What type of drainage system is required for a facility with multiple food service areas?

The requirement for a grease trap is rooted in the necessity to manage and treat fats, oils, and grease produced by food service areas effectively. In facilities with multiple food service areas, such as restaurants or catering operations, large quantities of these substances are introduced into the drainage system during food preparation and cleaning processes.

A grease trap serves to intercept and retain these substances before they can enter the main sewer system, preventing clogs and potential overflow issues that could result from the buildup of grease. This is particularly important because fats, oils, and grease can solidify as they cool, leading to significant blockages in pipes.

The other options do not adequately address the specific needs of food service operations:

• A storm drain is designed to handle excess rainwater and surface runoff, not the wastewater produced by food services.

• A combined sewer is a system that collects both sewage and stormwater in a single pipeline, which can lead to overflows during heavy rain, and does not focus on the unique byproducts of food preparation.

• A septic system is generally used for individual residences and small facilities not connected to a sewer system, which may not be suitable for the volume and type of waste generated by a facility with multiple food service areas.

Thus, a grease