Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA)

ECUA Grease Interceptor (Fats, Oils and Grease) Permit

County Code Sec. 54-1 regulates food establishments that discharge wastewater into the ECUA system and, under F.S. 162.21, designates ECUA as the county's agent to enforce it. The section applies in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county within the ECUA wastewater collection and treatment service area, so it covers restaurants and coffee shops in Pensacola as well as in the unincorporated county. No food establishment may discharge wastewater into an ECUA facility until it first obtains a grease interceptor permit from ECUA, and the application is filed on ECUA's form with the permit application fee set by resolution of the ECUA board. New food establishments must install grease interceptors of the design and capacity the Florida Building Code specifies, and kitchen waste lines, floor drains, sinks and dishwashers must run through the interceptor. Permittees keep grease interceptor service records for at least three years. ECUA's Fats, Oils & Grease page states that "There is presently a monthly administrative fee of $25.00 per month, which is added to the water bill of the FOG producer", and that a food service establishment that fails an inspection is re-inspected within 10 calendar days and charged a re-inspection fee of $100. The code text names the authority the Escambia County Utilities Authority; its website now uses the name Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. ECUA FOG program contacts: (850) 969-6513 and (850) 969-6514.