City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
New Regulations for the Discharge of Fats, Oils, And Grease to the City's Sewer System Recommendation
A. Conduct the Public Hearing; and
B. Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because the adoption of the ordinance is not a “project” pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 section 15378(b)(2) as the ordinance is a general policy and procedure making activity;
C. Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1312, adding Chapter 13.25 to the Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) regulating the discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to the City's Sewer System; and
D. Direct staff to schedule the second reading and adoption for the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting.
Background
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are a leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows, which occur when sewer lines become obstructed and wastewater discharges onto streets and other public areas.
These overflows pose significant risks to public health, can trigger regulatory enforcement and fines from State and Federal agencies, and expose the City to potential third-party liability related to water quality impacts. Within the City of Vernon, FOG accumulation is the primary cause of sewer blockages. Recent incidents involving FOG discharges from Food Service Establishments (FSEs) have resulted in sewer line blockages and required costly cleanup and extraordinary maintenance by the City.
To address these public health risks, establish clear municipal standards, and comply with applicable state regulatory requirements, the proposed ordinance would add Chapter 13.25 to the Vernon Municipal Code (VMC). Chapter 13.25 would regulate the discharge of FOG into the City’s sanitary sewer system and establish operational and discharge standards designed to prevent sewer blockages and overflows.
The key provisions of Ordinance No. 1312 include:
o The establishment of a FOG discharge permit program requiring all FSEs that generate FOG to register as FOG facilities by January 1, 2030;
o A requirement that all existing FOG-generating FSEs install grease interceptors by January 1, 2030.
o The establishment of a numeric limit on the concentration of FOG discharged to the sewer system;
o Requirements for the proper operation and maintenance of grease control devices; and o The establishment of self-monitoring, record keeping, and staff training requirements to ensure implementation of best management practices to minimize FOG discharges to the sewer system.
The proposed January 1, 2030, compliance deadline provides sufficient time for FSEs to install grease interceptors and implement necessary operational changes to meet the new requirements. The timeline also allows the City to conduct outreach and education to ensure affected businesses understand the new standards and compliance obligations.
Adoption of this ordinance will establish the regulatory framework for the City’s FOG Management Program, which is intended to reduce grease accumulation in the sewer system, prevent sewer blockages and overflows, and protect public health and water quality.
Implementation of these standards will support the long-term reliability and sustainability of the City’s wastewater infrastructure.
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1312 on April 7, 2026, and direct staff to schedule the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance for April 21, 2026.
The proposed ordinance has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. The cost of managing the program will be offset by the FOG regulatory fees.
Attachments
1. Ordinance No. 1312
2. Notice of Public Hearing