A disgusting and expensive discovery has been made by crews who were forced to degrease Richmond’s sewer system recently and found a massive amount of “fatbergs” inside.
“Fatbergs” are a term used to describe the hardened grease that forms in pipes after it’s been poured down kitchen sinks and other drains, leading to clogs and other issues.
Crews in Richmond found 50 tonnes of the stuff, which is about 110,000 pounds, or the weight of seven elephants.
It’s not only inconvenient, it’s extremely costly.
Metro Vancouver/X
“Metro Vancouver and its member jurisdictions spend $2.7 million every year to repair damage caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer system. And that’s not counting the costs to individual homeowners to fix clogged pipes. Save your pipes (and your sewers): put grease in your green bin, not down the drain,” Metro Vancouver writes on its website.
Crews are clearing sewer grease blockages in Richmond near Hollybridge Way and Lansdowne Rd using hydrovac trucks. So far, 70 cubic metres of grease—equivalent to 7 dump trucks—has been removed. We appreciate your patience during overnight work. Learn more https://t.co/7KsNOTKHRQ pic.twitter.com/iVdi60nb7O
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) September 25, 2024
Metro Vancouver/X