Smoke testing of sewer system in CK

There will be smoke-testing on the sanitary sewer collection system in the Chalan Kanoa area beginning Thursday, March 21, through Friday March 22, from 9am to 11:30am. This will affect customers on Simion Olopai Av., Petro Yobbo Ln., Juan Tagabuel St. and Chief Ngushull.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. said this is intended to locate leaks, breaks, illegal connections and other defects in CUC’s sewer system.

The process involves blowing a non-toxic smoke into the manholes of the sewer system. If there are any defects in the area, the non-toxic smoke will be emitted through the defect and documented by CUC’s sewer system team.

Smoke-testing procedures have been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are an effective means of identifying problem areas in a sewer system.

CUC said in a statement that this test is part of continuing efforts “to provide a safe, economical, efficient and environmentally sound” sewer system.

“Eliminating system defects and illegal connections will help our community remain in compliance with the federal legislation regarding system maintenance and preventing sanitary sewer overflows,” the statement adds.

The smoke is odorless, creates no fire hazard, and will not enter your home or business unless you have defective plumbing or dried up sink traps, or floor drains.

The smoke-testing should only affect your property for approximately 15 minutes.

Again, the smoke used for this test is manufactured strictly for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains and has no lasting effects on property, humans, animals, and plant.

Direct inhalation of the smoke may cause temporary minor respiratory irritation in some people, who may suffer from respiratory issues.

Prior to CUC’s smoke-testing, pour two gallons of water in any seldom-used sinks and floor drains to prevent sewer gases, smoke and odors from entering the premises. If smoke does enter your home during testing, immediately remove yourself from the building, notify the CUC Team that are conducting the test or call CUC’s Wastewater Operations Division at (670) 322-5032/5033.

If people in your building suffer from a heart condition, asthma, emphysema or some other respiratory condition and are planning to stay in the building during testing, or if a person is bedridden, has a chronic illness or has difficulty understanding any part of this public notice, notify CUC Wastewater Operations at (670) 322-5032/3 to discuss your specific case.

For more information, contact the CUC Customer Call Center (664-4282). (CUC)