The Town of Cary will “smoke out” sewer problems as it starts its annual leak testing in a portion of town beginning Sunday, August 9 through Friday, August 14, 2009, weather permitting.  This year's testing will focus on an area generally bounded by East Chatham Street, Walnut Street, Southeast Maynard Road, and Buck Jones Road (see map at http://www.townofcary.org/news/news2009/smoketestarea.htm ). 

The Town’s Public Works and Utilities Department will conduct the leak tests over about a week’s period by introducing detection “smoke” into neighborhood sewer lines. The “smoke” will locate places where storm and other surface water can enter the Town’s sewer collection system as well as help reveal sources of sewer odors.

Leak-testing helps provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system throughout Cary.  Town personnel expect to visit about 512 manholes and 19 miles of sewer lines as part of this year’s program.

“Our leak testing program continues to be a very important part of the Town’s overall collections system maintenance program,” said Jamie Revels, Cary’s Utilities Director.  “Last year’s work went very well and contributed greatly to our ability to identify points of inflow into the system.”  Revels added that the Town typically performs smoke testing on weekdays, but decided to begin testing near the shopping centers on Sunday to minimize the impact to area businesses.

To ensure that residents in the affected areas are comfortable with the testing process, the Town mailed letters advising property owners of the upcoming testing. Because of the size of the test area as well as the need for good weather, it will take about a week to complete the project.  Therefore, the Town will also distribute notices to every house and building within the 24 hours before the testing begins in a specific area. 

Once again, Cary is using a special, non-toxic product that, when mixed with pressurized air, gives the appearance of smoke.  The product is manufactured for this purpose and, therefore, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals.  The “smoke” has a slight, distinctive–but not unpleasant–odor.

In the unlikely event that people have direct contact with the smoke, they may experience some minor respiratory irritation such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.  These conditions last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.  However, those people with asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions who are planning to stay in their homes or buildings during the testing should notify the Town immediately so that their case can be discussed in further detail.

Traces of the smoke or its odor in houses or buildings is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer system may also be entering the structure.  Since sewer gases can be harmful, people who notice the test smoke in their buildings should immediately report it to the Public Works and Utilities Department testing crew.

“Locating and correcting the source of smoke entering a citizen’s home or business is strongly recommended,” said Revels.  He added that while the Town’s Public Works and Utilities Department will render all possible assistance, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property will be the responsibility of the owner.

Leak testing “smoke” may enter a structure if:
1. Vents connected to the building’s sewer pipe are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed; or
2. Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing; or
3. Pipe, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under a building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

Once the 24-hour notice is received, occupants are encouraged to run water into all of their drains for one minute, especially those used infrequently.  This will reduce the likelihood of smoke entering the house inadvertently because of dry traps (number 2 above).

Citizens with questions should call (919) 469-4090 during regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), or visit our Smoke Testing Web section anytime at http://www.townofcary.info/smoke/ .