RESIDENTS on Parade Street Kilmore are being asked for patience over the next month as continued sewer improvement works yielded a discovery of a fatberg.
Fatbergs are a mass which is rock-like and is generally formed by people flushing non-biodegradable items, like wet wipes, which combines with fats, oils and greases, blocking sewers.
Goulburn Valley Water, which is managing the works, says residents should only flush the three P’s into their wastewater: pee, poo and paper.
Dr Steve Capewell, Managing Director of Goulburn Valley Water, said the discovery was a stark reminder of the impact household waste can have on essential infrastructure.
“Fatbergs are a serious issue. They form when people flush items that don’t break down, in this case a significant number of wet wipes, along with fats and oils that solidify in the pipes,” he said.
The current works are being done using a trenchless pipe bursting technique, which involves breaking out old underground clay pipes, and pulling new larger polyethylene pipe at the same time.
The Parade Street works form part of the sewer mains replacement program Goulburn Valley Water is undertaking across Kilmore as the town continues to grow.
Goulburn Valley Water confirmed half of the 500-metre project has been completed.
Pipe-bursting sessions will continue throughout the next month, with residents told to expect ground vibrations and a hammering noise as work goes on, minimising the impact to gardens, driveways and surface structures.
The utility thanks Kilmore residents for their patience and cooperation during the works and asks people who might be near Parade Street in coming weeks to not be alarmed if they feel the ground shaking.
Goulburn Valley Water also encourages households to be mindful of what they flush, helping to prevent future blockages and protect the environment.
Residents can obtain more information on the project or gain tips on responsible waste disposal by visiting gvwater.vic.gov.au.
