SMOKE TESTING IN WAUNONA NEIGHBORHOOD

Beginning the week of October 5, 2009, the City of Madison Engineering Division will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewers in the Waunona Neighborhood. This test involves forcing a non-toxic smoke into the sanitary sewer lines to check for leaks, breaks and defects in the system. The testing is scheduled to take place between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM each day, weather permitting. Crews will be testing in the following locations: • Waunona Way - 2600 block to 3200 block, including backyard sewer mains along Lake Monona • Harriman Lane • Ethelwyn Road • Greenleaf Drive • Quinn Circle • Esther Beach Road • Woodley Lane • Frazier Avenue • Raywood Road The purpose of smoke testing is to identify defects in pipes and cross-connections to the sanitary sewer system. Defects in pipes can include cracks, separated joints and/or faulty connections which can allow groundwater to enter into the sanitary sewer system. Cross-connections are sources of storm water that are connected to the sanitary sewer system and can include sump pumps, roof and foundation drains. Groundwater and rainwater are also referred to as "clear water". This water is clean enough to drain directly into area streams, ponds, and lakes without treatment. Sanitary sewers are designed to transport wastewater (water from sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and washing machines) which must be treated at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant before it can be safely discharged into the environment. The information gained from smoke testing will help the City determine the most effective means of eliminating these sources of clear water. Reducing and eliminating sources of clear water is an on-going City effort to help: • Maintain health & safety by reducing the risk of sewer back-ups and overflows as well as the development of sinkholes • Extend the useful service life of public sanitary sewer infrastructure; and • Reduce treatment costs by reducing the amount of clear water conveyed to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. The smoke is not a fire hazard and it will not leave any residue or stains. There are no adverse health effects on plants or animals from the smoke. The smoke is harmless and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant odor. As a precaution, individuals with heart, lung or respiratory problems may wish to move away from areas within the home that are defective and are allowing smoke to enter. Those with health problems or special needs should contact Adam Wiederhoeft at the City of Madison Engineering Division, (608) 266-9121, with any questions prior to testing. It is not necessary for residents to be present while testing is being conducted. For residents with bathrooms, floor drains, or other drains that are not used frequently, it is recommended they pour water through these fixtures prior to testing to ensure the traps are not dry and to prevent smoke from unnecessarily entering the home at these connections. If smoke does enter the home during testing, please notify on-site crews or contact the City Engineering Division. Smoke coming from vent stacks on the roof is normal. However, smoke coming from holes in the ground is not normal and is considered a defect. All such defects will be photographed and documented. The City will contact property owners if a defect is located on private property. The City of Madison Engineering Division will assist with locating and identifying any defects external to residential or business locations. Inspection teams are not permitted to enter homes or businesses. In these cases, and for making all necessary repairs, a licensed plumber should be consulted. For more information, residents should contact the project engineer, Adam Wiederhoeft at (608) 266-9121, or by email, awiederhoeft@madisonwater.org.