Remember the Sidmouth fatberg as reported across the globe earlier in the year:
BBC’s Blue Planet visits Sidmouth > the dangers fatbergs pose to the oceans
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Toilet block, Eastern Town, Sidmouth
At the time of the picture, the road outside the block was closed to allow the sewer alongside to be cleared. The vehicle by the fence is part of the work to remove a large “fatberg” 64 metres long
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The University of Exeter has been doing some studies:
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Autopsy reveals Sidmouth fatberg’s dirty secrets
The 64-metre monster – greater in length than the Tower of Pisa – was discovered under The Esplanade in Sidmouth by South West Water, just before Christmas last year.
A team of scientists from the University of Exeter were asked to carry out an extensive ‘autopsy’ of the fatberg to try and solve the mystery of how it was constructed, and whether it posed any environmental risks…
The team found that the samples they received were mostly made of animal fats – consistent with domestic food preparation – combined with household hygiene products such as wet wipes and sanitary products, as well as natural and artificial fibres from toilet tissues and laundry…
South West Water’s Director of Wastewater, Andrew Roantree, explained: “The results confirm our suspicions, that fat and non-flushable products such as wipes are the main culprits, and that fatbergs are a consequence of the individual and collective impact that our behaviour has on our environment.”
Autopsy reveals Sidmouth fatberg’s dirty secrets
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Local, national and international press continue to be interested:
Scientists examine Sidmouth fatberg | Radio Exe
Dissecting the 10kg Sidmouth fatberg: Pictures reveal what caused the 64-metre monster | Devon Live
Scientists Solve a Puzzle: What’s Really in a Fatberg | New York Times