NEWS
ENERGY
COMMENT Low fat CSR
Steven Martin | Wastewater and Biologicals Innovation Platform at NCH Europe
A monster ‘fatberg’ in London, weighing the same as 11 double decker buses, recently made news headlines. This congealed mass blocking London’s ageing sewage network was predominantly caused by fat, oil and grease (FOG) being put down drains. Hotels, hospitals, restaurants, abattoirs, food-processing
UK oil and gas warning
MARIA BURKE
The UK will soon have to import all its oil and gas, warns a new study from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Its analysis also finds that fracking would only just be economically feasible in the UK, especially in Scotland. The study of output from offshore
fields estimates that only around 11% of the UK’s original recoverable oil resources remain; and 9% of gas resources. This suggests oil and gas reserves will run out within a decade, according Roy Thompson of the School of Geosciences at the University of Edinburgh, writing in the autumn issue of the Edinburgh Geologist. Analysis of hydrocarbon reserves shows that discoveries have consistently lagged behind output since the point of peak oil recovery in the late 1990s. In terms of the potential for UK
fracking, Thompson’s analysis finds that many possible sites are in densely populated areas, have low quality source rocks and complex geological histories. What’s more, he reports that fracking would likely be too restricted to become an effective industry, which would require thousands of wells. Thompson recommends a move
towards greater use of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind and advanced solar energy technologies. ‘The UK
urgently needs a bold energy transition plan, instead of trusting to dwindling fossil fuel reserves and possible fracking,’ he says. But Quentin Fisher, professor of
petroleum geoengineering at the University of Leeds, UK, thinks the amount of original recoverable reserves is far higher than 11%. ‘The amount that will eventually be recovered is very difficult to estimate because it is very dependent on global politics, the oil and gas price, etc,’ he says. ‘The author is correct to point out that the North Sea is an extremely expensive environment in which to operate. However, the UK is politically very stable and I believe that companies will continue to invest in the North Sea because this stability provides a balance to investments in more profitable but less economically favourable provinces, for example, Russia.’ On fracking, Fisher agrees that
the complex geology of the UK is a disadvantage for shale gas production but questions whether the population density in the UK will be ‘a show- stopper’.
It’s important to remember,
he says, that it is extremely difficult to predict the productivity of shale gas resources. ‘The only way to make an accurate assessment is to drill many - more than 10 - pilot wells in each area and test the production rates.’
factories and other businesses that have FOG in their waste- water need to consider the environmental impact of their effluent. When FOGs are poured down the drain, the impact they have later down the sewer system, and eventually on the environment, may not be initially obvious, especially if insufficient wastewater treatment is used that simply liquefies the FOGs. What companies may not realise is, these FOGs ac-
cumulate later on in the sewer system, causing fatbergs. Just like the recent situation in London, these fatbergs can have devastating consequences to other businesses and residents. Even if the FOGs have been liquefied by chemical or enzyme products, they will re-solidify and congeal later down the water system. Companies can meet the associated effluent disposal
regulations by liquefying their waste to pass inspection, or in- stalling grease traps to separate and capture FOGs. However, companies can go a step further to demonstrate a commit- ment to an effective, meaningful Corporate Social Responsi- bility (CSR) strategy. By switching from a chemical or enzyme onsite wastewater
treatment product, to a safe active bacteria treatment prod- uct, such as NCH Europe’s FreeFlow, their effluent disposal automatically becomes more environmentally responsible. The most obvious benefit is that instead of just liquefy-
ing FOGs like enzyme products, active bacteria get to work straight away to digest contaminants in wastewater. This treats the problem at source rather than moving the problems they cause further down the line. In addition, as bacteria are natural, products that use this approach have a minimal impact on the environment when wastewater makes its way back into rivers and streams. The UK government’s buying standards have included a CSR clause since 2012. When a public tender is proposed by a large local authority or large business, many different com- panies will compete to win the contract through a stringent bidding process. However, the winner isn’t determined simply by how much the company will charge them. During any tender process, suppliers are asked to com-
plete a self-assessment questionnaire that involves detailing their environmental contribution. Companies that have gone the extra mile in ensuring their wastewater has a minimal environmental impact will have the competitive edge. There have been increased demands from private tenders
in recent years, with more emphasis placed on businesses be- ing open about their practices. CSR is now a crucial factor for businesses to remain competitive, maintain brand reputation and build trust with customers.
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