Due to the unfortunate shutdown of many food preparation establishments across the State of Connecticut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) is reaching out to inform facilities of the proper shut down procedures for indoor Active Grease Recovery Units (AGRUs). If your establishment has already SHUT DOWN or is going to SHUT DOWN, please UNPLUG or DE-ENERGIZE the AGRU (grease trap) to prevent equipment damage caused by long periods with no drain water inflows.

FAILURE TO UNPLUG OR DE-ENERGIZE AGRUs DURING FACILITY CLOSURES CAN CREATE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.

These units are often known by names including but not limited to Big Dipper, Grease Guardian or Grease Stopper. The units are frequently located under 3 bay pot washing sinks, pre-rinse sinks, wok-stations, or other fixtures that are likely to discharge Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). The AGRUs may even be in the basement of your facility. If your establishment shuts down, you must UNPLUG or DE-ENERGIZE all electric grease traps. The manufactures have reached out to wastewater industry professionals to relay this information to facilities that have AGRUs installed that may be shut down.