Blockages in the sanitary mains and stormwater catch basins in the Bradford Sanitary Authority system aren’t being caused by mutant ninja turtles.

At Tuesday’s meeting, board members discussed an increase of fats, oils and greases being dumped in both sanitary sewers and in stormwater catch basins. Issues have been seen in the Mechanic Street area for grease buildup in the sanitary mains, explained Steve Disney, executive director of the authority, and on ValleyBrook Drive and Colonial Heights regarding unauthorized dumping of grease into stormwater catch basins.

“Fats, oils and greases — FOG — are the leading cause of sewer system blockages,” Disney explained. “FOG sticks to the inside walls of plumbing and builds up over time eventually completely blocking the sewer system.

“FOG comes from meats, cooking oils, dairy products, sauces, dressings and marinades,” he said. “Restaurants are to have working grease interceptors installed and operational including periodic cleaning of these devices. Customers are reminded not to dump this type of material down drains or in the stormwater assets.”

Disney said there are companies that specialize in collecting fats, oils and greases.

“All customers can assist by allowing fats, oils and greases to cool, pour off any liquids into a sealable, disposable container and place into the trash,” he said. “Use a spatula or utensil to scrape any solid FOG and food particles into the trash. Use a paper towel to dry wipe any remaining FOG residue into the trash. Use a sink strainer to catch any food particles that may be left on dishware and place into the trash.”

Updates were given on two other ongoing projects, the cellular communications tower being explored by Verizon and a medical helipad by Upper Allegheny Health System.

“BSA has notified the communications tower company that the authority is not interested in pursuing this project,” Disney said. “The proposed language in the agreement is too restrictive on the authority and the tower would interfere with a possible heli-pad project for local air medical transports being proposed utilizing authority property.

“The authority would much rather assist our community with a medical air transport heli-pad project than a communications tower,” he added.

Last week, authority members met with hospital officials at the proposed site of the helipad, along with a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s aviation group.

“They will be finalizing landing criteria and site specifications and will be back in touch with the authority,” he said.

Several substantial wet weather events have occurred over the past week. Disney said the weather cooperated enough to allow treatment plant operations to keep ahead of the deluge and stay caught up.

“During these events the Conventional Activated Sludge treatment train had to handle a larger percentage than the Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) treatment side due to decant limitations and constraints with the SBRs,” he said.

Disney updated legal issues with delinquencies as well.

“BSA has re-issued a writ of scire facias and will advertise in the newspaper for three weeks regarding the Yohe property at 83 Jerome Ave. Ext. BSA is awaiting judgment before proceeding with a sheriff sale,” he said.

Disney continued, “A municipal lien has been placed against 21 Bagley Ave. A demand letter has been sent out with no response, so we are proceeding with filing a writ of scire facias.”

In another update, Disney said the authority’s annual safety and service awards luncheon is set for April 19.

The May meeting will be held at the wastewater treatment plant on Seaward Avenue at 4 p.m. May 21.