What are the grease trap requirements in Tewksbury, MA?

Food service establishments in Tewksbury must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Tewksbury?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum capacity; minimum depth of 4 feet (Massachusetts state standard). Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Tewksbury, MA

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Tewksbury?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Tewksbury. Fee: $100/year (low volume); $200/year (medium volume); $300/year (high volume) - annual recordkeeping and inspection fee.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

At least every 3 months or whe

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At least every 3 months or when 25% rule is triggered, whichever comes first; monthly inspection for abnormalities required

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee $100/year (low volume); $200/year (medium volume); $300/year (high volume) - annual recordkeeping and inspection fee

Max Fine $50 per day starting 10 days after receipt of written notice from Board of Health

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum capacity; minimum depth of 4 feet (Massachusetts state standard)
Pumping Frequency	At least every 3 months or when 25% rule is triggered, whichever comes first; monthly inspection for abnormalities required
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	$100/year (low volume); $200/year (medium volume); $300/year (high volume) - annual recordkeeping and inspection fee
Maximum Fine	$50 per day starting 10 days after receipt of written notice from Board of Health
Inspections	Monthly inspections by establishment required; Board of Health inspections as part of annual fee program
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Town of Tewksbury Grease Tank and Grease Trap Regulations (effective 10/18/2018)
Authority	Town of Tewksbury Board of Health

Additional Notes

Board of Health may suspend or revoke permits to operate food establishments for failure to correct violations. Establishments must submit corrective plan within 30 days of receiving written notice of violation. Massachusetts 248 CMR state plumbing code provides baseline requirements. Low/medium/high volume classifications determine fee tiers.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.