March 26, 2020
For Immediate Release
Subject: Automatic Grease Recovery Units (AGRU’s) SHUT DOWN
Due to the shutdown of many Food Preparation Establishments (FPE’s) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Windsor Water Pollution Control Facility is reaching out to inform facilities of the proper shut down procedures for those FPE’s that have an Automatic Grease Recovery Unit.
Automatic Grease Recovery Units have a heating element that is normally submerged to prevent the grease from becoming a solid. During a prolonged time of no flow the heating element may be exposed to air creating a potential fire hazard.
If your establishment has already shut down or is planning to do so in the future, please UNPLUG OR DE-ENERGISE THE AGRU to prevent the internal heating element from overheating due to no incoming flow.
FAILURE TO UNPLUG OR DE-ENERGIZE AGRU’S DURING A FACILITY SHUTDOWN CAN PRESENT A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.
These units are typically known by names such as Big Dipper, Highland Tank, Grease Guardian, etc. The units are typically located under the 3 bay sink or near fixtures that are likely to be discharging Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG).
This notice does not apply to facilities that have passive (In Ground) Grease Tanks or those that are not connected to sanitary sewer. Please contact the East Windsor WPCF at 860-292-8264 with any questions.
Thank you
E.Arthur Enderle III
Superintendent WPCF