Where does the FOG (fat, oil and grease) come from that gets into the sanitary sewer system?

Mostly from meat and meat by-products that are disposed of down the kitchen drains.

Why did the City of Bismarck start a FOG (fat, oil and grease) program?

To reduce sewer backups and the amount of grease that enters the sanitary sewer
system and is pumped to the Wastewater Treatment plant.

How much of a problem is FOG (fat, oil and grease) in the City of Bismarck?

We are working to identify problem areas and educating the general public about
how they may be contributing to the grease problem that we are seeing in the
sanitary sewer pipes.

What impact can excessive grease have on the sewer system and the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

FOG (fat, oil and grease) can and does create sewer blockages that may lead
to sewer back-ups.
Worst case scenario: it can cause sanitary sewer overflows, flooding of basements
with sewage and it can hinder wastewater treatment.

What can citizens do to help reduce FOG (fat, oil and grease)?

Pour grease in a can, cool and discard it into the trash, instead of pouring it down the drain
Use garbage disposals sparingly
Scrape plates into the garbage instead of the disposal
Dry wipe greasy pans before washing them