The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, which has responsibility for the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has advised that starting Monday, July 6, there will be an increase in grease trap inspections.
During the recent ‘lockdown’ period, the BWA observed a significant increase in the amount of grease, reaching the sewage treatment plants.
This can be attributed to the improper disposal of fats, oils and grease (FOGs), which impacts the operations at both treatment plants – Bridgetown and South Coast.
The inspections will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness under the provisions of the Health Services (Building) Regulations, 1969 (“Health Services Regulations”) and the Barbados Water Authority (Sewerage) Regulations, 1982 (“Sewerage Regulations”) Acts.
Home owners and businesses found guilty of breaching the Health Services Regulations, upon inspection, may be liable to a fine of $5,000, or to imprisonment for 12 months or both, and in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine of $200 for each day or part thereof during which the offence continues.
The fine for a breach of the Sewerage Regulations is $1,000 or imprisonment for 12 months or both, and $100 per day for each day the offence continues.
The BWA will also be seeking to prosecute any repeat offenders as provided for by law. For guidelines on the design of a grease trap, persons may click here.