Fats, Oils and Grease
PRESS RELEASE DATE: 26th July 2010
Over 50 stakeholders met on 7th July to progress an industry led initiative targeting fat, oil and grease compounds (FOGC) in drainage. The event, hosted by British Water, builds on the successful FOG conference held earlier in the year at Cranfield University. The forum successfully attracted a wide variety of stakeholders including food service and catering equipment representatives, manufacturers, water companies, designers, consultants, the Environment Agency as well as scientists from Cranfield University and the University of Sheffield.
The group’s initial objectives were presented, these being the:
- Ongoing reduction of Fats, Oils and Grease Compounds in internal drains and sewers;
- Promotion of Fats Oils and Grease for recycling;
- Promotion of best practice and the influencing of standards;
- Influencing effective legislation and regulation.
Following these introductory comments, presentations were made by Cranfield University, the Water Research Centre and Aco Technologies plc describing effective grease management in food service establishments, a survey feedback identifying knowledge gaps and priority issues, and the understanding of FOGC for improved removal.
The methods to achieve the objectives were outlined as:
· Stakeholder collaboration and inclusion
· Science based refinement
· Knowledge creation
· Credible information source
· Proactive communication
· Establish a formal structure for the networking Forum
Further discussion demonstrated enthusiasm for developing pragmatic guidance and codes of practice for operators, installers and maintenance functions and highlighted the need for education and awareness.
The Forum actively invites comment on its objectives and aims to address all attendees and interested parties with ideas for possible structure and management. Parties wishing to contribute and be involved in the discussion should contact Martin Fairley at mfairley@aco.co.uk. A weblink providing information and the presentations given at the inaugural meeting has been established at http://www.britishwater.co.uk/fogforum.aspx
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Notes for Editors
Contacts: Martin Fairley, Aco Technologies plc
Ian Bernard, British Water
British Water is the lead trade body for the United Kingdom water and wastewater industry in the home and international marketplaces. The organisation represents some 170 member companies, including engineering, management and software consultancies; civil and process engineering contractors; equipment manufacturers and suppliers; ancillary service providers; financial institutions, law firms and specialist water research and training houses.
Its UK operations cover the water sector, commerce, industry and the health and leisure sectors. Representational activities include lobbying on technical, legislative regulatory and standards issues. In addition, the organisation is responsible for a major international programme of sector trade missions and seminars.