FATS, oil and grease from eateries and auto repair shops have been known to clog pipes.

That is why, if Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr.’s proposed ordinance is approved, these establishments will be required to install grease traps.

The “Grease Trap Requirement Ordinance in Cebu City” also mandates employees not to discard their used cooking and engine oil in rivers and creeks.

The City Council referred the proposal to the committee on laws for further review.

In the draft ordinance, employees caught throwing used cooking and engine oil directly to waterways will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 for first offense; P2,000 for the second offense; and P3,000 for the third offense.

Establishments that fail to install a grease trap will face a fine of P3,000 for the first offense; P4,000 and a 15-day suspension of business permit for the second offense; and P5,000 and a revocation of business permit for the third offense.

The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), as the implementing office, will draft the implementing rules and regulations. It will also conduct inspections once the ordinance is enacted.

Fats, oil and grease, collectively known as Fog, represents the “most serious enemy of our sewer lines,” said Gabuya.

He said that when Fog is dumped into a drain, it forms into large and thick grease balls that clog pipes.

Clogged pipes result to sewer spills and environmental problems, he said. Worse, it can even result to flooding. (JJL)