Spokane County’s Grease Rule: Code 8.03.5020–8.03.5080, Translated

Who must have a device

Section 8.03.5020 requires a grease control device for food service establishments discharging to the county sewer, sized and installed to the plumbing code Washington adopts (the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code under WAC 51-56). The county also lists fats, oils and grease among prohibited discharges where they cause or threaten interference or obstruction (8.03A.0201(B)(19)).

How often it must be cleaned (8.03.5080.B)

• B.1 traps: “at least every thirty (30) days or whenever twenty-five percent (25%) of the trap volume is occupied by grease and solids, whichever occurs first.”
• B.2 interceptors: “pumped by a wastewater hauler at least every ninety (90) days or whenever twenty-five percent (25%) of the last chamber volume is occupied by grease and solids, whichever occurs first. If grease is observed in the sample box, the interceptor shall be pumped immediately.”
• B.5 method: pumped dry; sides, baffles and tees washed; wash water not returned to the device or the sewer.
• B.6 additives: enzymes, bacteria, solvents and surfactants “not permitted” for the purpose of maintaining a device. Why →

Records (8.03.5080.C)

Kept on site for three years: date and time of each cleaning, volume removed, and the hauler. What a good record looks like →

Exceptions and enforcement

• E: the director may grant an exception to the frequency where records show the device stays under 25%.
• F: the county may inspect; sewer cleaning or repair caused by a failure to maintain is billed to the owner.
• 8.03A.0906 / 8.03A.1001: administrative fines up to $10,000 per violation per day; civil penalties $1,000 to $10,000 per violation per day. Fines →

Whose sewer are you on?

The county code governs county sewer customers, which includes most of Spokane Valley and the unincorporated areas. The City of Spokane runs its own pretreatment program under SMC 13.03A. City vs county →