Grease Trap Requirements
St. Louis, MO
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in St. Louis, Missouri. Serving 1,002 food service establishments.
Pumping Requirements
Permits & Enforcement
Complete FOG Regulations
| Minimum Trap Size | 1,000-gallon gravity grease interceptor minimum (per 950 lbs grease capacity required) |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum for standard restaurants; monthly for high-volume establishments (fast food, fried food). Must clean when grease reaches 25% of trap depth or 60% total capacity. |
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Maximum Fine | $1,000+ (starting fine for first violation; escalating substantially for repeat violations) |
| Inspections | Ongoing MSD compliance checks; bi-annual health department food safety inspections also check grease traps |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | MSD Ordinance No. 8472 |
| Authority | Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) |
Additional Notes
All food service operations must register with MSD's FOG program by submitting a Sewer Use Customer Application and Food Service Operation Form. Grease trap design must be submitted to MSD for review and approval before installation. Records must be maintained for minimum 3 years on-site. MSD may issue emergency shutdown orders for persistent violations.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
Contact Information
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District: (314) 768-6260
Official Sources
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