Menu
24/08/2018
'Fatberg' Rises To Top Of Manhole Cover In Belfast
Homes and businesses are being urged not to pour fat, oil or grease (FOG) down drains after a major blockage rose to the top of a manhole cover on the Shankill Road in Belfast.
Workers at NI Water attended the scene and another Fatberg was discovered in the area on Wednesday, 22 August.
Stephanie McCullagh, Head of Wastewater said: "While most homes and businesses use grease traps and bin their waste correctly, those that don't, contributed to a massive fatberg in the sewers around the area.
"We would appeal to all our customers, especially food outlets, to dispose of their FOG appropriately. For householders, let it cool and then put it into the bin. Alternatively, pour it into a disposable container and take it to your local oil bank.
"Businesses also risk blocking their own drainage systems, which results in extra costs being incurred in clean-up efforts. These fat blockages can not only result in out of sewer flooding, but odour problems and the risk of rat infestations both near and beyond your premises. Ways to dispose of FOG include fitting a grease trap, using an enzyme dosing system or recycling it.
"As this incident shows, blockages and out of sewer flooding are extremely unpleasant and affects the whole community.
"We all have the power to stop it. In the last ten years, NI Water has spent over £1.5 billion investing in water and wastewater infrastructure but no amount of investment will completely stop blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes (including flushable), sanitary items and cotton buds down the toilet."
(CD)
Workers at NI Water attended the scene and another Fatberg was discovered in the area on Wednesday, 22 August.
Stephanie McCullagh, Head of Wastewater said: "While most homes and businesses use grease traps and bin their waste correctly, those that don't, contributed to a massive fatberg in the sewers around the area.
"We would appeal to all our customers, especially food outlets, to dispose of their FOG appropriately. For householders, let it cool and then put it into the bin. Alternatively, pour it into a disposable container and take it to your local oil bank.
"Businesses also risk blocking their own drainage systems, which results in extra costs being incurred in clean-up efforts. These fat blockages can not only result in out of sewer flooding, but odour problems and the risk of rat infestations both near and beyond your premises. Ways to dispose of FOG include fitting a grease trap, using an enzyme dosing system or recycling it.
"As this incident shows, blockages and out of sewer flooding are extremely unpleasant and affects the whole community.
"We all have the power to stop it. In the last ten years, NI Water has spent over £1.5 billion investing in water and wastewater infrastructure but no amount of investment will completely stop blocked pipes if people continue to flush wipes (including flushable), sanitary items and cotton buds down the toilet."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 December 2016
NI Water Spends Almost £5m On Sewer Blockages In Two Years
NI Water has spent an estimated £5million in the past two years dealing with almost 40,000 sewer blockages. The firm is urging the public not to put the turkey Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) down their sink as it will cause blockages and dispose of it in their bin.
NI Water Spends Almost £5m On Sewer Blockages In Two Years
NI Water has spent an estimated £5million in the past two years dealing with almost 40,000 sewer blockages. The firm is urging the public not to put the turkey Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) down their sink as it will cause blockages and dispose of it in their bin.
23 September 2014
DOE Announces New Flood Measures
The Department of the Environment has announced new measures to tackle the problem of flooding in future. The initiatives, agreed by the Executive Committee, are outlined in the Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk'.
DOE Announces New Flood Measures
The Department of the Environment has announced new measures to tackle the problem of flooding in future. The initiatives, agreed by the Executive Committee, are outlined in the Revised Planning Policy Statement 15 'Planning and Flood Risk'.
08 September 2017
Consultation Launches To Introduce Changes To MOT Test
A consultation has launched to introduce changes to the MOT test on vehicles in Northern Ireland. The changes will include the testing of reverse lights and forward fog lamps, where fitted. Currently, reversing lamps and forward fog lamps, where fitted, are already required to be operational where a vehicle is used on a public road.
Consultation Launches To Introduce Changes To MOT Test
A consultation has launched to introduce changes to the MOT test on vehicles in Northern Ireland. The changes will include the testing of reverse lights and forward fog lamps, where fitted. Currently, reversing lamps and forward fog lamps, where fitted, are already required to be operational where a vehicle is used on a public road.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
