Montclair Residents May Notice Unusual Smell As Sewer Work Resumes

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An ongoing sewer improvement project will resume in Montclair this week, and some residents may notice an unusual smell while work takes place, township officials say.

On Wednesday, contractors and crews are scheduled to continue rehabilitating sections of Montclair’s sanitary sewer system using cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP).

Here’s where work is scheduled to happen:

• Wednesday, July 8: Montclair Avenue between Watchung Avenue and Frederick Street
• Thursday, July 9: Watchung Avenue from North Fullerton Avenue to Montclair Avenue
• Friday, July 10: Montclair Avenue between Beverly Road and Watchung Avenue
• Monday, July 13 – Tuesday, July 14: Christopher Street between McDonough Street and Watchung Avenue
• Wednesday, July 15: Park Street between Gordonhurst Avenue and Watchung Avenue

The process may cause a temporary “styrene odor” for some residents, township officials said – here’s why:

“CIPP lining allows sewer pipes to be repaired internally with minimal excavation. The process uses a felt liner and resin material that is cured in place using steam. The resin used in the CIPP process contains styrene, a volatile organic compound. During installation, there is the potential for temporary styrene odors or vapors to travel through sewer laterals and enter structures through dry drain traps, faulty plumbing connections, cracks in foundations, or subsurface voids.”

Montclair officials said residents can help minimize the potential for odors entering their homes or buildings by:

• Running water through all plumbing fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system, including sinks, tubs, showers, and floor drains, to ensure drain traps remain full
• Keeping the drain trap full with provides a barrier that helps prevent sewer gases and odors from entering buildings during construction

Styrene can be an irritant to the upper respiratory tract, eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause headaches, fatigue, changes in color vision, and concentration or balance problems. Residents experiencing persistent symptoms or concerns can contact the Montclair Health Department at (973) 509-4970 during regular business hours.

“This work is part of the township's ongoing investment in maintaining critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable sewer service, and protecting public health and the environment,” a municipal advisory said.

Residents directly affected by this work will receive advance notice from the engineering contractor, National Water Main Cleaning Company, along with project information and a door hanger explaining what to expect and how to prepare their home, the township said.

For more information, contact the Water Bureau at 973-744-4600.

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