What a stink! Blocked sewer problems in Yeovil

HOMEOWNERS and businesses in South Somerset are being urged to dispose of fats, oils and greases correctly after a number of sewers in the Yeovil area were left blocked.

South Somerset District Council’s environmental protection team has said that the blockages have caused misery to those who have had to suffer the consequences of overflowing inspection chambers.

A campaign based in London aimed at targeting restaurants who dispose of fats, oils and greases irresponsibly has prompted the environmental protection team at SSDC to remind local businesses of the consequences of irresponsible disposal, but also to any premises where cooking takes place including our own homes.

The disposal of vegetable oils, warm fats and solids down sinks and drains causes thousands of blocked drains in the Wessex Water region every year. While the sewerage system can cope with human waste, rainwater and waste water from industry, it is not designed to be a waste disposal unit.

The increasing amount of fats, oils, grease and solids being disposed of down sinks and drains causes problems with smells and vermin, and the build-up of fats in our sewers means the sewerage system is less effective, leading to sewer flooding and environmental pollution.

Vicki Dawson, South Somerset's principal environmental protection officer, said: “It really comes down to everyone taking care of what they put down the drain.

"The advice is simple and straightforward; Instead of pouring grease, oil and fat down the sink, wait until it is cool and dispose of it with other household waste. This applies to all food waste which contains fat and grease.

"Some fat will solidify, and can easily be put in with food waste for recycling. Some will remain a liquid. In this case the liquid may need to be put in a sealable pot, or alternatively absorbed by kitchen towels or newspaper and then disposed of in a similar way."

Wessex Water's sewerage services manager, Paul Oaten, added: "We regularly hear of people pouring fats, oils and grease down the sink which can cause blockages in drains and sewers that can lead to flooding - sometimes in people’s homes – and potential pollution incidents.

“For pubs, restaurants and fast food outlets, the consequences of not disposing of their waste correctly can result in a loss of business due to the blockages caused."

The council's Cllr Peter Seib added: “It’s a false economy putting fats down drains because it drives up maintenance costs which everyone has to pay of share of.

"It’s also very unpleasant, thoroughly anti-social and contributes towards flooding in the district. If you see it happening, please contact both the district council and Wessex Water sewerage services with as much information as possible.”

PHOTOS: These photographs are examples of drains in Yeovil where fats and greases have built up and solidified. These sewers had blocked on several occasions and served a number of food establishments.

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