CITY NEWS
DID YOU KNOW…
The City of Pearland has a Pretreatment program that monitors the sanitary collection system and storm drains to prevent illicit discharges, fats, oils, grease (FOG), hazardous and toxic wastes.
treatment plants, or injuries and chemical burns to City workers who maintain sanitary sewer lines, lift stations, and wastewater treatment plants. The build-up of these wastes can cause deterioration or premature failure of sanitary sewer lines in the collection system. Therefore, these products are strictly prohibited from entering into the sanitary sewer. Pretreatment also assists Code Enforcement and the Fire Marshals in responding to illicit discharges into the environment. Chemicals, vehicle fluids, detergents, and grease all are detrimental to aquatic life and drinking water sources. Motor oil poured on the ground can seep through the soil and contaminate ground water sources. Detergents and chlorinated swimming pool water released into the street enters our storm drains, which lead directly to the creeks and streams nearby, and can result in the death of fish and vegetation that birds and aquatic animals are dependent on for survival and habitation. The City is responsible for reporting discharges to the environment that have the potential to cause impairment of streams and creeks to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These discharges can lead to costly fines by both the City and the TCEQ to the responsible discharger.
The City’s Pretreatment program protects the health and safety of the public by providing monitoring services for the sanitary collection system and storm drains. Staff monitors to prevent illicit discharges, the discharges of fats, oils, grease (FOG), and hazardous and toxic wastes from entering the City’s sanitary sewer collection system which includes pipes, lift stations, wastewater treatment plants, and most importantly the environment. The pretreatment program monitors 459 food service establishments which include restaurants, schools, churches, and grocers to minimize excessive FOG going into the sewer. Excessive grease in the sewer can cost the City and tax payers money every year. Unplugging or replacing grease- blocked pipes, repairing pump stations, cleaning up costly illegal wastewater spills and overflows, can expose people to raw sewage. Monitoring and prevention prevents a serious health hazard and guards against costly repairs which lead to higher local wastewater rates. Pretreatment also monitors 139 facilities for the hazardous or toxic wastes which include car washes, vehicle repair facilities, dry cleaners, and industrial businesses. Hazardous or toxic wastes, such as motor oil, solvents, and chemicals can cause serious treatment process issues at wastewater
459 food service establishments monitored by pretreatment
139 hazardous/toxic waste facilities monitored by pretreatment
HOW YOU CAN HELP Following these Do’s and Don’ts will help you and your neighbors avoid expensive sewer backups, plumbing emergencies, and rate increases to cover sewer maintenance and repairs, while protecting water quality in your community.
DON’T:
DO:
■■ Don’t pour cooking oil, pan drippings, bacon grease, salad dressings or sauces directly into the sink, toilet, or street. ■■ Don’t dispose of food waste into the garbage disposal; grinding food doesn’t remove FOG, it just makes it smaller. ■■ Don’t flush or put down sinks any type of wipes; even flushable wipes can cause blockages.
■■ Wipe pots, pans, and dishes prior to washing. ■■ Dispose of food waste directly into the trash. ■■ Collect waste oil and store for recycling. ■■ Visit pearlandtx.gov/fog for more tips to defend your drains.
NO
YES
Never pour grease down the kitchen sink!
Trash it in the correct way.
6 / Pearland in Motion / Fall 2018
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