Smoke Testing Information Saint Paul Public Works - Sewer Utility.

Smoke Testing InformationSmoke Testing Information

Smoke Testing Information

Saint Paul Public Works - Sewer Utility


Smoke Testing - Purpose

Help Find defects and faulty connections where excess rain water (Inflow) and ground water (Infiltration) can enter the sanitary sewer system…..

Smoke Testing - Purpose• Locate Inflow Sources• Locate Infiltration Sources• Verify System Connectivity for Modeling• Verify Flow Routing & Basin Boundaries• Identify Storm Drain Cross Connections• Locate Illicit Connections• Identify Abandoned Connections• Regain System Capacity


Smoke Testing – Other Benefits to Property Owners

Help identify plumbing defects which can also allow potentially harmful sewer gases to enter a building or home.


What is Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) ?

• Inflow is Rain or Clear Water that Directly enters the sanitary system

• Infiltration is Ground or Clear Water that Indirectly enters the sanitary system


Sources of Inflow & Infiltration (I/I)

Public Property Leaking Manholes

Leaking Pipes

Storm & Sanitary

Sewer Cross

Connections

Private Property Sump Pump Foundation Drains Leaking Sewer Services

(House Laterals) Roof Drains (Rain

Leaders) Area Drains


Benefits of Eliminating Benefits of Eliminating I/I SourcesI/I Sources

• Comply with Met Council RulesIn or after 2013 the Met Council will add an annual Demand Charge (estimated @ $3.5 million/ year) to Saint Paul’s Wastewater Treatment Bills if the excessive I/I (surcharge) is not removed from the system

• Maintain Health and Safety For example: reduce risk of sewer back-ups and sinkholes (Approx. 200 sinkholes/depressions were identified within the City between 2006 and 2008)

• Reduce Infrastructure Wear and Tear For example: lift stations, sewer pipes

• Reduce Wastewater Treatment Costs


Sewer Flow Monitoring Sewer Flow Monitoring During “Dry” and “Wet” Weather EventsDuring “Dry” and “Wet” Weather Events


Smoke Testing- Smoke Testing- ProcessProcess

• Simulated smoke will be injected into the sewer system. As a result smoke may be seen coming from manhole covers, storm drains, roof vents, and building foundations.

• Each smoke test will last approximately 10 to 30 minutes.

• Photographs will be taken to document results.

• Residents/Property Owners do not need to be home.

• Residents/Property Owners can still use faucets and bathroom facilities.


Smoke Testing- Smoke Testing- ProcessProcess

Introduce Smoke Force Air Into System Observe Where Smoke Escapes


Smoke Testing- EquipmentSmoke Testing- Equipment

High Volume Air BlowerHigh Volume Air Blower


Smoke Material UsedSmoke Material Used

Liquid Smoke


Examples - Manhole Defects IdentifiedExamples - Manhole Defects Identified


Examples – Leaky Laterals IdentifiedExamples – Leaky Laterals Identified


Ilicit Storm Drain Roof LeadersIlicit Storm Drain Roof Leaders


Examples – Storm Drain Cross Examples – Storm Drain Cross Connections LocatedConnections Located


Smoke Testing – Tips for Smoke Testing – Tips for Residents & Property OwnersResidents & Property OwnersTips to prevent smoke from entering your home (complete prior to test)• Run water faucets for a few seconds in unused sinks, tubs, and drains to

fill fixture traps. • Pour water into each basement floor drain (at least 1 gallon) • If you have defective plumbing (i.e. no trap), you should consult with a

licensed plumber.

If you notice smoke in your home• Do NOT become alarmed.• Open doors and windows to clear smoke. • Please notify the Testing Crew Chief @ (651) 238-0572• Simulated smoke will not stain walls or furniture; nor leave a residue.• Consult a licensed plumber in the near future to identify the smoke access

area, as the potential exists for sewer gases to enter your home in the same manner.


Smoke Testing Smoke Testing – Safety and Health– Safety and Health

• There is NO danger of fire or explosion of sewer gas with smoke testing.

• St. Paul Police and Fire Departments will be notified of the smoke testing.

• If there is an individual in your home or business who has respiratory and/or mobility limitations please notify the Sewer Utility @ (651) 266-

6171 (prior to testing).

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the simulated smoke. The smoke is not harmful to your health but may cause some coughing. Smoke irritation is temporary and should disappear after exposure has ceased.

• A copy of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the simulated smoke can be found on Saint Paul’s Home website page (www.stpaul.gov) under the headings of Government/Public Works/ Sewer Utility/ Smoke Testing/ Safety.


Smoke Testing – Smoke Testing – Communication StepsCommunication Steps

Communication Steps (after initial mailing) Police & Fire Departments will be notified on a regular basis. Within 3 days of testing Door Hangars will be placed on property

front doors. An automated phone call will be made notifying properties that

testing will occur in a few days.

Properties/ Residents who have notified the City as having individuals with respiratory and/or mobility limitations, or pet concerns:

Will be contacted again by the testing contractor identifying a more specific time for which testing will occur.

Properties will be monitored during the time of the test.


Other Information - Other Information - Sanitary Sewer Sanitary Sewer ServicesServices

For information regarding Televising or Repairing Your Sanitary Sewer Service please……

Contact the Sewer Utility Permit Desk @ (651) 266-6234

Smoke Testing Information Saint Paul Public Works - Sewer Utility.

Documents

smoke testing safety

clear smoke

result smoke

sanitary sewer system

smoke force air

smoke access area

sanitary system infiltration

clear water