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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />June 30, 2010 <br /> <br />CONTACT: <br />Carla Spangler, I/I Investigation Project Manager, (541) 682-4800 <br /> <br />From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br />Investigation of Wastewater System Begins July 6 in Eugene <br />Beginning Tuesday, July 6, crews from the Eugene Public Works Department will <br />investigate a total of 38 sanitary sewer line segments using closed circuit television and isolated <br />smoke testing. These two techniques allow staff to pinpoint the location of defects and improper <br />connections that allow stormwater runoff and groundwater to enter the public wastewater <br />collection system. <br />This year's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Far West, <br />West University, Friendly Area, South University, Amazon, Fairmount, Southeast, Downtown <br />and Jefferson Westside neighborhoods. Testing will begin in the Fairmount area and is <br />expected to take several months to complete. <br />During the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, <br />nontoxic, white smoke is released into sanitary sewer lines to identify problems. The smoke will <br />not harm plants or animals and will quickly dissipate leaving no residue or stains. Residents are <br />notified by door hangers one or two days before testing begins in their neighborhood. <br /> After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members use closed circuit television inside <br />the sewer system to locate where the smoke is exiting the public system. White smoke rising <br />from the ground generally indicates a crack or other defects in a sewer line. Deteriorated sewer <br />lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called inflow and infiltration. The <br />region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to carry only so much water <br />and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater can overload the <br />system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and treating wastewater. <br />(more) <br /> <br />Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 <br />Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br /> <br />