1. WSNTG Annual Conference September 2007 Water Services National Training Group 11 th Annual Conference 6 th September 2007

2. WSNTG Annual Conference September 2007 The WRc FOG Project Jo Lambert Technical Director, FOG WRc plc

3. Background 4 year £1.0+ million research programme Set up and managed by WRc plc Project contributors: 9 UK wastewater utilities WSNTG Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – funding for a PhD based at the University of Portsmouth Communities and Local Government In-kind contributors: DBI Group (sewer cleaning contractors PDM Group (a waste recycling organisation) The National Trust (a conservation & heritage charity)

4. Scope of Project Large project investigating all aspects of the FOG problem Four inter-related work packages: Legal Aspects Sociological Aspects Biological / Chemical Aspects Engineering & Operations Aspects

5. Work Package 1 WP1 - Legal Aspects Review of current legislation Consider how Environmental Health & sewerage operators can work better together

6. Work Packages 2 WP2 - Sociological Aspects Consistent & well informed messages Links to Water UK Best Management Practice for Catering Establishments Links to Envirowise Fats, Oils & Grease Disposal Guide for the Hotels & Catering Sector

7. Work Package 3 WP3 - Biological / Chemical Aspects Trials involving biological treatment systems & grease separators Town centres, e.g. Midleton Specific problems, e.g. Leesdale PStn, Ballincollig PhD investigating physical nature of FOG to understand how it may be prevented

8. Work Package 4 WP4 - Engineering & Operations Aspects Review current sewerage design & operational practices Investigation of grease separator requirements Problems with their use Developing good practice for design, installation & operation

9. Results of the project Should lead to reductions in: The quantity of FOG disposed to sewers by food catering outlets The incidence of sewer blockages & associated flooding Costs to sewer operators Will encourage better: Use of grease separators & biological dosing systems Design of drainage systems

10. Results of the project Will lead to improved: Systems for collection & disposal of FOG Greater recycling of waste food oil Education & awareness of FOG by householders & catering establishment staff Legal instruments to prevent abuse of sewer system Method Based Consents Removal & disposal of FOG that is discharged to sewer Legislation regarding grease separators