Who determines if I need a grease trap or interceptor?
When waste pretreatment (FOG collection) is required by the JCSA or James City County (JCC) Codes Compliance, a grease trap or interceptor shall be installed according to the manufacturers instructions, and the International Plumbing Code. Further federal and regional directives and guidelines may also apply as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). The JCSA Special Projects Coordinator will help the facility manager in determining if JCSA requires a grease trap or interceptor. James City County and Virginia State codes prohibit the discharge of materials that can solidify and create blockages in the wastewater collection system or treatment plants. The VDH makes periodic inspections to see that no health problems exist due to improperly maintained grease interceptors.
During new construction or remodel the building department may require you to install a grease trap or grease interceptor in accordance with the current plumbing code. Businesses in existing spaces may be required to install a grease trap or grease interceptor by the sewer utility in order to comply with their FOG Control Plan.
