Clearing the Fog: Developing a FOG Program and Fee in San Antonio

Surcharges for high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) are common for wastewater utilities, but other strength-related charges are also becoming popular, including a charge for excessive fats, oils, and greases (FOG). The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) engaged Red Oak Consulting to develop a FOG program and fee.The program objective is to incentivize customers to reduce the amount of FOG contributed to the collection system. By reducing FOG at the source, SAWS avoids costly maintenance and sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) occurrences. The program cost is expected to be offset by these savings and the improved quality of influent to the treatment plants.This presentation will introduce SAWS' FOG program and fee structure and outline the development process, including key decisions, alternatives that were considered, and the basis for selecting the program elements and fee structure. Finally, we will provide an update on the program implementation.