. . . from the Foundation for Water Research www.fwr.org Issue 3, August 2016

Welcome to the summer issue of the FWR Newsletter

A few years ago Britain’s biggest ever ’fatberg’ was removed from a sewer under Kingston upon Thames. This was a single, congealed lump of fat mixed with wet wipes which weighed over 15 tonnes! As said at the time ‘Homes and businesses need to change their ways when it comes to fat and wipes: Bin It – Don’t Block It.’ Rachel Dyson from Anglian Water has written our lead article on FOG (fats, oils and grease). Pipe blockages cost UK water companies A manhole full of Fats, Oils and Grease an estimated £88m in 2012–13. A further surprising fact is that around 80% of pipe blockages are avoidable, simply because they are caused by the build-up of FOG and non-flushable items. In her article, Rachel argues that putting a price on FOG for reuse is one of the key ways to ease the situation. Rachel Dyson Programme Manager, Anglian Water In his Wastewater Matters piece, Steve Bungay also refers to recycling in terms of innovation being central to making a FOG ‘circular economy’ work successfully. AN INCREASING PROBLEM Reports from various recent confer- ences are also included in this issue. For information on events and news AND OPPORTUNITY highlights please go to our website www.fwr.org. You can also contact us via O MOST PEOPLE, fog means changeable nasty email ([email protected]) or telephone weather but for water companies the issue of FOG (01628 891589). T(used fats, oils and grease) is totally different, Maxine Forshaw - Editor though just as difficult to predict and just as challenging.

Every day, householders and businesses wash FOG. According to data shared by all UK water THIS ISSUE thousands of litres of used cooking oil and FOG and wastewater companies, there were 366,000 (fats, oils and grease) down sinks. In its liquid blockages in 2012–13, at an estimated cost of Fats, Oils and Grease form it may look harmless, but as hot fat cools £88m, 80% of which were avoidable costs. – An increasing problem and opportunity it solidifies quickly and becomes hard and sticks However, those are only the incidents dealt by Rachel Dyson, Programme Manager, Anglian Water 1 to the inner lining of pipes. In addition, it binds with by water companies and a tiny fraction of Sludgetech 2016 4 with everyday items like wipes, cotton buds and the overall extent of the problem. In addition, UK AD and conference 4 sanitary waste which are flushed down toilets. around one in five of us are likely to have called Wastewater Matters 5 Over time, the FOG and the non-flushable a plumber to unblock a drain in the past year, Potable Water Disinfection 6 items can build up and stop water flowing costing on average £66 but in some areas the Innovation Day 2016 at WRc 7 freely, causing blocked pipes and pumps, sewer cost can be as high as £240 or more. Plus, FWR News 8 flooding and pollution. further downstream there is the problem of Latest Publications 8 It is estimated that 80% of all pipe blockages blocked pumps at the pumping station as well as are avoidable as they are caused by this the costs of internal and external flooding and accumulation of non-flushable products and pollution incidents caused by FOG blockages.

- - - - -

- - - - atercompanies pow have nder this collaboration, collaboration, this nder U W N

een successfully made with s tradeeffluent, which inhibits nownor believedto be dis therwith regard to utilisa - ollectivelydecided clas to not ape’challenge to introduce a ection 111 ofthe Industryection Water 111 epeatFOG blockages and hatcan be applied based on the o assist with FOG manage charging trade effluent. Howev sewerage undertakerser, have c sifywaste from food premises a relatedincidents, and one pros other water companies looking to follow suit. ecutionof food a premise has b watercompanies are working water and sew ationally, collectively to learn from each o tionof third party organisations t internalenforcement processes t relevantnumberA laws. of wa thecosts from food serving establishments associated with r their legislative powers. The UK waterindustry has been work ingwith Defra under the ‘Red T ‘light consent’ for food serving establishments that repeatedly abusethe sewer letting by FOG enter the sewer network with no grease managementin place. Work around this has, however, currently been puton hold. erage companies are working they ment; are also looking at ter companies recovered have s ers of entry to inspect premises k Act 1991, it is criminala offence Act1991, todischarge matter ‘any likely toinjure the sewer or to drain, interfere with the free flow of its contentsor to affect prejudicially thetreatment and disposal of its it cancontents’. be extremely Yet difficult to attribute the presence of FOG sewer in a to specific premiseswhich makes it hard toget sufficient evidence for a successful prosecution.

------at isat not disputein is the inggrease and food waste Caterers are now reminded to More often than not, it is the M Wh

foodany premises pride

asteoil had been collected but– il hasil been a by taken away f FOG.f Staff training should ffectiveness bacteriological of taff,and grease management ookers,chip storage bins and equirementfor food business hatamount should been have prepsinks, pre-rinse sinks, dish - washers,washing machines, wok c dianrestaurant produced paper workindicating litres that 10 of w disposal of FOG to floor drains which are left unprotected. factthat deliberate disposal of wasteFOG into the sewerage system is not permitted. Under es to produce a Waste Trans ferNote, indicating that waste o registeredwaste this carrier, doesnot provideproof thatall FOG is being properly managed. During recent inspections, an In expected, to match what was boughtin. sizing and siting of grease sepa rators and the frequency and e dosing.Food serving establish mentshigh a turnover have of s training,although essential, is notconsistent and is often over looked. Simple measures, how can minimise discharges ever, o encourage good kitchen prac tice,including scrapingand dry wip fromplates and pans into waste bins beforethey are washed. themselves ontheir FOG retriev techniquesal used thein cook ingprocess. Whilst it is legal a r recordsshowed times around 10 t manage food waste legally and safelyto help prevent fats, oils andgrease from blocking sinks, pipesand drains as part of the FoodStandards Agency’s Safer Food Better Business updated food regulations.hygiene Wash sinkat food premise,St Ives, Cambs

------oveFood L y fary the biggest challenge is B F F S o everydayo life and made tional Christmas FOG aware oodpremises lack clear ainsbury’shas realised the e nowe eat out more often, with aste FOG. There is still too much orkingpartnershipin with re nd, by working by nd, closely with ears.The retailer has also tri omplex information for used for information omplex uchas the Waste Resources& chemeatstores Scotlandin chemeto further stores across otisseriesand work canteens is ActionProgramme’s importanceof helping its cus confusionabout the use and maintenance ofeffective grease managementsystems, the campaign HateWaste wins sup moreport. the comparison, In c the large quantities of FOG pro duced in the commercial sector. W greaterreliance on fast food. Thenumber of restaurants, cafes, supermarket takeaways, r estimated to be around 575,734 accordingnationally, to data from Caterlyst (January 2016), andrising. adviceabout what to do with w or recycling to be asuc easy for people to action. With- outdoubt, clear messaging s cookingoil disposal means that anefficient route for house water companies, it hasrun a na and Blackpool. Following suc cess in these areas, and again w gionalwater companies, Sains bury’sis looking to extend this s theUK where it sit will alongside existingrecycling facilities. cessit must be incorporated int holdFOG recycling remains an unsolveddilemma.

nesscampaign for the last two y alled a used cooking oil collection s tomersprevent FOG blockages a ------he challenge is to change or householders, mesor the F T

sedcooking oil available from eople to take used cooking oil ooking oil and fat down the argetinggreater profitselse ew pioneeringew local councils, s beneficials for us to all make ow yield ow attracts little enthu c sage‘never is putsimple: used where. 2 handful of others, estab have p SouthNorfolk Council, and a l t mon approach of relyingon theMeanwhile, site is nearby. lished local collection points but siasm among waste collectors centre has limited appeal unless tohouseholda waste recycling Leicestershire. Themore com convenient door-to-door collec door-to-door convenient suchas Oadby and Wigston in make it unviable to make provide u available fromindividual homes f mated million 130 tonnes of the pitiful amounts However, tion services amongst but all a encouraged. UK homes, the potential is huge. ofrenewable energy should be sink,recycle With it’. anesti ofused cooking oil as sourcea economy, universal economy, recycling and promotion of a circular a worlda ofdwindling resources responsible for its performance. i into the sewerage system. In into the sewer network, are yet holders and businesses that it sure FOG does not escape controlwhat is over discharged Water companiesWater little have attitudes andpersuade house is, of is, course, animpossible task. goes into every toilet and sink itself.Proactive policing of what itis needin of some protection protection of public health. Yet themost important roles thein Thesewer network one plays of Fatbergpulled fromburst a 6 inchsewer inCambridgeshire

Produced by FWR © FWR 2016 Produced by FWR © FWR 2016 3 Are all staff Are all staff trained? Y/N Do you have strainers in place? Y/N Where is the fat, oil, grease storage area? How often is the area cleaned? Is this on your cleaning schedule? Y/N Who is your registered waste carrier? Where are your waste transfer notes kept? .

HOW DO YOU DO THIS? DO YOU DO HOW training staff As part of your of the aware that all are ensure washing need to do this before list of Add this to your up. items: training • Ensure a strainer is always is always a strainer Ensure the placed in the sink over plughole. Do not sweep waste food - place into floor drains in the bin. waste • Ensure all staff know what to all staff Ensure oil and grease do with used fat, Add as part of their training. list of to your the following items: training • • • Add the below to your list of Add the below to your items: training • • v save money ore than 80% of blockagesare ajorityof pumping stationfailures ostto watercompanies £88m + 0% of0% sewer flooding and pollution ollution incidentclean-up costs and 36 C M M P 8 incidentsare asa result ofa sewer blockage. companiesalone causedavoidable, ‘non-flushable’ by products wipes, sanpro and (eg waste) FOG are the result ofblocked pumpsnot – includedthein total above costs prosecutionfines not included the in costs above

Rachel Dyson is a Programme Manager at Anglian and Chair UK Water of Water Sewer Network Abuse Prevention Group Centuryand 21st Drainage Sewer Misuse workstream. All photographsare courtesyof AnglianWater Numbers glance a at • • blockages 6,000 foryear in a water • • • • - - - - oils fats, This will help to prevent bits, as well as food and grease, building up in the pipes and potentially could be causing blockages. Plus you for allowing oil and fined prosecuted cause a blockage to scraps and food under Section 111 of the Water Act. Industry WHY? This will help to prevent food building building food This will help to prevent causing up in the pipes and potentially won’ta blockage. If toilets flush or back up and cause internal drains your to forced you could be legally flooding, is sorted. close while the problem Fats, oil and grease can build up in oil and grease Fats, a blockage leading to pipes creating bad smells, costs, loss of reputation and potential business. to close could be forced you Legally, sorted out. is until the problem The registered waste carrier will give carrier will give waste The registered a legal document, known as a you the for Note, in return Transfer Waste They may oil and grease. used fats, as it can be used to you, pay even into biodiesel. Disposing of this convert into it getting prevents correctly waste the sewer system and also helps the the risk This will avoid environment. not to someone who’s of giving waste for up to a £5,000 fine and registered under the Environmental prosecution Act 1990. Protection he key is to heput key valuea on FOG so– that heopportunity to help contribute to T T ile also contributing to water companies’ Safe method GREASE AND OILS FATS, WASTE, FOOD OF DISPOSING from of the environment pollution pipe blockages, flooding and potential Avoid will also methods you these safe By following premises. your SAFETY POINT SAFETY plates, pans and Scrape utensils into the bin. It is should that you recommended the a dedicated bin for have Before waste. collection of food pots and pans, wipe washing them with and a paper towel put the paper towel in the bin. Use strainers to stop food going to stop food Use strainers down the plughole (and empty contents into the bin or container food your for collection). waste Collect used fat, oil and grease in a oil and grease Collect used fat, container. sealed, secure Contact a registered waste carrier waste Contact a registered the collection of for oil and grease. used fats, your of records keep that you Ensure has oil and grease how much fat, been collected the registered by Transfer The Waste carrier. waste must in return you Note they give two for premises on your be kept possible inspection. for years

usinesses,and the increasing investment ut the ‘rag’. However, the cost of dealing However, ut the ‘rag’. enewable energy generation. can It be it is viewed as all by valued a commodity notto be washed downthe sink! thecircular economy through FOG man agement with domestic customers and b theby water industry in technologies and processes to harvest FOG from the net workcan only be positive steps forward, wh bottom line and ultimately contributing to lower costs on watercustomers’ bills. arguedthat FOG thein network is already producing energy for AD plants through thenormal treatment process withoutany further intervention required, given the dif with sewer blockages and related incidents outweighs the argument todo nothing. gies to ‘harvest’the FOG from the network to turn into biodiesel, while other water companies are looking to retrieve the FOG fromthe network to use theirin anaero plants bicdigestion to increase (AD) their r ficulty in retrieving the FOG and separating o Excerpt from Food premise FOG management factsheet, created by Anglian Water in partnership with Essex Food Liaison Group

. - - - - - he protection of the sewer network will W Therecently formed Grease Contrac - T en it comes to reducing FOG entering

ndit becomes reala headache for both t thet time when newa kitchen is built, ie an be proved premise a has blocked the pecifies the sortof that trap/device must oodpremises can one-stopa have shop to ServingIndustry FOG Code of Practice networkwith FOG. investedhave in processes and technolo be taken on repeat offenders blocking the This is underpinned British by Water’s Food http://www.britishwater.co.uk/article/fog-20.aspx. ater companies such as Thames Water hearthe message nationally that action will maintenanceof the management systems. blockageprevention so that food premises frominitial FOG audit to installation and companiestake uniteda approach on FOG FOG management processes and systems, thereforethat water all and sewerage helpthem through the confusing of maze incidentsfrom blockages. is essential It the fines relatedto floodingand pollution blockagesand incidents as well as paying for the sewer network and for dealing with wholesale still will operation) be responsible incumbentsewerage undertaker (part of the waterand sewerage services although the will be will able to choose who provides their wh From this date, food all premisesApril 2017. tionalimportance, of acting responsibly of marketreform thein water industry in wholesalefunction, despite the backdrop continue to be a focus of water companies’

theeconomic sense, as well as reputa thesewer network. These realise big name chains, however, foodpremise owner and water company. c s thisthe issue that there are no UK stand a less, there are to laws prosecute where it Unfortunately ceptor. there is whichno law beretrofitted workinga in kitchen. Add to ards for such devices or biological dosing a theinstallation of largea underfloor inter removalor trapping devices. Neverthe tions to law consider grease management isno legal requirement to fit grease any sewerand there is the new building regula - thelimitations of the currently– law there connectionwith FOG management within with big name chains at Head Office level in tor’sAssociation is welcomea (GCA) f organisation into the FOG world, whereby Foodpremise manhole with evidence ofFOG

------. His. vision, the municipal What ChallengesWhat and Op he Royal Society heRoyal sponsored neof the conference sessions s Ofwats continues work on its T M O A

owing international owing market. The

pecialistconference on ‘Sludge and hold included forWater f AD? he next he level. hatthere could be better of ways CIWEM), and AlisonCIWEM), Fergusson Sludgetech’sinaugural confer ence following on from its success. Building on this year, be will an IWA Sludgetech 2017 S ence in 2015, the 2016 confer- the 2016 ence in 2015, illustratingcan howwe take energyrecovery from sludge to t neering doctorate of Sludget ech’sorganiser Dr Nick Mills, thercompetition within the sew agesludge market and more use of Bungay Steve terhouseCoopers), ( kets in sludge activity. They believe t handlingsludge across company boundaries. They also think there could be synergies with thewider waste market. Alison Fergusson saidthat Ofwat’s research had of theshown that sludge 13% in paperdrew from the engi at July 2017 place on 9–13 anagement’Imperialand takewill College . v most recent proposals include fur technology. innovative speakersRichard Laikin (Pricewa Dr Piers Clark (Isle(Ofwat); Utilities) chaired the session. From the initial identified Ofwat have consultation, thatthere is real potential for mar treatmentthe– basics and the currentstate ofthe art Water2020 andcommercial AD industry needs to quickly understand the opportu nitiesorderin to capitalise on this gr

asked portunities does De-regulation the o

------wards Creat levels To .coli E – which sought Regulatory framework . This. framework set out : where Ofwat presented . y 2 included2 y sessions on Da T d Developmentsd in material pactof the proposed reforms.

This openedngland and This Wales. ndcommercial arms of the AD n December 2015, Ofwatn December Published 2015, he role of regulation. response In he Environment Agency and the a Market Challenges for Sludge: andOpportunities viewsfrom each of the and Water Seweragecompanies, consultants, t included session a on The Influence conference heSludgetech Policy, of 2016 results: consultation their ingcompetitivea sludge market in E Ofwat’s results to a wider audi ence, including both the municipal a sector. Digestion) (Anaerobic I to this consultation CIWEM organ isedtechnicala seminar – Consumer in par Council for Water, ticularlooking theat environmental im Steve Bungay chairing at Sludgetech 2016 Water 2020 for wholesale markets and the 2019 pricereview Ofwat’spreferred options relationin to the design of the future regulatory frameworkfor the industry, address ing both the role of markets and t a paper onadvanced thermal (University presented ofSurrey) Professor Thorpe Rex PhDpostgraduate researcher at CranfieldUniversity presented a paperon nutrient release from damaged cells which con may tributeto elevated biosolids:in subjecta that may a significanthave impact on companies’ approach water the to complying with the Biosolids Assurance Scheme. recovery Theinfluence Inter of policy, nationalexperience of upgrad assets, optimising and ing an

- - - ses

mbracing

n the How do we . I brings the world’s leading H2M Hill gave a thought-provok a Hill gave H2M he day includedhe day reviews of merging technologies, and how o agriculture.o Sarah a Fane, echnologies such as pyroly existing technologies, new e sion saw we how advanced t sis can be integrated with the recyclingof treated biosolids t real-timecontrol can be used to optimise processes. With an eye firmlyan eye on the future, Julian Sandino, Vice President C ingpresentation on E disruptivetechnologies to managerisk in wastewater planning agriculture support best T

. - - - - grad AIMS TO BRIDGE THE GAP THE BRIDGE TO AIMS Up AD and BIOGAS and BiogasK AD 2016 technology product and international suppliers along with someof the under most one roof, LUDGETECH between academia and industry,bringing experts leading together knowledge share to y 1 of the conference

Da

dustryexperts discussing the

griculture, Combining and nd includedmix a of domes

romacademia, the UK Water S free conference seminarand sessions. year there year 300 international were exhibitors over 24 and engagingand knowledgeable minds in the industry. This

44 U Photo credit James Brocket WWT. Steve Bungay, FWR SectionWastewater Co-ordinator Bungay, Steve 6–7 JULY 2016 JULY 6–7 Conference and Exhibition and Conference UK

studentspresenting their cur challengesfacing the industry. a f speakersranged from research in a nell University, Pennsylvania ticand international speakers Companies, and industry. The rentresearch, to long-standing includedsessions on optimising and existing ing assets, How to best support energyand nutrient recovery withsite a visit to Reading Wastewater Works.Treatment twoof presentations days of peer reviewed papers, concluding ProfessorMatt Higgins of Buck three-daybuilt event on the success conference, of the 2015 with Theconference was opened by Supported CIWEMby and steeringa committee of experts, the ofinspiring the next generation to seek career a sludge.in innovationthat is taking place across the world with the aim This year’s conference showcased the latest research and

Steve Bungay, FWR SectionWastewater Co-ordinator Bungay, Steve SLUDGETECH CONFERENCE June 2016 27–29

surrounding sewage sludge. and insight into the challenges and opportunities and challenges the into insight and

Produced by FWR © FWR 2016 Produced by FWR © FWR 2016

5 ------lue are Pure B and . Severn Severn . hamesWater T and the Thames Thamesoper Water . Innovation Process Innovation portal, Like Severn Trent, United Like Severn Trent, wTWs and STCs wTWs are approach nnovationis critical to the A W I thinnovation to some degree.

conomy. conomy. ircular economy. However, we are we ircularHowever, economy. unsanother online system– hechallenge of balancing its o bringo experts together from ive years,ive and operatesystem a Anglianoperates Water an online Network Innovation Water (WIN), Dŵr Cymru Welsh online Water runs an andNorthumbrian operate Water an online portal Market Innovation andTechnologies (MINT) ten ll water and sewerage com held Water an InnovationTrent Day Southern earlierthe in year. has Water been exploring in shareof the water supply thein environment.South West Water r Innovation panies (WaSCs) arepaniesactively (WaSCs) involved wi whichin novativeways to meet t atesnumbera of innovation cen tresincluding the and SmartInnovation Technology (TWIST), Centre SludgeWater & Energy Innovation Centre. Utilities hosted have an innova tionevent. Wessex has Water an Innovation and Forum Technology Innovation t still a long from way extracting the maximum value from resources in both the water and sludge line. across their business, and have jointa research programme with the University of Bath. Finally, print identi for Yorkshire have fied number a areas of key of fo cus for innovation the over next f forprocurement and contract in an circular However, economy. increasingly media-driven society, the water industry must not lose sight that innovation Research and Development notthe same thing. Innovation isthe successful exploitation of newideas, and is mucha broader subjectfor the water companies than R&D alone. Innovation will extend into the supply chain, partners, suppliers, and customers. is technicalIt innovation that encompassesBut R&D. it is R&D that underpins technical innovation and not vice versa. Regulatory, customer and trends economic now meanthat it is more important than thatever water companies should it is critical innovate.However, that R&Dis not casualtya thein drive ingsuccessful operation within a c Yorkshiretheirin Water management innovation. towards innovation and the circular e

- - - - v onggone are the when days a L gradedand biomethane is injected

cheme (BAS). If, in order to operate cheme If, (BAS). ouldbe mechanisma of ensuring odes of practice for sewage sludge, ootsourin schooleducation. So, caland regulatory standards and c thein deregulated market, opera tors to work have within BAS, this c and regulation consistent both that a high quality product is recycled to farmers’ fields. into the natural gas grid. Where CHPs are used, heat generated the by engines is typically used at thatlocation, electricity andany producedcan be used either on- siteor exported into the electricity grid.The water industry is still very dependent on agriculture itsin circular with the economy, majorityof the treated biosolids beingrecycled to agriculture. STWs become have wastewater treatment due to the However, works (WwTW). currentapproach of treating and not recoveringnutrients, these WwTWs are still a long from way being the waterrecycling centres that some watercompanies portray them to be. acceptable components biosolids of whichare recycled to agriculture. addition In to this, currently there isdisparitya between geographi biosolids,and other organic wastes. This is something that Ofwat have recognized in their consultation. A potentialsolution to this disparity is the new Biosolids Assurance S The water cycle is one of the sim plestcircular concepts to under stand, and our exposure to it has r to the water industry, the circular economyis not, or should not be, a new concept. sewagetreatment works’ (STW) design flow sheet had an arrow entitled ‘sludge’ that disappeared off the page STWs into the ether. generallyproduce high quality effluentsand now regularly employ nutrientremoval. Sludge treatment centresregularly (STC) practise the treatmentand conversion of raw sewage sludge to treated biosolids; biogasis produced and is typcally used on-site in combined heat and power engines, or the biogas (CHP) is up

. - - - - - f thef sewage sludge market is I

perators in the AD market produce egardingthe quality of digestate ulatedmarket, it is essential that all o quality treated biosolids. a dereg In deregulated, it is critical that the quality of the final product is not compromised.the Currently, Wa terand Sewerage Companies con vertraw sewage sludge into high high quality digestate and biosolids. Glass, eggshells and plastics are not andtreated biosolids, whatever company endsup supplying them. marketwould need to follow clear standards on the quality of sludge treatment so that the final stake holderfarmers– confidence have – r - - - - andsupply chain management. The principles of

. By. the very nature of water and the water cycle, the water www.wrap.org.uk NNOVATION IN THE WATER SECTOR IS CHANGING Although the innovation should water be a part of everyday companies life in the recognize that eve Bungay (Chair of the Bungay (Chair eve owever, Richard Laikin, owever, UK Wa

St H

hilstin use, then recover and regenerate products and materials theat end crosswater company boundaries. t costs to treat and transport the Mostwater companies no idea have Steve Bungay, FWR SectionWastewater Co-ordinator Bungay, Steve Water – Innovation and the Circular Economy Circular the and Innovation – Water WASTEWATER MATTERS WASTEWATER I CIWEM) cautioned that the new WastewaterManagement Panel at

aboutthe unit costs of their sew a i itably transferred to other facilities age sludge operations – how much

Englandand Walescould be prof Credit ‘ terSector Leader PwC,at warned: w circular economy ResourcesAction Programme) has defined circulara economy as alternaan to a traditionaltive use, in which dispose) keep we linear economy (make, resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum from value them circular-economy years.many of each service life. Seehttp://www.wrap.org.uk/about-us/about/wrap-and- industryhas inherently operated as circular a economy to some extent for thecircular economy are simple. The organization WRAP (Waste & In media In and management circles there is anincreasing focus on the especially technical innovation, is changing. water industry, the implementation of innovation, a lot that has to happen before in in this part of the value chain, and todo to work out what the costs are formedchoices canbe made’. energyfrom it. There’s lota of work sludge, and the cost of generating the , these, . He. explained that AOP . Following. experiences with at a hithertoa at good quality Nutrient recovery from sewage is . application of Advanced Oxidation fterlunch, Andrew Elphinston (Black and eregulation of the sludge marketwill also udwig Dinkloh (XYLEM) spoke about o make the nexto make technology step, and a L R A D T A circular economy requires a holistic

problem elsewhere. Frameworks and procurement strategies also act as barriers for small innovative companiesto engage with the water companies. There is a desire to improve the management of the supply chain, and to stimulate the supply chain intoundertaking currently the However, R&D. door is firmly closedto theexploitation of this desire. an effecthave on innovation. present, At only time tellwill if this effect is positive or negative. Ofwat’s proposed changes are more in line with a traditional linear economy andnot a circular One economy. ofthe concepts of sludge deregulation is that competition should drive innovation. However, this will innovation support or hinder the circular economy? towardsmove circular a innovation, economy, and risk R&D, management parta have all will currently almost non-existent, limited to almost handfula of struvite harvesting plants. Producing biopolymersand enzymes could potentially offer significant opportunitiesfor the recovery ofhigh value industrial resources from activated sludge. Therecovery of energy from sewage sludge has improvedremarkably the over lasttwo AMP (Asset overall the However, periods. Plan) Management per cent of energy recovered still remains relatively Advanced low. digestion and thermal hydrolysis technologies are now well developed, and biogas upgrading to biomethaneis developing quickly. approach Veatch) talked about experiencesVeatch) in the design, installation, and operation of UV plants in Wales Cryptosporidium uplandsource Welsh reviewed Water 2005, in its all sources and concluded were that 25 over riskat and UV would be the preferred solution. Comparing low pressure with high pressure UV plantsled the company to adopt both types dependingon location and power availability. latest WHO Guidelines obertPitchers referred (WRc) to the which application promote of health (Disability-Adjustedbeing appliedas DALYs targets or Infection (,Canada) LifeYears) Risklevels (USA, The Netherlands). UK requireswater suppliers Safety Water to have Planswhich necessitate site-specific having pathogen-focussed disinfection policies. To assist water companies has WRc developed a toolbox which relies on published data and, where necessary, extrapolation and allows companiesto optimise chlorination. the Processes to(AOP) seasonally occurring micropollutants relyon the production of highly reactive OH radicalswhich can be generated ozone by hydrogen+ peroxide, UV plus hydrogen

- - - was ef risk, the to be ‘ren as sensitive Since UV offers to UV. economic V plants.V ltrafiltration plants. In 2007 the regulations the 2007 In plants. ltrafiltration ecognition of aquifer changes due to extreme fectiveand the company installed numbera of u deredharmless’ following recognition that it w weather and the Cryptosporidium changedto allow Cryptosporidium Advances in Disinfection of Water Potable 2016 July 14 FWRSupply Water Co-ordinator Waite, Mike company realised that disinfection had to be anabsolute Early barrier. advice was that only physical removal of Cryptosporidium innovation wouldn’t we were need that easy, to do it. For every successfulR&D project, there be will failedprojects. riskin a adverse However, culture, there is no understanding that in order to achieve a successful outcome, failure an important play may role. Cascading risk onto the supply chain under thebanner of innovation does not solve this problem; it simply moves the ownership of the pany ispany moving to replacing ultrafiltration by U benefits compared toultrafiltration, the com sources,just marginal chlorination. With the r ginalchlorination, or for some high quality

, - - It are critical The meeting was clearly aimed at industry professionals well in the in impressive Victorian surroundings Theof Leeds

WAS ONE OF MEETING AROUND 60 DELEGATES ATTENDING THIS

Club in Yorkshire.

and risk management ichardLake described Affinity Water’s long R the DWI approach to UV disinfection

sedsuper and dechlorination, UV and mar I The watercycle – creditwww.metoffice.gov.uk challenge. importantto consider the potential pathogen in use for validating. For installation any it is necessaryand the various different systems setting validation out why of UV equipment is 66 UV. on experience and heavyreliance of, and marginal chlorination was the only treat chalk groundwater where medium pressure UV already had sites around 10 with high quality u of hadUVa unit as long 1996and ago by as 1990 ment. Depending on the source, the company Mike Newberry Mike reminded (MWH) the meeting be an acceptance of failure. R&D If and technical andinnovation. For successful R&D there has to procurement strategies, serves to stifle both R&D torisk, combined with operating frameworks and economy. Currently, however, the water however, Currently, economy. companiesare very risk adverse. This aversion R&D componentsof achieving successfula circular my fullmy account please goto http://www.fwr.org/drnkwatr/disinfection2016.htm versed in the legislation and practical aspects of disinfection. Here is a flavour of the – for day

Produced by FWR © FWR 2016 Produced by FWR © FWR 2016 7 v , and, sub-potable water. 2 . She described how the seas ‘Innovate, ‘Innovate, Collaborate, Generate ver 60 exhibitors were in attendance, he afternoon was devoted to a session he final informative presentation was given T T O

holistically.The company has set longa up Waste, and Resource term‘Integrated Water, Recovery Concept and Action programme’ whichis virtually (refreshingly) acronym proof; thislooks at existingpower production and the wholesale products new of possible development suchas heat, CO bringingdelegates together smallin groups to consider a number of innovation issues. Once againpupils from Isambard Community School were present throughout the meeting, producing and showing an excellent video record of the day. The supported day the charity BLISS babies (for born premature orsick). by Eileen by Linklater of the European Marine Energy Centreon – a Pathway to Commercialisation for New Technologies’ around the Orkneys were being used to try out rangea of systems for capturing energy from or tideswaves without the use of barrages. She saidthat the UK could getof its 20% energy needsfrom and tidal waves activity, and the driversfor the development of this energy sourceare both climate change and economics. present,At Orkney produces of its energy 104% needsfrom and tide. There wave are problems withfeeding the surplus into the national grid and the power production being is not steady, influencedthe by state of the tides. They are developing energy storage using production of hydrogenelectrolysis by and its subsequent use in fuelcells. providing an impressive selection of innovative techniques and equipment. Theseinitiatives produce will benefits for both customersand the environment. The company is looking at the use of redundant especially land, around sewage works, with the development of industriesto use heat and power from ERFs, and is pilotingthis atEsholt nearBradford.

Courtesy WRc plc Courtesy WRc

ANNUAL ANNUAL c’s by Ian by McAulay, ‘An ‘An Integrated Approach Mike Waite, FWR Water Supply Co-ordinator Supply FWRWater Waite, Mike . He gave a livelya presentation He. gave being developed Yorkshire by ‘The Circular Economy as a , a system, a whereby delegates SharingKnowledge for Changinga INNOVATION DAY IN APRIL HE THEME OFWR was . This has event been steadily growing he day began heday with four keynote addresses, on Brigg, Innovation Manager Yorkshire Blendology WRc INNOVATION DAY 2016 DAY INNOVATION WRc Next came J T

T to Innovation’ ChiefExecutive One points of of his Viridor. key was that there should be no such thing as waste, butrather it should be considered resource.a Organisationsshould for aim zero waste. He advocatedresource networks as an and gave exampleGreater Manchester where several local authoritieshandle waste together atan energy recovery facility (ERF) which burns waste to generate There heat and are power. proposals to encourageactual and potential users of ERF heat tolocate near to facilities and develop brownfield sites close toERFs with thisas driver. a described Water, as part of the Kelda Group.Water, the At start itis importantto define needs and be willingto change, carry and out aggregate R&D, issues Driving Force for Change’

Thefirst innovation encountered was the use of beginning (Candover with Simon Walker ConsultingLtd) talking about ‘Future Proofing your Organisation – and Leadership’ the Future in which he ofstressed that organisations need to Work be flexible in time, location and processes and shouldrecognise that times and technologies are changing. Organisations should be a network, acceptingnot hierarchy, a inputs and ideas from He quoted anyone. the saying ‘Beware of Hippos’ (Highest Paid Person’s as a criterion Opinions) forthe value of ideas. message His key was that listen also but leaders lead organisation should and showhumility ego. over registeredtheir details online before the meeting and on arrival were issued with identity cards which,when tapped against other any card, recordedthe link. Once tapped, the details of contactscould be retrieved online latera at time. Thiswas usefula replacement for the traditional exchanging ofcards. World since its was its inceptionmost and I think2016 successfulto date. The had event limita of 300 delegatesand was oversubscribed, showing how much the occasion is now valued. I was fortunatelyable to attend and found the of day greatinterest.

- - Credit: RafalOlechowski/shutterstock.com v ichard Joshi (atg UV Technology) finished ichardUV Technology) Joshi (atg or success in developinga circular economy, . He talked about in which the way new R F

ducationand innovation thein industry. The treatment. v element developments in of advanced water suggestedthat AOPs were to likely be keya plantsfor small communities. he Finally, are scarce and could be used in small package have a rolea have waterin re-use where resources applications could happen UV could sooner. water treatment but some small volume areleastat years for large away 10 volume efficiencyHe surmised is low. that UV LEDs low voltage. Unfortunately at present their state, instantly switching, mercury-free and being wavelength-tunable, small, solid LEDs.These advantages, many would have One interesting development could be UV not necessarily mean practically viable. marketneed, and technically possible does application. Any new product must meet a via disappointment before stabilising in their ideas progress through inflated optimism UV problem for some water companies. problem water some for looking presentation on the future of in particularin metaldehyde which can be a the meeting with aninteresting forward- alsobe used for removal of some pesticides, only occur for 2–3 months per year. AOPcan months onlyoccur per year. for 2–3 methyl iso-borneol and they tend to (MIB) seasonal micropollutants are geosmin and peroxide,or UV plus chlorine. The main playersadoption thein UK’s of the circular economypackage.

to the waste companies and they are both key water companies are facing similar challenges to play. Ian McAulay, Viridor’sIan McAulay, Chief Executo play. e tive, has tive, clearly stated that Viridor would not invest in new waste and recycling infrastruc ture for the UK if austerity is allowed to ‘kill off’ a risk.a academia; and they need to be prepared to take withthe supplythey need chain; to engage with they need to promote they R&D; need to engage maximum value from sewage and sewage sludge, bite.the If watercompanies are to extract the itis critical that innovation is not simply sounda An update on the activities of the FWR Caryll Stephen Chief Executive of the Foundation for Water Research

S YOU CAN SEE IN THIS The Chinese delegations due this summer have been A NEWSLETTER FWR HAS delayed due to visa problems, but we are now optimistic focussed on wastewater and has that a visit from one of the groups will take place in been out and about throughout the September. We are planning a few more events this summer months at various events autumn and further ROCKs are already in production. concerning both waste and clean On the catchment based approach front, we are pleased water. We also attended the recent to say that we have received a further year of funding New Forest Show at Brockenhurst (2016–2017) for our hosting role of the South Chilterns which had many visitors and our catchment partnership. stand was very popular. A lot of interest was shown in one of our In the meantime, I do hope our readers are enjoying the new Reviews of Current Knowledge current summery weather and, as usual, a big thank you (ROCKs) concerning Water Storage, to everybody who has contributed to this issue of our Use and Wastewater Disposal for newsletter. v Leisure Boats and Caravans.

Copies of these reports are available from the Foundation New FWR Publications for £15 each, less 20% for FWR members. Water Storage, Use and Sewage Sludge: Operational Wastewater Disposal for and Environmental Issues Leisure Boats and Caravans (4 th edition) FR/G0010, July 2016 FR/R0001, Revised June 2016

This Guide provides a comprehensive overview This updated Review of Current Knowledge is of the safe storage and use of drinking water, concerned primarily with ‘sludge’ from urban and and disposal of wastewater, for owners of leisure domestic wastewater treatment works. Many of boats and caravans. With reference to the latest the principles, however, will also apply to sludges guidelines and regulations, this publication aims to from wastewaters from industrial processes, and bring all the relevant information together in one easily accessible document. to digestates from biogas plants.

Wherever water is stored or wastewater created there is a risk of infection The main objective of treating these wastewaters has been to separate that needs to be managed. Good hygiene is therefore essential when treating, water from the other constituents so that the water is fit for release distributing and using drinking water, and when handling and disposing of either back to the environment or for reuse. The second objective is wastewater. Contaminated water can transmit infection not only when drunk but to recover resources from the other constituents; this is being given also when used for cleaning teeth or washing food such as salad which is eaten increasing priority as we strive to move from a disposal society to a without cooking. Recreational use of water can also lead to infections although recycling society. It is important to keep in context the risks and benefits this is outside the scope of this guide; for further reading on this topic see FWR compared with both ‘ambient’ activities and with the do-nothing option Guide FR/G0005 Standards for Recreational Water Quality. (http://www.fwr.org/ of not recycling. environw/frg0005.pdf). The publication looks at how sludge is produced (after being treated, sludge Clean and safe water therefore remains a keystone for public health protection. is also now referred to as ‘wastewater biosolids’). Sludge as a resource, in Following the guidance in this report will help ensure that leisure boat and terms of water, energy, chemical, metals, etc, is then considered. Sludge caravan users meet their obligations to preserve clean water for everyone. treatments are covered (dewatering, biological and chemical treatment, The advice is based around the use of leisure boats and caravans in the UK for drying, plus incineration and other thermal processes). The risks of personal use and does not cover the use of commercial vehicles. Much of the using sludge on land is examined, encompassing metals and inorganic content may nevertheless be relevant further afield. The term ‘caravans’ also chemicals, organic chemicals, risks from pathogens, odour, and both includes motorhomes when appropriate. unknown and emerging risks. And finally, the author looks at the benefits The first section of the guide addresses the collection, storage and use of of using sludge on land. v potable water. The second section covers the collection, storage and disposal of wastewater. v

Produced by the Foundation for Water Research © FWR 2016 Foundation for Water Research Allen House, The Listons, Liston Road, It is FWR’s policy to improve our services in every way and so whilst details Marlow, Bucks SL7 1FD. set out in this publication were correct at the time of publishing, we are T : +44 (0) 1628 891589 unable to guarantee that changes have not subsequently taken place. We therefore reserve the right to alter content at any time without notice. F : +44 (0) 1628 472711 E : [email protected] This publication may not be copied for distribution or used for any W : www.fwr.org commercial reason without prior permission from FWR. Design Agency - http://www.connellmarketing.com Publication No : FWR-NEWS 24-0