University Cafeteria in Fort Lauderdale

Scalable Grease Management for Large-Scale Food Service – University Cafeteria in Fort Lauderdale

At Grease Trap FL, we understand that large-scale food service facilities, like university cafeterias, face unique challenges in managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Our recent project at a university cafeteria in Fort Lauderdale highlights our expertise in delivering customized grease trap solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance operational efficiency.

The Challenge

University cafeterias experience fluctuating traffic, serving thousands of meals daily. The grease output can vary significantly between peak dining hours and slower periods, demanding a scalable, efficient, and compliant grease management system. Additionally, compliance with Miami-Dade County’s DERM (Department of Environmental Resources Management) regulations is critical to avoid costly penalties and ensure smooth operations.

Our Approach – From Consultation to Installation

1. Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
Every successful project begins with a thorough consultation and site assessment. Our team met with university facility managers to:

• Evaluate kitchen size and food preparation capacity.

• Assess current grease management systems.

• Identify specific compliance gaps with local regulations.

Understanding the daily operational patterns and peak service times allowed us to design a solution tailored to the cafeteria’s needs.

2. Custom Engineering Design and Calculations
Once the assessment was complete, we began crafting detailed engineering drawings and calculations. This phase included:

• Flow Rate Analysis – Calculating the cafeteria’s peak flow rate to determine the appropriate grease trap size.

• System Design – Designing a system that could handle high grease loads while ensuring compliance with DERM’s 99% efficiency standard.

• Accessibility and Maintenance Planning – Ensuring the design allowed for easy access for routine cleaning and inspections.

Our team collaborated closely with architects and engineers to integrate the system seamlessly into the cafeteria’s existing infrastructure.

3. Permit Acquisition and Regulatory Approval
Navigating the permitting process can be complex. We handled all aspects of obtaining the necessary permits by:

• Preparing and submitting engineering plans and calculations for review.

• Coordinating with DERM to ensure the design met all regulatory requirements.

• Managing communication with the county and university stakeholders to streamline approvals.

This proactive approach prevented delays and ensured the project moved forward smoothly.

4. Installation Oversight and Quality Assurance
After securing the permits, our licensed plumbers and contractors began the installation process. Key steps included:

• Excavation and Site Preparation – Ensuring the installation site was stable and properly graded.

• Grease Trap Installation – Installing the grease trap system according to our engineered plans and manufacturer specifications.

• Inspection and Testing – Filling the unit with water to test for leaks, securing components, and performing quality assurance checks.

We closely supervised the entire installation process, ensuring adherence to DERM standards and best practices.

5. Post-Installation Support and Maintenance Planning
Our service doesn’t stop at installation. We provided the university with:

• Training for On-Site Staff – Educating maintenance teams on proper grease trap care and cleaning schedules.

• Documentation and Maintenance Logs – Setting up logs to track cleaning, inspections, and compliance with local ordinances.

• Ongoing Support – Offering continued maintenance services to ensure the system operates efficiently year-round.

The Outcome

The project was completed on time and within budget, providing the university with a scalable and reliable grease management solution. By implementing a custom-designed grease trap system, the cafeteria now benefits from:

• Reduced Risk of Fines – Full compliance with DERM’s FOG regulations.

• Operational Efficiency – A system capable of handling peak hours without the risk of blockages or overflows.

• Long-Term Savings – Preventative maintenance and quality installation that reduces long-term operational costs.

Why Choose Grease Trap FL for Large-Scale Projects?

With years of experience in engineering design, permit acquisition, and grease trap installation, we offer comprehensive services that take your project from concept to completion. Whether you’re operating a university cafeteria, restaurant, or large commercial kitchen, we provide:

• Tailored Solutions

• Regulatory Expertise

• End-to-End Project Management

Ready to upgrade your grease management system? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can help your facility stay compliant and efficient.

📞 Call Us: 786-841-1991
🌐 Visit: www.greasetrapfl.com