Town staff began developing the ordinance two years ago after grease blockages in the wastewater system caused several sewer spills into Flat Run Creek. Removing the grease from sewer lines and pumping stations is costly, hazardous and time-consuming, staff said.

A draft of the ordinance was presented to commissioners in June, and members of the town's business community expressed concerns about cost and enforcement. The draft approved Tuesday was developed after an Aug. 28 meeting between Town Manager Dave Haller and members of the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association.

Though some members of the business community were involved in drafting the adopted ordinance, not everyone was happy Tuesday.

Association member Libby Briggs said she wanted assurance that the ordinance would be interpreted equally by every staff member and suggested that a copy of the ordinance be included in all water and sewer bills so business owners would have an opportunity to read it. She also expressed concern the ordinance places no responsibility on individual homeowners.

Others said the cost to install the traps may be too great for some of the town's restaurants. The average cost for an under-the-counter grease trap, which is sufficient for most small to mid-size kitchens, is between $1,500 and $2,000. Installing a larger underground system could cost $12,000, Haller said.

Despite these lingering concerns, commissioners set a compliance date of Dec. 1, 2010, for all existing businesses, stating that such an ordinance is necessary to prevent further damage to the wastewater system.

"It's going to damage the current infrastructure that we have in place É it's not something that's going to go away by itself," Commissioner Glenn Blanchard said.

Commissioners President Chris Staiger said that without a town ordinance, new businesses must comply with the Frederick County ordinance requiring an outdoor holding tank regardless of the size of the business.

Businesses that have grease traps in place must have them inspected by town staff to become compliant with the ordinance. Those without traps must employ a state-licensed plumber to assess their wastewater system to determine what size trap is needed. Businesses are required to have their traps cleaned regularly and report the amount of grease hauled away twice a year.

While the ordinance allows town staff members to inspect the traps at any time, Haller said he hopes they never have to do so. Haller said he anticipates inspections only if the business' submitted reports look irregular. The ordinance allows violators 10 days to become compliant or face a $250 fine.

Staiger encouraged business owners to continue to voice their concerns as the ordinance is implemented.