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.

This material includes a Stop the Clog, Fight FOG flyer and brochure, Know Your FOG flyer, and A FOG-Free Holiday Season flyer, which explain what FOG is and what residents can do to prevent FOG from going down the drain. These are meant to be posted on a City’s website to allow residents easy access to the information.