Warning over waste after ‘fatberg’ found in Ripon sewer

A sewer in Ripon became completely blocked by congealed fats after people disposed of the wrong waste down their sinks.

It meant sewage was no longer able to flow through the 450mm sewer in Skellgarth towards the wastewater treatment works, potentially causing serious problems.

It has now been cleared by Yorkshire Water, which is now urging people not to pour fats and oils down their sinks.

Lee Pinder, regional operations manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

“The disposal of fats and greases down sinks can result in significant blockages within the network.

“This ‘fatberg’ was completely blocking the flow of sewage to the treatment works, leading it to back up in the network, with the potential to cause sewage flooding for nearby homes, businesses and the local environment.

“While pouring fats and greases down the drain may seem harmless, we know from experience that the build ups caused by frequent disposal of these liquids can have significant consequences. The fats and oils congeal in the network and can grow as more unflushables, such as wet wipes, attach to it.

“Thankfully, our team was able to identify this particular blockage and remove it before it had an impact on our customers. We’d urge everyone to help fight fatbergs in our sewers by disposing of fat and oils in the bin, and by only flushing the 3Ps – pee, poo and (toilet) paper.”

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