(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec. 17, 2010) - Gwinnett Department of Water Resources urges citizens not to put fats, oils and grease down the drain during this holiday season or any time during the year.  "A lot of folks cook more and probably use more foods containing fat this time of the year," said Lynn Smarr, Acting Gwinnett Department of Water Resources Director. "We want to remind our customers and citizens to place the excess fat, oil and grease in a container with a lid and place it in the garbage."

Fats, oils and grease congeal in sewer lines and cause blockages that can cause sewage overflows and get into streams and lakes. The materials can also cause violations of water quality standards and harm fish and other wildlife/biology in streams, rivers and lakes. "Let's all be good citizens and make sure that the fish and wildlife in Gwinnett County have a great holiday season, just as we humans do," Smarr said.

Restaurants and other businesses that have grease traps need to make sure that these trappings are cleaned regularly by a service provider so the excess grease does not get into the sewer system. Excess gravy, food scraps, sauces and leftovers should be placed in containers with secure lids and placed in the garbage. 

Hot water does not break down these materials; they cool off in the sewer and cause blockages. "Our maintenance crews will have a happier holiday season if they are not called out to clear grease blockages," said Jeff Boss, Division Director for Field Operations for the Department of Water Resources.