Social Quarters Grease Trap Dispute Clogs Approval

The tabled a motion Monday to approve a waiver for the to install a smaller grease trap than the township would normally require for a similarly sized facility.

The reason that grease traps are an issue here? The social quarters have none at present. Also, what the social quarters are requesting are substantially smaller in size and less costly than what the township requires.

Charles Steele, the social quarters secretary, testified at Monday's hearing that he does not believe a 2,500-gallon grease trap -- the size the township is requiring -- is necessary. He also said that in his research of grease traps, he found information that claims a grease interceptor that is too large can cause damage to pipes.

“The bottom line here is, that given the plumbing for the facilities, a 100-pound grease trap should be sufficient,” Steele said.

A township ordinance explains what businesses need grease interceptors as well as what types of traps are allowed. The law does not explicitly state what size trap is needed, but rather says the size is to be determined by the township. 

He added that in all of his research, grease traps were mostly described in pounds and not gallons, and that a 100-pound grease trap is equivalent to a 50-gallon one.

Steele later said he would like to get two grease traps: an 8-pound trap for the dishwasher and another that can handle up to 375 pounds. 

“I’m completely convinced one size should not fit all,” said Steele.

Timothy Kiriposki, a member of Upper Saucon Social Quarters and a professional at cleaning grease traps, also testified at the hearing, saying the only time small grease traps do not work is if they are never cleaned.

However, Township Sewer Engineer Karl Schreiter Jr. disagreed with Steele and Kiriposki.

Schreiter said there have been sewer blockages and overflows at a manhole that is about 1,000 feet downstream of the club. He said he would not recommend anything smaller than a 2,500-gallon grease trap because having a trap that is too small “is like not having a grease trap at all.”

Currently, Upper Saucon Social Quarters does not have any grease interceptors.

“One of our concerns is that [Upper Saucon Social Quarters] is contributing to one of our blockages,” Schreiter said.

Schreiter showed a video of some of the sewer pipes that had varying degrees of grease along the sides.

Schreiter also said that he allowed a smaller grease trap for another food establishment and it caused two blockages in one day. That restaurant now has the recommended 2,500-gallon trap. 

Kiriposki questioned whether the club could be blamed for all of the grease. 

It is estimated it would cost between $10,000 and $15,000 to purchase the township-approved trap. The smaller traps are substantially less -- an estimated $4,000 to $8,000. 

The township supervisors are expected to revisit the matter and make a final decision within 60 days.