Grease Trap Requirements
Meridian, ID
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Meridian, Idaho.
FOG Compliance in Meridian, ID
Food service establishments in Meridian operate under a combination of federal EPA pretreatment standards, Idaho 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 Meridian, the rule is: When FOG and solids exceed 20% of unit volume. 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 Meridian 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: Per city and Idaho plumbing code requirements.
Meridian requires a dedicated FOG permit for any food service establishment generating fats, oils, and grease. The annual permit fee is Unknown - see city fee schedule at apps.meridiancity.org/CITYFEEWEB. The permit is separate from, and in addition to, the plumbing permit required at installation. Violations carry maximum penalties of Unknown - per Meridian City Code Title 9 enforcement provisions . Fines typically escalate with repeat violations, and severe discharges that cause sanitary sewer overflows can trigger federal Clean Water Act penalties layered on top of local fines.
Periodic per pretreatment program. 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 City of Meridian Public Works - Pretreatment Program, 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 | Per city and Idaho plumbing code requirements |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | When FOG and solids exceed 20% of unit volume; high-volume kitchens may need weekly cleaning |
| 25% Rule | Check with local authority |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Permit Fee | Unknown - see city fee schedule at apps.meridiancity.org/CITYFEEWEB |
| Maximum Fine | Unknown - per Meridian City Code Title 9 enforcement provisions |
| Inspections | Periodic per pretreatment program |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | Meridian City Code Title 9, Chapter 2 (Water and Sewer); US 40 CFR 403 federal pretreatment standards |
| Authority | City of Meridian Public Works - Pretreatment Program |
Additional Notes
Uses a stricter 20% rule instead of the standard 25% rule. Free Fat-Free Drain Kit available at City Hall Utility Billing (includes plastic can topper, grease scraper, info card). Pretreatment Program Manager at 208-888-2191. Full responsibility on FSEs for installation, inspection, and maintenance.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
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