In a continued effort to reduce storm water intrusion into the City’s sewer system, the City will be sending abatement letters to those residents that “did not pass the smoke test”.
This summer, the City again contracted with Dyer Partnership from Coos Bay to inject non-toxic smoke into the sewer collection system in various areas of the City. The smoke is used to identify defects and direct storm water connections to the sewer main system. Where the smoke escapes and is visible above ground indicates a path for storm water to enter the sewer.
Storm water intrusion, also called inflow and infiltration (I/I), is responsible for higher costs to treat wastewater and reduces the capacity of sewer mains, causing spills and back-ups. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires the City to reduce I/I under the City’s current permit.
The results of the testing showed 11 defective sewer laterals, four roof drain connections, and 44 open cleanouts on private systems.
Sewer laterals located on private property (and not in a recorded easement) are the responsibility of the homeowner to repair, maintain and abate. Detailed information regarding necessary repairs will be contained in notices to be mailed to affected property owners the first week of December.