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<br /> - ~ /e 1 1 <br /> June 18, 200 <br /> CONTACT: Carla Spangler, I/I Investigation Project Manager, 541-682-4894 <br /> From Public nformation Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMMED ATE RELEASE <br /> moke Testing Of Sewer Lines Begins June 23 in Crest Drive Area <br /> Appr ximately 35 miles of sanitary sewer lines in south and east Eugene are scheduled to be <br /> smoke teste beginning Monday, June 23. <br /> This ear's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Crest Drive, <br /> Friendly, So theast, Jefferson Westside and Far West neighborhoods. Testing will begin in the Crest <br /> Drive area n ar West 34~' Avenue and Tigertail Road and is expected to take several months to <br /> complete. <br /> The t sting locates defects and improper connections that allow stormwater runoff and <br /> groundwater to enter the public wastewater collection system. The testing also measures the <br /> effectivenes of recent wastewater system repairs and provides some insights into the conditions of <br /> the privates wer lines serving homes and businesses. <br /> Durin the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, non- <br /> toxic, white moke is released into underground sewer lines to identify problems. Residents are <br /> 'i notified befo a testing begins in their neighborhood. The smoke will not harm plants or animals and <br /> II will quickly d ssipate leaving no residue or stains. <br /> After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of deteriorated <br /> lines or impr per connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally indicates a crack or <br /> other defect n a sewer line. Smoke coming from a roof gutter, downspout or area drain indicates <br /> that a storm rain is improperly connected to the wastewater collection system. <br /> Dete iorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called inflow <br /> and infiltrati n, which can overload the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and <br /> treating was ewater. <br /> If sm ke testing reveals a defect in the public portion of the wastewater system, the defect is <br /> corrected as soon as possible. If testing identifies a prohibited stormwater connection, such as a roof <br /> drain conne ted to the sewer, the property owner is notified and is required to correct the problem. <br /> If testing ind Cates a defect in the private portion of the sewer (usually in the line that connects the <br /> building tot e public sewer), repair or replacement of the defective line is recommended. <br /> Eugene Public Works • www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br /> 858 Pearl S rest, Eugene, Oregon 97501 • 541-682-5523 • fax 541-682-6826 • e-mail pwadmin@cl.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />