Officials have announced that the St. Martinville sewer system will be smoke tested next week.
The Public Works Department and the Louisiana Rural Water Association will be conducting smoke testing of the City sanitary sewer system during July and August. Testing will be begin in the Resweber Highway area on July 14 and 15.
It is anticipated that the testing will continue at various times and locations throughout the months of July and August until the entire sewer system is tested, officials say.
This smoke testing will involve opening and entering of manholes in streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water entering the sewer system.
A non-toxic smoke designed for this testing will be used in these tests. This smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effects on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system. some of this smoke may enter your house or place of business if:
· Vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed.
· Traps under sinks, tubs. basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing.
· Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.
All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer may also enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to the occupants. Location identification and correction of the source of smoke that enters your house is urgently advised.
A photograph will be taken of leaks occurring in the system. In order to do so, our representatives may have to enter your yard, depending on where the leaks are located. At no time will it be necessary for our representatives to enter your home. We would appreciate your cooperation in allowing the photographer to take pictures.
The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and may reduce the eventual cost to utility customers.
While the Public Works Department will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer lines on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. The services of a professional plumber is advised.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Public Works Department at (337)394-2237.
