Fat, Oil, and Grease Accumulation in Sewer Systems: Comprehensive Survey of Experiences of Scandinavian Municipalities
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 3
Abstract
Problems with fat, oil, and grease (FOG) in sewer systems have received relatively little attention, although in the longer term this might imply (inter alia) blockages and sanitary overflows. Therefore, the experiences of Swedish and Norwegian executive water engineers concerning FOG-related issues were assessed using a comprehensive questionnaire that was distributed to all Swedish and Norwegian municipalities (with a response rate of 35% and 25% in Sweden and Norway, respectively). Blockages caused by FOG in sewers and pumping stations were the most prevalent reported problem, followed by increased demand for line flushing. The water engineers singled out city centers as the areas whose sewers had the most severe problems with FOG buildups. Most municipalities mandated the use of grease interceptors (GIs) by businesses, but the maintenance and functional status of these devices were reported to be inadequate. Commonly, water engineers had faith in the functioning of the GI despite the lack of stringent inspections. Where FOG collection systems had been implemented, they generally targeted businesses and other enterprises rather than private households. Because problems caused by FOG buildups are likely to become more common in the future, it is important that prevention strategies characterize management to a higher degree than ones based on removal.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the Swedish Water and Wastewater association (Svenskt Vatten) and the Norwegian Water Assocation (Norsk Vann) for financing this study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 27, 2012
Accepted: Dec 3, 2013
Published online: Jan 20, 2014
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Jun 20, 2014
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