100 Tonne Fatberg Discovered in East London Sewer
A fatberg weighing about 100 tonnes and stretching approximately 100 metres has been discovered blocking sewers in Whitechapel, east London. This fatberg has been described as the 'grandchild' of the 2017 Whitechapel fatberg, which was larger, weighing about 130 tonnes and extending more than 250 metres.
The buildup consists of fats, oils, grease, and wipes that are flushed down drains, which do not disappear and accumulate to cause severe blockages. Thames Water has noted a seasonal increase in blockages across London during December and January, leading to significant clearance and repair costs that run into tens of millions of pounds annually. Specifically, festive-period clearance costs amount to around £2.1 million.
To help reduce the risk of blockages, the public is advised to scrape food scraps from dishes, use plughole strainers, and avoid pouring liquid foods such as gravy or cream down sinks during December and January. A sample of the 2017 Whitechapel fatberg was preserved and displayed at the Museum of London after it was broken up.
