Legislation
LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS
Drain blockages cost the country billions of pounds and is a growing problem. Legislation concerning drainage contamination has existed for decades, but was clarified by The UK Water Industry Act 1991: “No person shall throw, empty or turn, or suffer or permit to be thrown or emptied or to pass, into any public sewer, or into any drain or sewer communicating with a public sewer, any matter likely to injure the sewer or drain, to interfere with the free flow of its contents or to affect prejudicially the treatment and disposal of its contents.” Amongst other matters, this is legally interpreted to include sewer contamination by fat, oil and grease (FOG).
Later, in 2000 the Approved Document H to the Building Regulations, amended 2002, advises ways in which blockage risk can be minimised: “Drainage serving kitchens in commercial hot food kitchens shall be fitted with a grease separator complying with BS EN1825-1 and PDI G101 or other effective means of grease removal” This does not mean that such businesses and organisations are compelled to install a particular piece of equipment such as a grease trap. However, the document recognises that manual or automated grease separators are the most effective solution for companies to comply with the law in avoiding FOG contamination.
Similar laws and regulations apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that companies meet their obligations.
Furthermore, the authorities are enforcing legislation more rigorously and prosecutions in excess of £10,000 are becoming more and more common.
Legislation exists to deter offenders, but the bigger picture is that it makes financial sense for companies to have a sound waste management policy. Quite apart from the risk of a hefty fine, the costs associated with serious drain blockage caused by grease can be massive.
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