A strong transfer in direction of preventative, source-control options to forestall pollution from coming into the wastewater system in England and Wales was a key suggestion of the Impartial Water Fee (IWC), which unveiled its Remaining Report on 21 July. This means a elementary shift in direction of a extra holistic and preventative strategy to environmental administration throughout the water sector and the newest analysis from UK Water Business Analysis (UKWIR) presents a tangible pathway ahead for one of many sector’s greatest points.
The analysis venture FOG charging – ought to foodservice wastewater expenses mirror FOG content material? is now accessible on UKWIR’s web site and straight addresses a persistent problem to wastewater infrastructure resilience. It investigates whether or not wastewater expenses for foodservice companies ought to extra precisely mirror the fats, oil, and grease (FOG) content material of their discharges.
It explores the viability of a FOG-based charging system, aiming to incentivise improved FOG administration practices at supply, scale back expensive sewer blockages, and create a extra equitable monetary burden for sustaining very important wastewater infrastructure.
A fatty subject
FOG accumulation is a major contributor to sewer blockages, necessitating intensive and costly clean-up operations, rising the danger of environmental air pollution, and probably resulting in property flooding.
In accordance with trade physique Water UK, FOG contributes to hundreds of sewer blockages every year, which prices the UK almost £200 million a 12 months to clear. The first supply is industrial and residential kitchens, with round 70% of sewer blockages attributable to FOG from meals service institutions (FSEs).
Regardless of current laws requiring companies to forestall waste from blocking the sewer community, a staggering 69% of FSEs presently haven’t any FOG administration system in place. As well as, over a fifth of those companies are unaware of FOG remediation methods.
“This isn’t nearly compliance; it’s about empowering companies to mitigate expensive operational disruptions, shield their model status, and contribute to a more healthy water setting,” explains Alison Edwards, drainage and wastewater supervisor at Welsh Water, who was UKWIR’s co-programme lead on the project- alongside Nick Mills, director of innovation and setting at Southern Water.
“This analysis is essential to highlighting the FOG subject. It may be utilized by water corporations to make sure companies take motion to cease FOG moving into the sewers; due to this fact, resolving the foundation reason for blockages with incentivisation.”
Seasonal pressure
Seasonal fluctuations in FOG discharges place appreciable stress on the UK’s wastewater networks. Through the summer season, elevated exercise in vacationer locations and FSEs can result in a surge in FOG coming into the sewerage system.
Whereas hotter temperatures can initially hold FOG in a extra liquid state, permitting it to journey additional via the community, the issue intensifies as temperatures drop in winter. Colder situations speed up FOG solidification, contributing to the formation of extra strong and widespread blockages.
Information constantly signifies a rise in blockage incidents and related remediation prices throughout these intervals, highlighting the tangible seasonal impression on community efficiency.
FOG charging
Below Part 111 of the Water Business Act 1991, companies are required by regulation to ensure their waste doesn’t block or harm the sewer community. By extra precisely attributing prices to these chargeable for FOG discharges, UKWIR argues it encourages fairer price restoration for water corporations grappling with substantial operational expenditures linked to FOG-related blockages and environmental compliance incidents.
“By exploring FOG-specific expenses, UKWIR goals to ascertain a framework that helps companies streamline their FOG administration, finally contributing to a extra sustainable and cost-effective operation,” added Edwards.
For the complete report and extra detailed findings, please go to https://ukwir.org/3e338c29-478f-4366-ae39-5a18fb599253?object=e798fafe-adff-4b68-b353-0bc4e4392b06
