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1. What lead to the FOG ordinance?

In the first half of 2017 (January through June) we had 24 sanitary sewer overflows, 20 of those caused by grease. If we don't cool it with all the fats, oil and grease, Abilene will be headed toward a drainwreck. These overflows create a large, stenchy mess in our roadways and lead to road closures. Closed roads prevent traffic from visiting businesses and affect commute times for residents. Finally, sewer overflows are expensive to fix - not just for the City, but for local businesses and residents.

2. How does FOG affect business?

So what does this ordinance mean for your business? The good news - if you are already pumping grease regularly and have trip manifest records on-site, nothing. You are in compliance and it will be business as usual. But for those food service businesses that are not, it is now a requirement. 

From now on, the City of Abilene will be doing random inspections. Businesses that are in violation of the ordinance will have an opportunity for voluntary compliance - an option period to correct the violations. If violations are found during the follow-up inspection and with any future inspections, a minimum fine of $1,000 will be issued. The amount and course of action by the City are dependent on the severity of the violations. Extreme issues can even result in a stop work order.