The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hosting a Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Management Workshop in Shawnee on Thursday, May 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The workshop will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, 1700 W. Independence Street in Shawnee.

The FOG workshop will present information to community leaders responsible for sewer systems, owners and workers at food service establishments, and residents. The information will help participants understand the importance of FOG control and their roles in addressing the issue. Presenters will include wastewater operations professionals and DEQ staff members.

When improperly disposed of, fats, oils and grease can clog sewer lines and cause damage in local rivers and streams. Many municipalities average more than 30 grease-related sewer overflows each year. The costs associated with grease-related problems are passed on to utility rate payers and can result in costly plumbing bills for homeowners. Overflows also present a threat to public health.

For more information on FOG control or the Shawnee FOG workshop, contact: Cheryl Dirck at (405) 702-8179 or by email at ppwrcy@deq.ok.gov

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