Grease Trap Requirements
Easton, PA
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Easton, Pennsylvania.
FOG Compliance in Easton, PA
Food service establishments in Easton operate under a combination of federal EPA pretreatment standards, Pennsylvania 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 Easton, the rule is: When FOG and solids exceed 25% of trap 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 Easton 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.
Easton 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.
Easton 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. Weekly self-inspection minimum; periodic city inspections. 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 Easton, 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
| Pumping Frequency | When FOG and solids exceed 25% of trap volume; under-sink traps cleaned every 3 days minimum; all traps inspected weekly minimum |
|---|---|
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Inspections | Weekly self-inspection minimum; periodic city inspections |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | Easton Code of Ordinances - Discharges of Fats, Oils or Grease Into Sanitary Sewer System; Grease Interceptors |
| Authority | City of Easton |
Additional Notes
FOG permit required before discharge to sewer system. Grease discharge limit of 150 mg/L. Under-sink traps must be cleaned every 3 days minimum. Each facility determines cleaning frequency but must not exceed 25% capacity. Cleaning log must be maintained.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
Contact Information
(610) 250-6705
Official Sources
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