FOG stands for Fats, Oil and Grease. Grease is the common term for animal fats and vegetable oils. Why is FOG A Problem? When grease enters our sewer system, it acts much the same way as it does when it sticks to your pots and pans – it collects on the pipe walls and builds up until there is a clog. When a sewer line clogs, the pressure has to be released somewhere. Generally this is the lowest point available – which may mean backing up into the establishment that caused the grease, or in another building between there and the back-up. The sewage may also find a manhole and overflow – in which case it is not only a serious public health hazard, but if it gets into a storm drain and into the ocean, it’s an environmental problem as well.
