Grease Trap Requirements
Morgantown, WV
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Morgantown, West Virginia.
FOG Compliance in Morgantown, WV
Food service establishments in Morgantown operate under a combination of federal EPA pretreatment standards, West Virginia 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 Morgantown, the rule is: Regular 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 Morgantown 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: 500 gallons (per WV state plumbing code adopting IPC).
Morgantown 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.
Morgantown 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. MUB staff inspecting approximately 241 locations with restaurants and cafeterias. 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 Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) in coordination with Monongalia County Health Department, 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 | 500 gallons (per WV state plumbing code adopting IPC) |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | Regular servicing required; manifests checked during inspections |
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Inspections | MUB staff inspecting approximately 241 locations with restaurants and cafeterias |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | International Plumbing Code (IPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | City of Morgantown Code of Ordinances; WV Plumbing Code (IPC 2018 adoption) |
| Authority | Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) in coordination with Monongalia County Health Department |
Additional Notes
MUB identifies FOG as the number one issue in NPDES permitting. MUB and Health Department conduct joint inspections of restaurants and cafeterias, checking manifests to verify regular servicing. WV state plumbing code (IPC-based) requires minimum 500-gallon interceptor capacity. MUB working to increase FSE awareness of grease trap maintenance responsibilities.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
Contact Information
Monongalia County Health Department: (304) 598-5100
Official Sources
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