For marine operators and industrial facilities working around the Harvey Canal and Mississippi River, oily water is more than a housekeeping issue. Bilge pumping, engine maintenance, equipment cleaning, deck work, and washdowns can produce wastewater containing oil, grease, sediment, detergents, and other contaminants that should not simply be allowed to reach a storm drain, canal, or river. The challenge is especially relevant across southeast Louisiana, where marine traffic, shipyards, industrial properties, service yards, and waterfront operations often work within a short distance of navigable water. Quick answer: Oily bilge water and contaminated equipment washdown effluent should be identified, contained, and managed... View Article
Grease interceptor service can become a logistical challenge when the equipment sits below a downtown building, inside a basement service area, or beneath a parking deck with restricted vehicle clearance. In New Orleans, dense blocks, historic buildings, parking structures, loading restrictions, and limited equipment access can make an otherwise routine pumping appointment much more complicated. The key is planning the pumping method around the property before service begins. Quick answer: Low-clearance grease interceptor pumping requires a service plan that accounts for garage height, hose routing, interceptor location, safe equipment positioning, and access to the property. When a standard service truck... View Article
For restaurants and commercial kitchens in Saint Bernard, LA, keeping dishes clean is nonnegotiable. But using more dishwasher detergent, degreaser, or other cleaning chemicals than necessary can create a separate problem downstream. Chemicals and emulsified grease entering the waste stream can interfere with the conditions a grease trap relies on to separate fats, oils, grease, water, and solids. Quick answer: Dishwasher chemical overuse can reduce grease separation by breaking fats and oils into smaller droplets that remain suspended in wastewater longer. Repeated exposure to harsh chemicals may also contribute to premature deterioration of certain grease trap components, including separation baffles,... View Article
Marine engines work hard along the Mississippi River, where towboats, workboats, commercial vessels, and other marine equipment operate in demanding conditions. Once engine oil and heavy lubricants reach the end of their useful life, getting those materials off the vessel becomes a dockside logistics issue that can affect storage capacity, maintenance schedules, and daily operations. Quick answer: Managing spent motor oil and heavy engine lubricants for New Orleans marine vessels requires planning for safe onboard storage, dock access, transfer logistics, contamination control, and timely removal. Vessel operators should keep used oil properly contained and separated from incompatible wastes while coordinating collection... View Article
Food trucks and mobile food vendors around the Greater New Orleans area often rely on commissary kitchens to meet health department requirements. While shared kitchens offer convenience and lower operating costs, they also create unique challenges for fats, oils, and grease (FOG) management. Understanding how shared grease interceptors work can help operators avoid costly disruptions, plumbing issues, and compliance problems. Quick Answer Shared commissary kitchens serving food trucks typically require every tenant to follow strict grease disposal practices because multiple businesses use the same grease interceptor. In the New Orleans region, improper grease handling by just one operator can affect... View Article
