Paul Kramer of Gresham, Oregon, joins The Water Values Podcast to discuss a subject too infrequently discussed: Fats, Oils and Grease, or FOG. Paul walks us through what FOG is and how it gets into the sewer system and disrupts the system’s operation. He then discusses elements of a FOG program, including the extensive internal and external communication necessary, and what a FOG program launch entails. If you’d never heard about FOG before, or even if you had, this episode will be a real eye-opener.

In this session, you’ll learn about:

What FOG is
Why FOG is important
How FOG creates blockages in sewer lines leading to sanitary sewer overflows, combined sewer overflows, sewer pipe degradation, increased sewer bills and more
What a FOG program is
The legal authority on which a FOG program can be based
How to set up a FOG program
The other city departments with which Paul interfaced when setting up the FOG program
How Paul undertook outreach to his “customers†in the FOG program
Why it takes about 3 years to see results from a FOG program
Why FOG program compliance is easier than you think
FOG disposal
The use of FOG in energy production

Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:

City of Gresham, Oregon, FOG Program website
Paul’s email: Paul.Kramer at GreshamOregon.gov
FOG Ordinance (San Antonio Water System)
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission website listing large number of FOG resources
EPA website on recycling FOG, including energy production

Transcript

Click here to download the Transcript for Session 62 of The Water Values Podcast.

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