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. |
