Crime & Safety
Arlington White Smoke: Last Round Of Sewer Testing To Begin
Don't be alarmed if you see smoke coming from manhole covers and vent pipes in the next few weeks.
ARLINGTON, MA – Don't be alarmed if you see white smoke coming from some manhole covers in Arlington in the next few weeks. The last round of sewer system testing is set to begin in certain neighborhoods July 30, according to contractor Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. Testing will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is expected to end Aug. 31.
The inspection is part of Arlington's Annual Sewer System Investigation and Repair Program and uses smoke to locate sources of rainwater entering the sewer. By removing the extra flow, the town will reduce the amount of wastewater it sends to the MWRA, which lowers flow-related charges and sewer surcharging in these areas, according to the company.
Here's how it works: white smoke is sent into the sewer, which can be seen venting from holes in manhole covers and plumbing vent pipes located on our near the roof surface. This is normal and should not alarm residents.
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Smoke should not enter a home unless there is a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. To test if your drain trap is effective, contractors suggest pouring two gallons of water down your basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture.
The smoke is non-toxic and non-staining and will dissipate quickly through open windows. Residents with lung ailments or respiratory conditions such as asthma or emphysema are advised to stay away from the smoke if it is inside.
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Smoke inside a building should be reported to Weston & Sampson. Company vehicles are Ford vans and pickup trucks with the company name on the side, and employees will be wearing safety vests and shirts with the company name on them. They will also be carrying a Weston & Sampson ID card.
A firefighter will be posted to the site while smoke testing is underway.
Any questions should be directed to Weston & Sampson at (781)-443-7463. Leave a message including your name, address and telephone number.
See below for a map of the areas undergoing testing:
Arlington Smoke Testing Map by Alex Newman on Scribd
Top image via Shutterstock
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