Smoke Testing in Waunona Neighborhood

Beginning the week of November 29, 2010, the City of Madison Sewer Operations Department will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewers in the West Lakeside St. / Clarence Ct. area. This test involves pumping a non-toxic smoke into the sanitary sewer system to locate leaks, breaks and other 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 the following locations: • 900 block of Clarence Ct. • 900 block of Lake Ct. The purpose of smoke testing is to find defects and faulty connections where excess rain (inflow) and ground water (infiltration) can enter the sanitary sewer system. Illegal inflow sources/connections include: sump pumps, roof and foundation drains, and storm drain cross-connections. The information gained from smoke testing will help the City find and eliminate unknown sources of inflow and infiltration (I/I) entering the sanitary sewer system. Reducing I/I is an ongoing City effort to help: • Maintain health and 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 the project engineer Farit Torres-Lowe at the City of Madison Sewer Operations (608) 266-9079 with any questions prior testing. For residents that may have bathrooms, floor drains, or other drains that are not use frequently, it is recommended that they pour water trough these fixtures prior to testing to ensure the traps are not dry and prevent smoke from unnecessarily entering the home at these connections. If smoke does enter the home during testing, please notify on-site crews or call the Sewer Operations Department (608) 266-4430. 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 events will be photographed and logged. The City will contact property owners if a defect is found in private property. The City of Madison Operations Department will assist in locating and identifying any defects external to residential or business locations. Inspection teams are not permitted to enter your home or business for any reason without permission. In these cases, and for making the necessary repairs, a licensed plumber should be consulted. It is not necessary for residents to be present when the testing is being conducted. For more information, residents should contact the Project Engineer, Farit Torres-Lowe, of the City of Madison Sewer Operations Department at (608) 266-9079