The
Smoke Test project notice letter,
FAQ and
Area map have been mailed out to residents. Weather permitting, this sewer smoke testing project (13-01) will begin April 15th and S.E.H will do the project. This project will address about 1628-acre (
see attached map) located on the North West corner of the City bounded by Dudley to the North, University to the South, Hamline to the East and Eustis to the West. The testing work is to be completed by June 18th.
Please forward any phone calls related to this project to S.E.H. at (612) 219-4231. And also, the Smoke Testing chief can be contacted at (651) 238-0572 if any simulated smoke is reported in a building during the project.
The purpose of smoke testing is to find defects and faulty connections where excess rain water (Inflow) and ground water (Infiltration) can enter the sanitary sewer system, negatively effecting its economical and safe functioning.
Illegal Inflow sources/connections include: sump pumps, roof and foundation drains, and storm drain cross connections. The information gained from smoke testing will help the City find and eliminate unknown sources of (I/I) entering the sanitary sewer system. Reducing I/I is an on-going City effort to help:
•
Comply with the Met Council Rules. The Metropolitan Council of Environmental Services (MCES) may add a demand charge to Saint Paul’s wastewater treatment bills if the excessive I/I is not removed from the system.
•
Maintain Health & Safety (Reduce the Risk of Sewer Back-ups and Sinkholes).
• Extend the Service Life of Public Infrastructure (Lift stations, sewer pipe, etc.)
• Reduce Wastewater Treatment Costs by reducing the amount of clear water that is treated.
For further information on the LiquSmoke product used in testing our sewers, as well as testing results regarding exposure and health please visit:
http://www.gethurco.com/LiquiSmoke.html
For more information about smoke testing, contact:
Girma Daka, C.E.
25 W 4th St
700 City Hall Annex
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Tel: (651) 266-6189
Fax: (651) 298-5621