The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District recently announced that it will be issuing decals to local restaurants acknowledging their efforts to protect the community’s vital wastewater system by collecting hazardous fats, roots, oils and grease instead of discarding them through the sewer lines.
The decals are intended to be displayed in restaurants storefront windows indicating that the establishment maintains a District approved grease trap. This is the next step in the District’s F.R.O.G.s campaign (fats, roots, oils and grease) that has been focused on raising awareness of threats to privately owned and District wastewater pipes.
“Partnering with local restaurants is the ideal next step to continue our community outreach initiative to inform the community of the true dangers that exist when harmful substances are flushed down pipes that lead to sewer drains,” said Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Steve Reiter. “Inappropriately discarding these substances, which are prevalent at restaurants and food service venues, are bad for the environment and could lead to costly repairs.”
“We applaud the restaurants that have taken measures to protect our environment and our system for years and we hope the decal system will help raise awareness for new restaurants coming into the community about the importance of correctly collecting fats and grease.”
The decal prominently features a frog in a chef’s hat and the District plans to reissue the decals each year to all local establishments that are still in compliance.
The District reminds residents that Great Neck homeowners are responsible for their sewer lines from the building to the District’s sewer main. The District recommends homeowners take proactive measures to avoid clogs and schedule a cleaning of their sewer line once every two years to prevent costly bills down the line – as it is not typically covered by homeowners insurance.
“We are ecstatic to join forces with the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, a local institution that continues to serve the community in an efficient, environmentally-conscious and cost effective manner,” said, Rorie Miller, owner of the Great Neck Diner. “Now, when local residents walk into the Diner to enjoy one of our delicious meals they will know that all of our cooking materials are being disposed of according to appropriate procedure that is cognizant of the environment and taxpayers wallets.”
