businesses, and other entities with potential to discharge wastewater containing fats, oils, grease, sand or other insoluble waste to the city sanitary sewer system.

Affected businesses would include, but not be limited to, restaurants, grocery stores, meat markets, hotels, factory and office building cafeterias, public and private schools, hospitals, commercial day care centers and churches located within the City’s sewer collection system Service Area.

Commercial and Industrial businesses covered by the new Ordinance would include oil, sand, grit, and insoluble waste dischargers such as automotive repair businesses, car washes, and, commercial trash enclosures within the City’s sewer collection Service Area.

What are the boundaries of this Ordinance?

The City’s collection Service Area is from Frenchman’s Creek at the north to Miramontes Point Road at the south.

How can you share your input on this change?

The city will be hosting a community informational meeting for all affected businesses located within the limits listed above. The meeting will be held:

September 12, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Ted Adcock Center (535 Kelly Avenue)
*Spanish interpretation will be provided, please contact Denice Hutten if you need additional language services

The first reading of the FOG Ordinance is scheduled for City Council on:

September 19, 2023, 7:00 pm
City Council First Ordinance Reading
Ted Adcock Center and zoom hybrid

For more information, please visit the City’s website at hmbcity.com/sewer or Contact: Denice Hutten, Associate Engineer, at [email protected], or by telephone 650-750-2005.