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On October 1, 2002, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer Board (MAWSS) began implementation of its EPA-approved Grease
Control Program. While developing the program, MAWSS worked with the City of Mobile to pass an effective grease
haulers ordinance and successfully coordinated with and received stakeholder input from the Alabama Restaurant
Association (ARA). The program includes a comprehensive public awareness campaign using print and TV media to both
inform the public of the adverse impact of grease on collection system performance and to provide education on proper
disposal methods. Coupled with its public awareness campaign, MAWSS has implemented a multi-phased compliance
inspection, sampling and enforcement program for Food Server Facilities. Currently over 600 facilities are monitored
under the program. Following an initial visit by MAWSS, facilities are required to submit a grease control action
plan for MAWSS review. Subsequent to action plan approval, MAWSS forces conduct preliminary, monthly, quarterly,
and random sampling depending upon the grease control option chosen by the facility.
While the range of sampling schedule options allow for the most efficient use of MAWSS sampling resources,
the number of facilities and the varying sampling options do require a more complex sampling and enforcement
management information system. To accurately record sample data, ensure sampling schedules are met, and to
coordinate possible penalties with customer billing, MAWSS has implemented a web-based tracking system along
with a tablet PC application for data collection. Through working with other agencies, receiving stakeholder
input, widespread public awareness, and comprehensive monitoring, MAWSS has developed a model program to
effectively control FOG, one of the leading causes of collection system overflows.
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