1101 Yelm Ave E email chainRyan Johnstone
From: Jim Doty
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 10:14 AM
To: Ryan Johnstone
Subject: FW: Yelm Safeway STEP Tank -Letter
Here is the response I received from Ms. Phillips.
Jim Doty
Plant Manager
City of Yelm Water Reclamation Facility
931 N.P. Road
Mail:
105 Yelm Avenue W
Yelm, WA 98597
Ph. (360)458 -8411
Fax. (360)458 -8166
From: Chris Phillips [mailto:Christina.Phillips5 @safeway.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 12:38 PM
To: Jim Doty
Cc: Ken Hopstad; Chris Phillips; Store 1619 c90 - Store Manager; Mike Madden
Subject: RE: Yelm Safeway STEP Tank -Letter
Jim - Thank you for the follow up letter. Here is a status update from our side...
1. 1 contracted a vendor to pump the grease interceptor and jet the lines from the septic holding tank back thru the
grease interceptor to the store, and they completed the work on Friday the 12tH
2. We have shortened the interval between interceptor pumping from every 6 months to every 4 months, and will
continue to monitor thru our normal grease pumping company. We will shorten that time frame again if it
proves necessary.
3. 1 re- addressed proper grease handling with the store manager. We have a program in place to collect all grease
from the fryers, china wok, and combi ovens and send back to our distribution center for recycling, and we
coach staff to keep both food and grease out of the drains.
4. 1 spoke with our plumber, Mike Madden of Madden Mechanical, and he subsequently called you. As you know,
he stated our coffee kiosk is not plumbed to the grease interceptor, but it is not a common practice or
requirement. I really thank you for taking his call and working with us.
5. Lastly, I will get Madden Mechanical to repair /replace the grease interceptor lids-and screws, and address this
issue with our normal grease pumper.
Please keep my information and don't hesitate to contact me. I'm sure we'll talk again, and I'm hoping it's to discuss
positive results next time.
Thanks,
Chris Phil lips
Northwest Division Maintenance Rep
SAFEWAY 0.
Cell: 206.419.5814 RightFax: 623.336.6128
From: Jim Doty [mailto:jimd@ci.yelm.wa.us]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 1:04 PM
To: Chris Phillips
Subject: Yelm Safeway STEP Tank -Letter
Ms. Phillips:
On April 10, 2013 the City of Yelm Sewer Dept. went out to pump the 10,000 gallon holding tank at the Safeway Store
located at 1109 Yelm Ave E in Yelm. Our operators found approximately 3 -4" of Oil and Grease floating on the surface of
the solids side of the STEP Holding tank. I have a attached a picture taken by my operator of the conditions found in the
second of three risers located in the solids side of the tank. It shows the oil and grease floating on top of the water in
the tank. According to our As -Built civil drawings for the property, there is a 4000 gallon Grease Interceptor that is
owned and maintained by Safeway installed near the STEP Tank that is supposed to pre -treat the wastewater from the
Bakery, Deli, and Meat Depts. When we looked in the lids of the Grease interceptor, it appeared to be quite full of
grease. We did not dip the interceptor to get levels. We also noticed that the lids are in disrepair (broken) and had no lid
hold down screws installed despite numerous installations of the proper screws by sewer dept. personnel. (not our
responsibility but trying to help out.) The lack of lid screws is particularly worrisome due to the fact that there is a new
apartment complex that has now been completed in close proximity to the tanks and there is a good possibility of
curious children in the area.
The grease in the STEP tank creates a problem in that our contracted hauler has difficulty in disposal of septage
containing large amounts of grease and oil. Septage can be disposed of fairly easily and grease and oil can be disposed
of fairly easily, but mixed, Neither can be easily disposed of and becomes excessively expensive to dispose of. The oil
and grease is also very hard on our pumping equipment also. As I stated above, Safeway is responsible for the operation
and maintenance of the grease interceptor and it is imperative that it is maintained at intervals that will ensure that it
operates efficiently removing the fats oils and greases prior to those wastes entering the STEP tank. We have been
pumping the STEP Tank at Quarterly intervals and according to my operators, the Fats, oils, and grease problem has
been getting worse in the last couple pumpings. Prior to this pumping, the tank was last pumped on 12/24/12.
I suggest the following steps to be taken in order to reduce the fats, oils and grease problem at the Yelm Safeway.
1. Get the Grease interceptor pumped as soon as possible but no later than 4/19/13.
2. Demonstrate that all grease waste including the coffee stand at the front of the store is pre- treated by the
grease interceptor or Hydromechanical Grease traps.
3. Gather records from Grease interceptor service to see how often it is being pumped and also consider whether
it needs to be pumped at shorter intervals than Quarterly.
4. Make sure that all Fats, oils and greases are disposed of according to proper methods, (not down the drain).
I appreciate your assistance with this matter.
Jim Doty
Plant Manager
City of Yelm Water Reclamation Facility
931 N.P. Road
Mail:
105 Yelm Avenue W
Yelm, WA 98597
Ph. (360)458 -8411
Fax. (360)458 -8166
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