As Metro Vancouver rolls out its 2024 Wipe It, Green Bin It campaign, local officials shared that crews removed 50 tonnes of fatbergs — chunks of hardened grease — over recent months from the city’s Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. But the work required an innovative approach.
The disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into the sewer system is an ongoing issue that contributes to sewer clogs and overflows that cost Metro Vancouver and member jurisdictions $2.7 million every year, according to a report presented to the Liquid Waste Committee on October 10.
The recent removal of fatbergs has approached $1 million, as the work faced a particular challenge.
“Subsequent investigations discovered significant quantities of grease on the roof of our inverted siphon sewers in the upstream Gilbert Trunk Sewer, causing capacity restrictions. Traditional inspection and cleaning tools don’t work on siphons,” states the report from Peter Navratil, general manager of Liquid Waste Services.
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Navratil noted that staff used non-traditional sonar technology equipment to clearly define where, and how much grease, was present. The flushing equipment was able to effectively remove grease from the large siphons. The work, Navratil added, had to be completed during low flow conditions and required considerable coordination and support from the City of Richmond and local residents.
As the season turned to fall, crews had removed about two-thirds of the fatbergs or 45 m³ (equivalent to six dump trucks full) from the most problematic siphon. Inspections and cleaning continue with the goal of returning full capacity to the system.
“This discovery will lead us to create a new maintenance plan, which we plan to share with your municipalities, to prevent this type of build-up from occurring in the future,” wrote Navratil to the committee.
The region’s 2024 Wipe It, Green Bin It campaign started before Thanksgiving to reach residents when they are preparing heavier, holiday-oriented meals, and runs until November 17. Creative materials highlight various forms of FOG and raise awareness of the impacts of foods that are less known for causing problems in sewers, like dairy products. The target audience continues to be Metro Vancouver adult residents.
This year’s campaign will aim to reach more of the younger demographic (18-34) who are more likely to put FOG down their sinks, as shown by recent survey results. The campaign’s paid placements include YouTube, social media, Pinterest, television PSA , Google search, and advertising on bus sides and in SkyTrain stations. All campaign messaging directs residents to wipeitgreenbinit.ca.
