Who this applies to

HCUA's Grease Trap Waste Disposal Regulations cover "generators": any commercial, non-domestic facility that produces grease from commercial food preparation, including restaurants, schools, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes. HCUA's program covers its member jurisdictions; its website links to the Cities of Biloxi, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian, along with Harrison County. In Bay St. Louis or Jackson County, different rules apply (see the end of this page).

What can lead to an inspection

  • Going 90 days without cleaning. If you don't clean your trap during any 90-day period and don't have an approved exception, the Director can order an inspection and testing of your trap's contents and discharge (Article IV, Section 3).
  • Routine monitoring. The regulation authorizes the Director to set rules and procedures to monitor trap cleaning and the disposal of trap waste (Article III, Section 6). Your manifests are a key part of that record.
  • Problems in the sewer. A discharge that causes a deposit or obstruction, or damages HCUA's wastewater system, makes the violator liable for the cost (Article IX, Section 4).

Here's the part that hurts: if an ordered inspection or test reveals a violation, the generator pays for the inspection, the testing, and the cleaning, on top of fines and penalties (Article IV, Section 4).

The fines and penalties

  • Written notice first. Anyone found violating the regulation is served a written notice stating the violation and giving a reasonable time to correct it (Article IX, Section 1).
  • $50 to $500 per violation, per day. Continuing a violation past that deadline is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500 for each violation, each day (Article IX, Section 2).
  • Permit revocation or loss of service. Chronic violations can lead to revocation of permits and/or discontinued service (Article IX, Section 3).
  • Cleanup and repair costs. HCUA bills the violator for cleaning, repair, or replacement work caused by a harmful discharge, and refusing to pay is itself a violation (Article IX, Section 4).
  • No permit. Failing to apply for a grease trap permit can also result in penalties (Article IV, Section 9).
  • False records. Knowingly making a false statement on an application, report, or manifest can lead to suspension or revocation of permits (Article IX, Section 5).

How enforcement works, step by step

  1. Notice of Violation. The Director can issue a written Notice of Violation (NOV), served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person (Article X, Section 1).
  2. 30 days to respond in writing. You respond in writing within 30 days of the NOV date with your position on the violation (Article X, Section 2).
  3. Informal conference. You're entitled to an informal conference with the Director or a representative to review the allegations and set a plan for correcting the problem (Article X, Section 3).
  4. Show-cause hearing. If you don't respond within 30 days, or don't follow the agreed plan, the Director may order a hearing on why your permit shouldn't be revoked or service discontinued, with written notice at least 10 days ahead (Article X, Section 4).
  5. Appeals. The Director's decision can be appealed to HCUA's Board of Directors, and from there to court (Article X, Sections 5 and 6).

Two details matter for your wallet: fines and penalties run from the date of the Notice of Violation, and an appeal does not stop them from running (Article X, Section 8). In an emergency, where a discharge threatens health, the environment, or the treatment plant, HCUA can suspend a permit or terminate service without advance notice (Article X, Section 9).

If you receive a notice

  1. Note the violation described and the correction deadline, and calendar the 30-day written-response date.
  2. Have the trap fully cleaned by an HCUA-permitted hauler right away, and keep the signed manifest.
  3. Gather your records: permit, past manifests, and any service reports showing grease and solids depth.
  4. Respond in writing, and ask for the informal conference if you want to discuss a correction plan.
  5. Fix the cause: shorten your pumping interval, retrain staff, or have lines jetted if grease is building up before the trap.

A compliance checklist

  • An HCUA grease trap permit in your business's name, with the annual fee paid ($120.00 on HCUA's 1/19/2022 checklist; confirm the current fee)
  • A full cleaning at least every 90 days, and sooner if your trap reaches about 25% grease and solids (how often to pump)
  • Only HCUA-permitted haulers, whose trucks display HCUA decals: one on each side and one on the rear
  • The HCUA Grease Trap Waste Manifest signed by you or your agent before every load leaves, with copies on file
  • No discharge by the hauler into the sewer or back into your trap
  • Staff trained to scrape plates, keep fryer oil out of drains, and report slow drains (warning signs)

Outside Harrison County

Hancock County (Bay St. Louis): the Hancock County Utility Authority's FOG ordinance starts with a written warning for a first violation, then civil penalties of $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000 for the second, third, and fourth violations within two years, with $500 increases for continued violations and possible termination of service. A generator found responsible for a sewer line blockage owes $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000 for the first three within two years. The Authority also has a right of entry to inspect, sample, and copy records. See Bay St. Louis.

Jackson County (JCUA retail customers): JCUA's rules (revised March 9, 2026) set an oil and grease limit of 150 mg/L for Category 2FS food service customers, sampled monthly, with fines of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 for the first three violations and an additional $250 per calendar day after the third until corrected. Check your city's rules too; see Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.