Neighborhood Advisory
Smoke Testing to be Conducted on Sewers
During the Week of October 10, 2005

As a part of the City of Rockville’s on-going efforts to minimize Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) into the sanitary sewer system, smoke testing will be preformed in several neighborhoods within the Cabin John sewer shed.  The purpose of this work is to identify points where water could be inappropriately entering the sewer system.  As a secondary benefit, the smoke testing may also identify faulty plumbing ventilation systems within homes and businesses. 

Technicians from URS Corporation, with assistance from City of Rockville’s Department of Public Works Maintenance staff, will begin conducting tests on approximately 17,000 linear feet of sewer in your neighborhood during the week of October 10, 2005.  Please be aware that this schedule is subject to change and that door hangers will be distributed 48 hours prior to commencing the actual testing in the area.  The City also will notify the local fire and police departments that this testing will be happening.  We will try to minimize any inconveniences to each resident, and we appreciate your assistance in allowing the technicians to complete this work on behalf of the City.  Please note that the technicians will be conducting this work within public rights-of-way/easements and documenting their observations with video recordings and/or still photographs.

Smoke testing works by introducing a non-toxic, non-staining smoke into an isolated portion of the sewer system using a gas-powered blower, which forces the smoke to areas where possible leaks exist. There is a very small chance that smoke may enter your home during this testing procedure. Should you see smoke, PLEASE DO NOT PANIC.  The smoke that will be used during this test poses NO harmful effect. If smoke is visible in your home or business, open doors and windows to ventilate the trapped smoke. The smoke will not stain or leave a residue in your home. In the event that smoke does enter your home, please contact Public Works Operations, at 240-314-8567 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. or Public Works Engineering, at 240-314-8500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and a staff member will discuss possible conditions that may have caused this test result.

 If you have questions about this process, please contact   Craig Daly , Project Manager (240-314-8513) or   Maria Broadbent, Neighborhood Resources Coordinator (240-314-8345).