Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) buildup in the City of Lansing’s sewer system poses a public health threat to residents by causing raw sewage to back up into buildings and overflow onto streets, eventually getting into waterways. To ensure FOG is properly disposed of, the CLC fellow drafted an amended FOG ordinance and created outreach materials on FOG for food service establishments (FSEs) and residents. The primary deliverable, an amended Ordinance 1040 Sewers, includes language that reflects stricter enforcement of grease interceptor inspection and maintenance at the more than 440 FSEs in the City of Lansing. The ordinance and outreach materials are to be used as a baseline for other cities to then personalize based on their needs.

• Location: Lansing, MI
• Project Team: Audrey Wilfong (Fellow), University of Michigan School of Public Health; Lori Welch (Mentor), Sustainability Manager for the City of Lansing; Erin Buitendorp (Technical Advisor), Operations Specialist for the City of Lansing
• Project Presentation (PDF)
• Project Deliverable: City Council Packet
• Project Deliverable: FOG Outreach Material for Food Service Establishments
• Project Deliverable: FOG Outreach Material for Residents