Drain Interceptors

Drain interceptors – also known as drain separators or interceptor traps – are seen as the final line of drainage defence. They are designed to stop contaminants like fats, oils and greases from entering waterways from commercial and industrial sites (such as production facilities, storage areas and even car parks) and creating a pollution hazard.

Surface water that lands on hard standing at commercial and industrial sites or car park areas, for example, will collect contaminants (oil, silt, dirt and brake dust) before entering the stormwater system. Interceptor traps help to protect surface water drains by separating contaminants from the water before they reach the main sewer system and storing them in interceptor tanks.

Additionally, these systems sometimes incorporate drain interceptor alarm and monitoring systems, which alert the property owner to how full the system is and whether it is working properly.

Drainage interceptors must be maintained regularly (emptied and cleaned), and the owner should keep documentation showing that the waste has been disposed of correctly. At Lanes, we provide paperwork verifying this during the drain interceptor maintenance process. Allowing unseparated surface water (such as run-off from vehicle washing and cleaning activities) to damage the environment and pollute rivers, streams and groundwater carries a risk of prosecution by the Environment Agency in England.

Ignorance is no defence against a charge of causing pollution through inadequately maintained systems, so making effective use of drain interceptor systems is of utmost importance if you are looking to set up a new production facility.