Fats, Oils and Grease Program Instructions to Plumbers

Performing Work Related to Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Violations 

Please read and follow the requirements of the Notice of Violation (NOV) that your customer received. Note the deadline dates specified for complying with the NOV and the specific items that must be corrected. WSSC will not issue you a copy of the NOV; that is your customer’s responsibility. Contact the issuing FOG investigator to discuss the requirements of the NOV. The investigator’s contact information can be found on the NOV.

Applying for a WSSC Plumbing Permit for a FOG Violation

• Using ePermitting, submit your plumbing permit (plumbing fuel gas [PFG] or short-form permit [SFP]) application. On the application, be sure to indicate that the permit is in response to a FOG violation and include the FOG violation number (found on the NOV) where indicated.
   
• A plan review case will be created, on ProjectDox, for submission of plans for review, as required by the FOG investigator and WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Applicant will be notified of the plan case creation.

Important: Some repairs do not require a plumbing permit. Those include:

• Internal grease trap or grease interceptor repairs: Baffle wall replacements or repairs, inlet or outlet baffle repairs or replacements, tailpiece resizing do not require a plumbing permit.
   
• “Like for Like” grease trap replacements only require an SFP. However, if more than one inspection is required for the replacement of the grease trap, a long-form PFG permit is required. For example, the replacement of an in-ground grease trap will require at least two inspections, possibly three: groundwork, close-in, and final. It is possible that close-in and final can be completed in the same inspection.

Notes 

• Replacement grease interceptor/trap must be of the same type and size or larger.
• For work not requiring a permit, please submit details of the materials and methods to be used to perform the work, to the issuing FOG investigator.
• Contact the FOG investigator with any questions. Email is preferred.

Submitting Plans/Drawings for FOG Review and Approval

Prepare your written plan to correct the violation. Applicable paperwork such as plans/drawings, the NOV and manufacturer’s specification sheets must be submitted through the ProjectDox program separate from ePermitting. All plan submittals shall consist of (at a minimum):

• Copy of the NOV issued to your customer
• Sketch of the kitchen floor plan plumbing with fixture drains and pipe sizes labeled
• All notes on your submitted drawing so the FOG investigator is clear on the work you are proposing to perform
• Make, model and volume (static holding capacity in gallons) of the grease recovery device (grease trap or interceptor) and its cut sheet or manufacturer’s booklet
• Grease abatement device manufacturer’s specification sheet/description; ensure the flow-based grease interceptor conforms to PDI-G 101, ASME A112.14.3, or ASME A112.14.4 and shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
• WSSC Code Modification Waiver Request form (if applicable)

The ePermitting permit application and ProjectDox plans submittal will be reviewed by the appropriate FOG staff. You may be requested to submit additional information. If plans are rejected or returned to applicant, please note any corrections requested, update the submittal accordingly and resubmit.

With prior FOG staff approval, you may email your submittals to the appropriate FOG Section staff for a preliminary (non-official) review. Upon approval of the drawings and permit application, you will be notified that your permit is ready for payment. Once fees have been paid, the permit will be issued.

Please refer all questions concerning the status of your plans to the issuing investigator or their designee.

Important: All plumbing plans related to FOG violations must be reviewed and approved by the issuing FOG investigator and/or qualified FOG staff member. WSSC Plans Review staff do not review plans for FOG violation work unless the plumber is notified of a unique or temporary change to this procedure. 

Note: For work not requiring a permit, in lieu of a plan review, please submit the details of the materials and methods to be used to perform the work to the issuing investigator.

Work that requires a permit (long or short form) will be inspected by a WSSC plumbing inspector, not the FOG Section or a FOG investigator. Unless specifically directed otherwise, schedule your PFG or SFP permit inspections through the ePermitting automated system. In addition to scheduling the inspection on ePermitting, please advise the FOG Section of your intended inspection date.

Work that does not require a permit will be inspected by the NOV-issuing FOG investigator or a designated FOG Section team member. To schedule an inspection of work that does not require a permit, contact the applicable FOG investigator to coordinate the date and time to perform your inspection. If you have any questions regarding FOG-related permits, plans or inspections, please contact the issuing FOG investigator.