Grease Trap Requirements
Harrisburg, PA
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
FOG Compliance in Harrisburg, PA
Food service establishments in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, the rule is: Routine servicing required. 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 Harrisburg 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.
Harrisburg 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. Violations carry maximum penalties of 1000 . 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.
Harrisburg 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. Periodic facility inspections by Capital Region Water. 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 Capital Region Water (CRW), 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 | Routine servicing required; frequency determined by facility and Capital Region Water |
|---|---|
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Maximum Fine | 1000 |
| Inspections | Periodic facility inspections by Capital Region Water |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | City of Harrisburg Code of Ordinances; Capital Region Water Rules and Regulations (revised January 2020); Susquehanna Township 5-402.12 |
| Authority | Capital Region Water (CRW) |
Additional Notes
Capital Region Water revised rules in January 2020 to include comprehensive FOG section requiring grease removal devices in food service facilities. Inspection program visits each facility to verify compliance. General ordinance violation fine up to $1,000 per violation.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
Contact Information
Susquehanna Sewer Authority: (717) 545-0116
Official Sources
- - Susquehanna Township Grease Trap Ordinance (Specifically 5-402.12 Grease Traps)
- Sewer Authority Grease Traps Page
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