The Indianola City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding the prevention of restaurant discharge of fat, oil, and grease into the city sewer system. City Manager Ben Reeves tells KNIA News the ordinance works with local businesses to put in grease traps into their drains to help lengthen the longevity of the sewer system.

“We are trying to protect the integrity of our sewer collection system. Just like the arteries and our veins, if we have too many greases and what not, it can clog the arteries. Well dumping grease down the drain can impact our sewer treatment. That can have a dramatic effect when we have clogs that back up into people’s basements and businesses, so we need to make sure our systems are staying clean.”

Reeves said the ordinance sets standard, and in non-compliance will result in a misdemeanor which is a state-required policy.