'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)