Grease Management Program
Introduction - What is FOG?
Who needs a JCW Project Review…
Change of Business Ownership
Annual Operating Permit Renewal
Interceptor Pumping Variances
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What is FOG?
FOG is a combination of fats, oils, and grease. FOG includes cooking oil, animal fat and lard, grease, butter, tallow, shortening, and margarine which are used in food processing and in the preparation of food. Kitchen wastes, along with water that has been used to wash kitchen equipment and floors, contain FOG.
Why Regulate FOG?
Protecting public health and safety is a prime responsibility of Johnson County Wastewater (JCW). Sewer blockages and subsequent sewage spills pose a threat to public health and safety that can be prevented with proper grease management.
When FOG, food or wastewater containing FOG, is poured down the drain, it cools and solidifies on the walls of the sewer pipes restricting or clogging the wastewater flow. This can result in a wastewater backup into homes and businesses or discharge to the environment.
JCW has determined that the most effective way to minimize FOG accumulation in sewers is to prevent the introduction of FOG into the sewer system in the first place. To realize this goal, JCW has developed a Grease Management Program to regulate food service facilities.
Location Matters
The JCW serves most cities in Johnson County and parts of Olathe. To find out if your business is located in the JCW service area, enter your address in the box in the right hand column and select "GO". Your sewer provider will be listed in the Utility Information section of the pop-up. Use the browser back button to return to this page.
Who needs a JCW Project Review…
If you are in the JCW service area and prepare or serve food, including those that only serve drinks (coffee, soda, tea), a JCW project review is required. The project review will determine the grease management permit requirements for your establishment. A verbal "opinion" from the Grease Group will not substitute for the required project review. Please also see the Grease Interceptor Design, Inspection, and Operation Requirements page for additional information.
Prior to starting any construction related to the food service facility, the facility must have been issued a sewer connection or modified use permit from JCW. A sewer connection, modified use or grease interceptor installation permit is issued after the completion of the project review.
Project Review Submittal Requirements
The Commercial Permit Checklist is the guide for submitting commercial building and tenant finish project information to JCW for review. Please note the additional checklist items for projects that include food and/or beverage service.
Change of Business Ownership
A facility that is changing ownership with absolutely no changes to the structure, equipment, plumbing, or design, must submit:
- Kitchen layout (with all plumbing fixtures and kitchen equipment shown and labeled)
- Menu or list of food and/or beverage items to be prepared or sold
- A completed Food Service Form B – Application
- Check payable to JCW in the amount of $288.75
Annual Operating Permit Renewal
All grease interceptor operating permits expire and must be renewed annually. Facilities currently permitted by Johnson County will receive a notice prior to permit expiration with renewal materials and instructions. To renew, submit:
- A completed Food Service Form A - Renewal
- Copy of the food service owner's driver's license
- Check payable to JCW in the amount of $288.75
Permits are valid only for the year they are issued. There are no provisions for the pro-rating of licenses or refunding the licensing fees.
Grease Interceptor Pumping Variances
Most establishments are required to pump out and clean the grease interceptor a minimum of once every 90 days. A variance may be considered if you believe your interceptor requires less frequent pumping.
The following must be addressed for JCW consideration of a pumping variance request:
- A current JCW Grease Interceptor Operating Permit
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Food Service Form C - Pumping Variance Application
- A check payable to JCW in the amount of $346.50
Once the application and fees have been submitted, the operator must have the interceptor pumped and cleaned while JCW is present to begin the variance process. Call Shane Burnett at 913-715-6937 to schedule this inspection.
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