Louisville Grease Trap Requirements & Maintenance Rules

Louisville Metro & Kentucky State Grease Trap Rules

Louisville Metro Government enforces grease trap requirements under the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) code Chapter 120. All food service establishments must install and maintain grease interceptors sized according to flow rate calculations, typically 750–1,500 gallons for moderate-volume restaurants. Kentucky state food service regulations (902 KAR 20:031) require grease interceptors be pumped when contents reach 25% of tank capacity, not simply at set intervals. Louisville MSD requires monthly inspections documented by the facility operator, with written maintenance logs available for health department review.

Maintenance Schedules & Pumping Frequency

Unlike federal EPA guidelines that address industrial pretreatment district-wide, Louisville MSD sets stricter local standards. Grease traps must be pumped every 30–60 days depending on volume; high-volume operations may need bi-weekly service. Kentucky regulations prohibit grease discharge into sanitary sewers at concentrations exceeding 150 mg/L. Cleaning must be performed by licensed waste haulers contracted with Louisville. Documentation of pump-outs, including dates, weights, and hauler credentials, must be retained for 3 years and provided to MSD inspectors during audits.

How Louisville Standards Differ from Federal Requirements

Federal EPA pretreatment standards (40 CFR 403) set baseline pollution limits but allow local sewer authorities greater authority. Louisville MSD's enforcement is notably stricter than federal minimums, requiring daily visual inspections and monthly operator sign-offs—federal rules do not mandate daily checks. Kentucky state law bridges federal and local requirements by establishing pump-at-25%-capacity rules, while Louisville city code adds documentation burdens absent in federal regulations. Non-compliance with Louisville requirements triggers MSD enforcement separate from FDA or state food service violations, creating dual-jurisdiction accountability.

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