AgdaPkt 2020-02-24 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.H. - Page 2 of 24 occurs by running hot water down the drain and pouring FOG in with it. As FOG travels through the sewer conveyance system, it inevitably cools, takes a solid form, and sticks to sewer pipe walls. As FOG accumulates on pipe walls, the flow of wastewater becomes restricted and a blockage is created. These conditions lead to sanitary sewer overflows that may leak into stormwater system and discharge into creeks and the Bay. When this occurs, an emergency response unit is dispatched to eliminate blockages and address overflows. Additionally, this results in regulatory compliance issues with the State Water Resources Control Board, as well as associated fines and potential claims against the City. These additional costs are ultimately absorbed through increased sewer bills to property owners and insurance premiums to the City. To address this recurring issue, staff proposes to update a FOG section within the existing Sanitary Sewer Ordinance. While the City's plumbing code addresses grease traps and interceptors, the proposed FOG section update would not result in any changes to current plumbing code requirements. ANALYSIS On February 10, 2020, the Council introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 27 of the Municipal Code adding a fats, oils and grease program, as well as enforcement penalties. If adopted, this Ordinance would take effect 30 days from adoption. However, requirements would have a two-year amnesty period in which City staff and SVCW would work with FSEs to reach compliance without any penalties. The proposed Ordinance would take effect on March 25, 2020, with a two-year amnesty period ending on March 25, 2022. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for FOG inspections is already included in the Joint Powers Authority agreement with SVCW. No additional costs are anticipated. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section 15378, because it is an administrative activity. Even if the Ordinance were to be considered a project, it would be categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15308, because it sets forth regulations to prevent FOG from entering the City's sewerage system and waterways. PUBLIC NOTICE Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 3 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 163