Grease Trap Requirements
Norwich, CT
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Norwich, Connecticut.
FOG Compliance in Norwich, CT
Food service establishments in Norwich operate under a combination of federal EPA pretreatment standards, Connecticut state plumbing code, and city-level FOG ordinances. Together these rules determine how grease traps must be sized, how often they must be pumped, and what happens when a restaurant falls out of compliance.
Pumping frequency is the compliance rule restaurant owners interact with most often. In Norwich, the rule is: As required to maintain compliance. This aligns with the 90-day US median enforced by most major cities. The city follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) for trap sizing and installation. Under Section 1003.3.4, which sizes traps by drainage fixture unit counts, grease interceptors installed in Norwich must meet minimum capacity thresholds based on the fixtures connected to them — 3-compartment sinks, dishwashers, pre-rinse stations, wok stoves, and floor drains on the cook line. The local minimum trap size is: FOG interceptor must be at least 17 inches in diameter.
Norwich requires a dedicated FOG permit for any food service establishment generating fats, oils, and grease. The permit is separate from, and in addition to, the plumbing permit required at installation.
Norwich enforces the 25 percent rule: grease traps must be pumped before the combined FOG and settled solids reach 25 percent of the trap's total liquid depth. Inspectors measure the depth with a sludge judge or dipstick, typically at surprise visits. Exceeding the threshold at inspection triggers a notice of violation and mandatory emergency pump-out, regardless of the scheduled pumping cycle. Per CT DEEP General Permit requirements. Establishments must maintain pumping logs, hauler manifests, and inspection reports on-site — missing records is itself a violation in most enforcement actions. Enforcement authority rests with the Norwich Public Utilities (Sewer Authority); CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which handles permit issuance, inspections, and hauler licensing.
For a deeper explanation of the rules this city enforces, read our guides on how grease traps work and the 25/50 pumping rule.
Pumping Requirements
Permits & Enforcement
Complete FOG Regulations
| Minimum Trap Size | FOG interceptor must be at least 17 inches in diameter |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | As required to maintain compliance; per CT DEEP General Permit |
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Inspections | Per CT DEEP General Permit requirements |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | Norwich Sewer Regulations; CT DEEP General Permit for Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments |
| Authority | Norwich Public Utilities (Sewer Authority); CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) |
Additional Notes
Class III and IV Food Preparation Establishments discharging to Norwich sewer must comply with CT DEEP General Permit. FOG interceptors must allow complete access for inspection and maintenance of inner chambers and for viewing/sampling of effluent. Inlet chamber must have PVC sanitary-tee extending at least 12 inches below water surface; outlet chamber tee must extend two-thirds below water surface. Norwich Public Utilities assesses Sewer Capital Connection Fees for new connections.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
Contact Information
Norwich Public Utilities: (860) 887-2555
Official Sources
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