COMBINED SEWER SMOKE TESTING NOTIFICATION

ATTENTION

COMBINED SEWER SMOKE TESTING NOTIFICATION

The City of Elkins is conducting a sanitary sewer smoke testing evaluation designed to detect ground water and storm water that is entering the sanitary sewer system through defects in the pipe or illicit connections such as catch basins or downspouts.  We will be testing sewer lines in the Teaberry Hills areas.  The smoke testing will be performed during the week of November 26th, 2018.  In the event of inclement weather, the smoke testing will continue into the following week.

Smoke will be blown into the sewer system at manholes, and may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, or manhole covers.  The smoke is a non-toxic substance which is clean and harmless to humans, pets, food, and material goods and creates no fire hazard.  The smoke should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps.  Ensure that all plumbing traps, including basement floor drains, are not dry and contain water.  If you have any seldom used drains, pour water into the drain to fill the trap.  If smoke enters the home through faulty plumbing, this indicates the possibility that dangerous sewer gases are also entering your home and you should consider contacting a licensed plumber to identify and make repairs.  You can report any presence of smoke within the house to the crews working in the street conducting the tests.

Please avoid unnecessary exposure to the smoke.  Although the smoke is relatively harmless, smoke of any kind can be irritating to the nasal passages for some people.  If you experience smoke irritation, it should be temporary and quickly disappear after exposure has ceased.

If you or any member of your family have respiratory problems, are immobile, or have any other health condition that you feel we need to be aware of, please contact the City of Elkins Operations Division, at 304-635-7021.