Dear Gardiner Sewer User:
The City of Gardiner Wastewater Facility is requesting your assistance to prevent blockages in sewage infrastructure (pipes and pump stations) resulting from improper disposal of consumer products. Preventing blockages by disposing of these products properly will prevent inconvenience to users of the system (caused by backups), minimize additional work for our staff, and avoid an increased cost of maintenance operations (and future upgrades to the infrastructure).
Examples of the consumer materials that can cause sewer blockages when disposed of in sewers include but are not limited to the following:
- Baby/disinfecting wipes
- Disposable toilet cleaning pads
- Moist towelettes
- Makeup removal pads
- Disposable mop heads
- Dental floss
- Surface cleaning wipes
While many of these products are marketed as “flushable”, several studies (and the experience of utilities across the country) have shown that they do not break down after disposal like common toilet tissue. The synthetic fibers that make the wipes and other products strong and effective can cause them to form clumps that easily entangle in pumps without ripping. Sewage can back up behind these clogs, sometimes causing wastewater to discharge into homeowner basements or from overflow pipes into surface waters. These products should be disposed of in the trash. The wastewater treatment industry is working with the manufacturers of these products to provide more accurate labeling, to define the term “flushable”, and to ensure that products are disposed of in a
responsible way.
Additional consumer items that may be labeled as “disposable”- such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, bladder control undergarments, plastic bags, and fabric cloths- should never be flushed. None of the products listed in this letter should be disposed of in either the wastewater system or in the storm drain systems.
Your cooperation in disposing of these wastes properly will protect not only your local surface waters but also your bottom line by reducing the need for rate increases to fund expanding maintenance requirements. Please contact me at 207-582-1351 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Chuck Applebee
Wastewater & Public Works Director
City of Gardiner
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