Smoke Testing Planned Around Hillsborough to Reveal Sewer System Flaws

By Bay City News Service:

The Hillsborough Police Department wants to remind residents that the town has started conducting a smoke testing project to try and locate sources of unwanted storm water entering the town’s sewer system.

E2 Consulting Engineers, along with their partners Brown and Caldwell, will conduct the tests on the town’s sanitary sewer lines in the northern part of town for two weeks, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to police.

The smoke testing is done by blowing harmless smoke into parts of the sewer system to identify damage, improper connections and defects where unwanted storm water may be entering the town’s sewer system. During the testing, police said residents may see smoke coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, downspouts, sewer laterals or manhole covers.

The smoke is not toxic and is harmless to humans, pets, food and material items. It could set-off a smoke detector or fire alarm, however, according to police.

Police said the smoke shouldn’t enter homes or businesses as long as they are properly plumbed, vented and the water traps contain water. If smoke does enter a resident’s home or business, police said it should clear on its own with proper ventilation.

Although residents do not have to be present during the testing, crews may need access to their property, since many of the town’s sewer mains and manholes are located on private property in sewer easement areas, police said.

According to police, the town sent out notices to its residents, but they advise people share the information with their neighbors in case they hadn’t received the notice.