Fat-eating bacteria put in Hull sewers to remove blockages

Yorkshire Water is deploying organically grown bacillus bacteria into Hull’s sewers to try and get rid of the fat blockages found there. This bacteria can normally be found in the human body and eats fat, oil and grease.  In the right environment the bacteria constantly multiplies, meaning it can continue to do its job all day and night.

The blockages are caused by people pouring cooking oils down plug holes. In the past 6 months maintenance crews attended 1700 jobs to remove blockages in local sewers.

Pollution manager at Yorkshire Water Patrick Killgallon says they will continue to look for new approaches to tackle this old fat build up problem. 

--- 

I think this is a fantastic sollution already and it's a pity it won't be able to do the job on its own. It's nearly impossible to get people to stop rinsing their cooking fat into the sink so it's good to hear they keep on looking for other sollutions. 

Maybe it would be easier if we all switched to olive oil for most of our meals. It's healthier for us anyway.

source