Fats, oils, and greases shouldn’t be put down sinks or toilets in homes or businesses, but according to Fort Dodge Public Works officials, that’s exactly what’s happening, and it’s damaging the city’s sewer systems.

“We clean drains around the mall area twice a year,” said Troy Brandt, the city’s building official. “Otherwise we’d have backups. We did First Avenue South a couple of weeks ago, and when they did it, they had to go in a second time because it was so bad.”

According to Brandt, the fats, oils, and greases that are discarded incorrectly plug up the city’s sewer system and could potentially create an overflow that would then go into the city’s storm sewers and into the river. That would be an Environmental Protection Agency violation and fine.

“For those that don’t follow the rules, there are fees associated with it,” said Brandt. “If they’re blatant, it could be turning off the city water.”

City officials are hoping to answer questions and educate business owners, specifically those who work with fats, oils, and greases on a daily basis on traps, interceptors, and other devices which should be used, as well as to note requirements and fines for those who are not compliant.

“We want to educate and make sure that people are being compliant,” said Brandt. “That’s why we’re hosting these meetings. It saves them money in the long run and makes sure that we’re all complying with federal, state, and local ordinances or laws, so that there’s no repercussions, and we’re able to keep our storm sewers clear and protect our water systems.”

The meetings, all of which will be held in the City Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S., include automotive, auto body, car washes, hospitals, care facilities, schools, hotels, catering services, grocery stores, fast foods, and restaurants, as well as plumbing, and mechanical contractors.

According to Brandt, backflow devices and cross contamination will be discussed at the upcoming meetings as well as sand-oil separators, industrial waste management, grease trap maintenance and waste management.

“These meetings are a valuable opportunity to learn, ask questions, and ensure compliance with regulations,” said Brandt. “Working together we can protect our environment and keep Fort Dodge’s sewer system running smoothly.”

Fats, Oils, Grease Informative Meetings

Today, 8 a.m., City Council Chambers: Hospital, care facilities, institutions, schools

Today, 1 p.m., City Council Chambers: Automotive, auto body, car washes, industrial

Wednesday, 9 a.m., City Council Chambers: Hotels, motels, catering services, grocery stores

Thursday, 1 p.m., City Council Chambers: Hotels, motels, catering services, grocery stores

Thursday, 9:30 a.m., City Council Chambers: Restaurants, fast food catering, grocery stores

Friday, 9 a.m., City Council Chambers: Plumbing, mechanical contractors (FOG, laterals, backflows, fees)

May 13, 7 a.m., City Council Chambers: Plumbing, mechanical contractors (FOG, laterals, backflows, fees)

May 13, 1 p.m., City Council Chambers: Restaurants, fast food catering, grocery stores

May 14, 8 a.m., City Council Chambers: Automotive, auto body, car washes, industrial

May 14, 2 p.m., City Council Chambers: Hospital, care facilities, institutions, schools