Goldstreet Designs

There is never a dull moment around Goldstreet Design Agency.   Whether it be media covering our community outreach programs, ideas on improving quality communications or events around the industry.  This section highlights what’s going on in each of the core utility categories:  Drinking Water, Electricity, Wastewater, Municipalities, Stormwater and Streets.

WASTEWATER

F.O.G. Monsters Invade Puget Sound Region, read "Seattle Sewers Are Getting Clogged with Grease" in the Seattle P.I Seattle, you're greasy. Really greasy.

It's estimated that 544,000 gallons of grease slip down Seattle's drains each month, enough to fill seven large swimming pools. Most of it comes from dirty dishes and food waste, and it's a problem.

In the last five years, grease-clogged pipes caused about one-third of Seattle's sewer backups, according to Seattle Public Utilities. There were 147 such incidents between 2003 and 2009, but that doesn't count the times when residents called SPU only to discover that the blockage was in the side sewer on their property.   Read More

The City Wants You To "Cut Out" The Fats, Oils, And Grease From Your Drains

Seattle Uses Robotic Cameras To Spot Damaging Sludge Dumped In Sewer System, KCPQ-TV 10, Darren Dedo, February 8, 2010

SEATTLE - It's the darker side of Seattle you've never seen before, thousands of feet of sewer lines weaving their way through neighborhoods all over the city. Seattle Public Utilities is using robotic cameras to make sure pipes stay clean of fats, oils, and grease that are clogging Seattle's sewer system.

Since the 1970's SPU has used cameras to inspect pipes for clogs, cracks, and tree roots that can cut off water flow.

John Jurgens who is Senior Civil Engineering Specialist for Seattle Public Utilities say little sewer robots crawl through the darkness, pinpointing trouble spots before any yucky substances can back up into your home.

"By taking care of the maintenance today we avoid the catastrophes of tomorrow," said Jurgens.

Businesses and homes dump tons of slimy residues down the drain. According to Jurgens that's why the city has launched its Fats, Oils, Grease or "Fog" education program.

"Cool it, can it, and trash it. So we don't get the grease materials in the pipeline causing excessive maintenance," said Jurgens.  READ MORE