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''I <br /> . <br /> s s s r <br /> i <br /> June 14, 2007 <br /> CONTACT:', Carla Spangler, I/I Investigation Project Manager, 682-4800 <br /> John Gibson, Sub-surface Technical Supervisor, 682-4800 <br /> From Public Information Section, 682-5523 <br /> FOR IMMEpIATE RELEASE <br /> 2-page news release <br /> Smoke Testing Of Sewer Lines Begins June 18 in Eugene <br /> Approximately 28 miles of sanitary sewer lines in south and east Eugene are scheduled to <br /> be smoke tested beginning Monday, June 18. <br /> The testing locates defects and improper connections that allow stormwater runoff and <br /> I, groundwatdr to enter the public wastewater collection system. The testing also will measure the <br /> i, effectiveness of recent wastewater system repairs and provide some insights into the conditions <br /> I!, of the private sewer lines serving homes and businesses. <br /> <br /> ~Irri This year's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Friendly, <br /> Amazon, Southeast, South University, Crest Drive and Fairmount neighborhoods. Testing will <br /> ~,'I begin in the 28th Avenue and Central Boulevard area and is expected to take several months to <br /> complete. <br /> During the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, non- <br /> toxic, white smoke is released into underground sewer lines to identify problems. Residents are <br /> notified before testing begins in their neighborhood. The smoke will not harm plants or animals <br /> and will quickly dissipate leaving no residue or stains. <br /> After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of <br /> deteriorated lines or improper connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally <br /> indicates a crack or other defect in a sewer line. Smoke coming from a roof gutter, downspout or <br /> area drain indicates that a storm drain is improperly connected to the wastewater collection <br /> system. Deteriorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called <br /> inflow and infiltration. The region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to <br /> ~ carry only so much water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and <br /> groundwater can overload the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and <br /> treating wastewater. <br /> ~I (more) <br /> ~I'I Eu ene Public Works • www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br /> 9 <br /> 858 Pearl Street, Eugene, Oregon 97501 • 541-682-5523 • fax 541-682-6826 • e-mail pwadmin@ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />