Wastewater Systems
Check out this important Public Service Message:
Please, remember- NO WIPES DOWN THE PIPES!
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System Overview
Water / Wastewater Master Plan | Water Reclamation Facility PPT
Certified operators and laboratory personnel oversee the entire Wastewater System and processes 24 hours per day, every day of the year. This steadfast commitment ensures that our systems always exceed the requirements set by regulatory bodies for operations and discharge.
The Public Works Department staffs a State Certified Laboratory responsible for testing and monitoring water quality. Testing is performed throughout the entire reclamation processes to ensure that the reclaimed water causes no harm to our environment.
The City of Billings wastewater reclamation and sanitary sewer system consists of:
- Wastewater Reclamation Facility
- 483 miles of sanitary sewer main
- Eleven sewer lift stations
Septic Tank and Grease Trap Waste
Be sure your waste is being properly and legally disposed, use a licensed area hauler. Appointments for disposal must be made in advance by calling The Wastewater Reclamation Facility at (406) 657-8356.
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Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Overview
All food service establishments that are connected to public sewers must have an approved grease system, such as grease traps, interceptors and other devices that keep fats, oils, grease (FOG) and food debris out of sewer pipes.FOG is a problem for food service establishments, as FOG can buildup and clog sewer pipes and cause costly overflows and backups within businesses. It is bad for business and bad for public health and the environment.
When fats, oils or grease (FOG) enter the sewer lines, it cools, solidifies and sticks to the insides of the pipes, trapping food particles and other debris. Over time, this mass continues to grow until it obstructs the flow of wastewater and causes sewage to back up.
Additional Information
Additional information is located in the City’s FOG Brochure, below:IT’S THE LAW
Section 26-604 of the Billings Municipal City Code (BMCC) specifies that unless prior written authorization is provided by the city, it is unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged into the waste disposal station any industrial wastes, radioactive wastes, corrosive wastes, explosive mixtures, unpolluted waters, petroleum oils, mineral oils, non-biodegradable cutting oils, chemical wastes, toxic or poisonous substances, float-able fats, wax and grease.FOG Survey
Kitchen Best Management Practices
Do’s
- Clean vent hoods and filters regularly
- Protect drains with a screen
- Prevent spills of fats, oils and grease
- Dry scrape leftovers into a trash bin, not the sink
- Empty trash bins before they overflow
- Clean and cover outdoor recycling area
- Keep records of cleaning, inspections and service
- Train staff on Best Management Practices to keep FOG out of sewer pipes
Don’ts
- Don’t connect dishwashers to the grease system
- Don’t put degreasers in the system (they just push FOG into sewers)
- Don’t wash kitchen equipment outdoors
- Don’t allow FOG into storm drains, catch basins, etc.
- Don’t improperly dispose of fats, oils and grease