N.Y.C. Admin. Code § PC 1003: Section PC 1003: Interceptors and Separators

1003.1 Where required.

Interceptors and separators shall be provided to prevent the discharge of oil, grease, sand and other substances harmful or hazardous to the building drainage system, the public sewer, the private sewage system or the sewage treatment plant or processes.

1003.2 Approval.

The size, type and location of each interceptor and of each separator shall be designed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements of this section based on the anticipated conditions of use. Wastes that do not require treatment or separation shall not be discharged into any interceptor or separator.

1003.3 Grease interceptors.

Grease interceptors shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.6.

1003.3.1 Grease interceptors and automatic grease removal devices required.

A grease interceptor or automatic grease removal device shall be required to receive the drainage from fixtures and equipment with waste containing fats, oils, or grease located in food preparation areas and shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection. Grease interceptors and automatic grease removal devices shall receive waste only from fixtures and equipment that allow fats, oils or grease to be discharged.

1003.3.2 Reserved.

1003.3.3 Grease interceptors and automatic grease removal devices not required.

A grease interceptor or an automatic grease removal device shall not be required for individual dwelling units, any private living quarters, or non-culinary schools which only contain residential type stoves and sinks intended for teaching basic home cooking skills.

1003.3.4 Grease interceptor and automatic grease removal device sizing and standards.

Grease interceptors and automatic grease removal devices shall be sized in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection. Grease interceptors and automatic grease removal devices shall be designed and tested in accordance with PDI G101, ASME A112.14.3 or ASME A112.14.4 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1003.3.4.1 Grease interceptor capacity.

Grease interceptors shall have a grease retention capacity in accordance with the rules of the Department of Environmental Protection.

1003.3.4.2 Rate of flow controls.

Grease interceptors shall be equipped with devices to control the rate of water flow so that the water flow does not exceed the rated flow. The flow-control device shall be vented and terminate not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood rim level or be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1003.3.5 Automatic grease removal devices.

Where automatic grease removal devices are installed, such devices shall be located downstream of each fixture or multiple fixtures in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The automatic grease removal device shall be sized to pretreat the measured or calculated flows for all connected fixtures or equipment in accordance with the sizing requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection. Ready access shall be provided for inspection and maintenance.

1003.3.6 Direct connection.

The discharge piping from a grease interceptor shall be directly connected to the sanitary drainage system.

1003.4 Oil separators required.

At repair garages where floor or trench drains are provided, car washing facilities with engine or undercarriage cleaning capability, factories where oily and flammable liquid wastes are produced and hydraulic elevator pits, oil separators shall be installed into which oil-bearing, grease-bearing or flammable wastes shall be discharged before emptying into the building drainage system or other point of disposal.

Exception:

An oil separator is not required in hydraulic elevator pits where an automatic shut-down system is installed for the prevention of accidental discharge of oil-laden waste water into the sanitary system. Such systems shall not terminate the operation of pumps utilized to maintain emergency operation of the elevator by fire fighters.

1003.4.1 Separation of liquids.

A mixture of treated or untreated light and heavy liquids with various specific gravities shall be separated in an approved receptacle.

1003.4.2 Oil separator design.

Oil separators shall be listed and labeled, or designed in accordance with Sections 1003.4.2.1 and 1003.4.2.2.

1003.4.2.1 General design requirements.

Oil separators shall have a depth of not less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the invert of the discharge drain. The outlet opening of the separator shall have not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) water seal.

1003.4.2.2 Garages and service stations.

Where automobiles are serviced, greased, repaired or washed or where gasoline is dispensed, oil separators shall have a capacity of not less than 6 cubic feet (0.168 m

3

) for the first 100 square feet (9.3 m

2

) of area to be drained, plus 1 cubic foot (0.028 m

3

) for each additional 100 square feet (9.3 m

2

) of area to be drained into the separator. Parking garages in which servicing, repairing or washing is not conducted, and in which gasoline is not dispensed, shall not require a separator. Areas of commercial garages utilized only for storage of automobiles are not required to be drained through a separator.

1003.5 Sand interceptors in commercial establishments.

Sand and similar interceptors for heavy solids shall be designed and located so as to be provided with ready access for cleaning, and shall have a water seal of not less than 6 inches (152 mm).

1003.6 Clothes washer discharge interceptor.

Clothes washers shall discharge through an interceptor that is provided with a wire basket or similar device, removable for cleaning, that prevents passage into the drainage system of solids 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) or larger in size, string, rags, buttons or other materials detrimental to the public sewage system.

Exceptions:

1. Clothes washers in individual dwelling units shall not be required to discharge through an interceptor.

2. A single clothes washer designed for use in individual dwelling units and installed in a location other than an individual dwelling unit shall not be required to discharge through an interceptor.

1003.7 Bottling establishments.

Bottling plants shall discharge process wastes into an interceptor that will provide for the separation of broken glass or other solids before discharging waste into the drainage system.

1003.8 Slaughterhouses.

Slaughtering room and dressing room drains shall be equipped with approved separators. The separator shall prevent the discharge into the drainage system of feathers, entrails and other materials that cause clogging.

1003.9 Venting of interceptors and separators.

Interceptors and separators shall be designed so as not to become air bound. Interceptors and separators shall be vented in accordance with one of the methods in

Chapter 9

.

1003.10 Access and maintenance of interceptors and separators.

Access shall be provided to each interceptor and separator for service and maintenance, and for inspection by the department and the Department of Environmental Protection. Interceptors and separators shall be maintained by periodic removal of accumulated grease, scum, oil, or other floating substances and solids deposited in the interceptor or separator.