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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />June 24, 2009 <br /> <br />CONTACT: <br />Carla Spangler, I/I Investigation Project Manager, 541-682-4894 <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br />Smoke Testing of Sewer Lines Begins June 29 <br /> <br />Approximately 31 miles of sanitary sewer lines in Eugene are scheduled to be smoke tested <br />beginning June 29. The testing locates defects and improper connections that allow stormwater <br />runoff and groundwater to enter the public wastewater collection system. A secondary goal of <br />this pilot project will be to assess the effectiveness of the methods and materials of recent <br />collection system improvements. Smoke testing results will also provide some insights into the <br />conditions of the private building service lines. <br /> <br />This year's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Downtown, <br />Fairmount, Far West, Southeast, South University and West University neighborhoods. Testing <br />rd <br />will begin in the South University area near Patterson Street and East 23 Avenue. The entire <br />project is expected to take several months to complete. <br /> <br />During the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nontoxic, <br />white smoke is released into sanitary sewer lines to identify problems. Residents are notified <br />before testing begins in their neighborhood. A notice will be placed on doors <br />one or two days before smoke testing work is scheduled to begin in their area The smoke will <br />not harm plants or animals and will quickly dissipate leaving no residue or stains. <br /> <br />After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of deteriorated <br />lines or improper connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally indicates a crack <br />or other defect in a sewer line. Smoke coming from a roof gutter, downspout or area drain <br />indicates that a storm drain is improperly connected to the wastewater collection system. <br />Deteriorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called inflow <br />and infiltration. The region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to carry <br />only so much water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater <br />can overload the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and treating <br />wastewater. <br />(MORE) <br /> <br /> <br />Public Works Maintenance City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97402 <br />Phone 541-682- Fax 541-682- www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br /> <br />