Louisville Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Restaurants

Louisville-Specific Grease Trap Requirements

Louisville Metro Health Department requires food service establishments to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors based on facility size and wastewater volume. All grease removal devices must be located inside the building or in an accessible external location that allows regular pumping and inspection. Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR 216:1:350) mandate that grease interceptors have a minimum 750-gallon capacity for most establishments, though larger facilities may require 1,000+ gallons. Your system must include cleanouts, baffles, and proper ventilation. Documentation of installation and compliance must be available during health inspections.

Monthly and Quarterly Inspection Checklist

Inspect grease trap contents monthly by measuring the grease layer depth—if it exceeds 25% of tank depth, schedule immediate pumping. Check all baffles for cracks, corrosion, or displacement; damaged baffles allow grease to bypass treatment. Verify inlet and outlet pipes remain clear of blockages. Test water flow rate to ensure proper drainage and identify backups early. Document all observations, maintenance dates, and pumping records in a log; Louisville inspectors will request this during unannounced visits. Schedule professional pumping every 30–90 days depending on volume, with quarterly verification that your service provider is EPA-compliant.

Common Louisville Violations and Prevention

The most frequent violation is failing to pump grease traps on schedule, resulting in overflow into municipal sewers—Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) fines exceed $500 per day. Improper disposal of fryer oil down drains, even with 'bio' products, violates local codes and clogs interceptors. Installing traps without proper venting or using the wrong capacity type also triggers citations. Never allow staff to apply chemical grease removers without written approval from Louisville Metro Health Department, as these can interfere with municipal treatment plants. Keep receipts from licensed pumping contractors and maintain your system's certification documents to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

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