Oil Grit Separator

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Traditional BMP

Oil and grit separators are designed to treat stormwater runoff by removing settleable solids, oil and grease, debris and floatables from stormwater runoff through gravitational settling and trapping of pollutants. Typically, these systems are underground and installed at inlet structures.

Maintaining Oil and Grit Separators

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Routine maintenance should be performed on oil and grit separators. Typically, maintenance includes removing accumulated sediment and pressure washing system to remove blockage. Additional maintenance may be necessary if a spill occurs upstream and drains into the practice.

After a large rainstorm, inspect inlets, outlets, and other structural components to the oil-grit separators.

Common Issues of Oil and Grit Separators

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Here are some of the common problems to be aware of when maintaining a bioretention area. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Clogging in the inlet and outlet structure
  • Sediment and oil/grease build-up
  • Inability to remove dissolved or emulsified oils and pollutants such as coolants, soluble, lubricants, glycols, and alcohols

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Oil-Grit Separators

Routine Maintenance Schedule
Schedule
Activity

As needed
(quarterly or after a large rainstorm)
  • Keep contributing drainage area free of trash, chunks of sediment, and debris.
  • Cleanout if spill occurs and enters the system.
  • Repair structural components.
  • Check to make sure practice is draining properly
Quarterly
  • Inspect for erosion, rills, or gullies and repair.
  • Inspect filter strip/grass channel for erosion or gullying, if applicable. Re-seed or sod as necessary.
  • Inspect trees and shrubs to evaluate their health, and remove and replace any dead or severely diseased vegetation.
  • Obtain a mulch depth of at least 3 to 4 inches should be inspected and obtained. Additional mulch should be added as necessary.
Annually
  • Cleanout system with vacuum or boom trucks
  • Remove sediment and oil from chambers