The Town of LaSalle is hoping an education campaign will prevent fatberg problems in the sewer system.
A fatberg is a congealed lump which consists of things that down break down easily in sewar systems. It's when fat, sanitary napkins, wet wipes, diapers and other items lump together and cause problems.
Called the "I Don't Flush" campaign, the idea is to keep fats, oils and grease, or FOG, out of the drain. The campaign is a partnership with the Ontario Clean Water Agency and several other municipalities.
Superintendent for water and wastewater in LaSalle, Dan Beaulieu, says the solution starts in people's kitchens. He says the impact on the sewer system is expensive.
"The fats, oils and greases that are put down the drain end up clogging up the pipes," explains Beaulieu. "Not only the residential pipes, but the mains as they make their way down the collection system to the main pump stations and that's where it causes breakdowns and cleanups and unnecessary maintenance."
He points to what you do after you've fried bacon.
"Your leftover grease that's in the frying pan, the number one thing you should do is just let it cool down, take a paper towel, wipe it up," says Beaulieu. "For us in LaSalle, we don't have a green bin, so for us you would just put it in the trash and it makes its way to the landfill."
Fat, oil and grease clogging LaSalle sewer treatment plant (courtesy LaSalle)
There are certain parts of the town where this is a greater issue.
"The campaign developed a flyer and we will be distributing the flyer to specific targeted areas that seem to get more of the fats oils and greases than others so those will be hand delivered."
Beaulieu says when the "FOG" gets built up in the pumping stations it requires bringing in contractors to remove the clogs.
Beyond the flyers being distributed, there are videos and other information posted online, along with a display at the town hall.