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What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?

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What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?

SSOs can be caused by anything capable of obstructing the flow of wastewater in a sewer. The build-up of solids and fats, oils and greases (FOG) in the wastewater collection system is a major concern. When an obstruction blocks the flow of wastewater within a pipe, the wastewater may back up and overflow through a manhole, cleanout, toilet, sink or drain. This overflowing wastewater may make its way into the environment, a house or a business.

• SSOs contain everything that goes down your drain – EVERYTHING!
• Additionally, SSOs can carry bacteria, viruses, and various diseases.
• Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems face added risk.
• In water bodies the environmental impacts of sewage include: hypoxia, algal blooms, habitat degradation, floating debris, and aquatic species die offs.

Where does grease come from? Traditionally grease is thought of as oil used for frying and bacon grease but grease and oils can be found in other food stuff.

Items commonly found to have greases and oils:

• Milk
• Butter
• Ice cream
• Frosting
• Baked goods
• Chicken skins
• Creams and sauces
• Salad dressing