Anchorage utility workers spent Wednesday clearing a partially clogged sewer line in Eagle River, obstructed by congealed fats, oils and grease caked onto the sides of the sewer pipe.
Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility workers say it's a problem that exists throughout the year in Anchorage's sewer system, as restaurants and homeowners dump liquid fats, oils and grease -- known by the acronym FOG -- down their drains.
The liquid congeals at cold temperatures, and creates a scenario much like a clogged human artery -- with caked-on FOG constricting the flow in the sewer lines.
"The flow of wastewater gets smaller and smaller and it can cause backups into residential homes and businesses," said Chris Kosinski with AWWU.
Crews use a custom-made device consisting of several spinning cords of stainless steel to get rid of the caked-on FOG in the sewer lines.
