HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 001-2018 Sanitary Sewer System Smoke Testing to Begin January 9, 2018BAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
To:
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manager , c, /
LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO. 001-2018
Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
Date: January 4, 2018
Subject: Sanitary Sewer System Smoke Testing to Begin January 9, 2018
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to transmit to you information concerning the
scheduled sanitary sewer smoke testing starting next Tuesday, January 9, 2018 until
Tuesday, January 16, 2018, excluding the weekend.
Our vendor, Calvin, Giordano & Associates, will be conducting the smoke testing
throughout the Village. This testing is a requirement of the Miami -Dade County
Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) and the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The objective of this testing is to protect the
environment and integrity of the sanitary sewer system by locating issues such as storm
water cross connections and sewer system defects.
Smoke Testing consists of placing a blower fan on top of a sanitary sewer manhole to blow
a non-toxic, harmless "smoke" into the sewer system. This "smoke" will escape through any
cracks or damage in the system, making it visible to the naked eye, revealing sources of
inflow (water entering the sewer system from above ground sources) and infiltration
(groundwater entering the sewer system). The Miami Dade County Fire Rescue
Department and the Village Police Department will be provided with the pertinent smoke
testing project areas and schedule. Affected residents will receive notification using the
Village WENS, E -Blast systems, and Bal Harbour Villager Web page banner
announcement. Additionally, door hanger reminders will be distributed to residents at
least 24-48 hours prior to work in the specific area. The information attached provides
additional information provided by the smoke testing contractor.
Should you have any questions, please contact John Oldenburg directly.
JMG/JO
655 96TH S TREET | B AL H ARBOUR, FL 33154 | 305-866-4633
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM SMOKE TESTING
Smoke Testing will find:
• Tree Root Intrusion
• Pipe Sags
• Driveway or Deck Drains
• Sinks with dry P-Traps
• Faulty Piping
• Roof Downspouts
• Sewer Cleanouts with missing or
Broken Covers
• Pool Overflows
Communication: Affected residents,
emergency, fire, and police contacts will be
notified pertaining to dates, times, and
locations of smoke testing program
Equipment: The Vendor uses a motorized smoke machine with a non-toxic, liquid smoke
that is safe and will not leave a residue. During testing, smoke is forced through the
wastewater collection system which reveals breaks and defects. Following testing, fresh air
is forced through the collection system.
Pre-Testing: smoke testing "Door Hanger" notifications will be distributed to all homes and
business locations, which may be affected during smoke testing. The dates of testing are
indicated on the notification cards. This step is conducted a few days prior to testing. Smoke
testing of all collections systems may affect occupants of buildings connected to the line
being tested. Factors such as defective sewer systems in the building, dry traps, defective
wax beneath toilets, terminated vents or breaks; missing or unsealed cleanouts of any kind
will cause smoke to enter the building. It is imperative to avoid panic or alarm if workers or
residents suddenly see smoke in their building.
Testing: USSI smoke testing is conducted with a minimum of three fully trained company
technicians. One technician remains with the smoke equipment, while two or more
technicians look for and record any defects in the lateral lines.
Reports: The Village will obtain a detailed report of Smoke Testing in both hard copy and
CD-ROM format. The report consists of an Aerial Photograph and Detailed Map of
Testing Area. Call-outs indicate breaches in system. Also included with report are the GPS
locations, detailed descriptions and color photographs of each defect.
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655 96TH S TREET | B AL H ARBOUR, FL 33154 | 305-866-4633
SMOKE TESTING FACTS:
The smoke is odorless, creates no fire hazard,
and should not enter your home or business
unless you have defective plumbing or dried-
up drain traps.
This test, which involves forcing smoke into the
sanitary sewer lines, will check for leaks, breaks
and defects in the system. This smoke testing is
part of our continuing effort to provide a safe,
economical, efficient and environmentally
sound sewer system. The smoke used for this
test is manufactured for this purpose and
leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals.
Health Concerns that you may be asked about are:
• What if I have COPD (emphysema)?
• What If I am on an oxygen concentrator?
• What if I use oxygen tanks?
• What if I have heart problems?
• What if I (child) have asthma?
• Any other health concerns that might be asked about.
What if I have health concerns?
Contact the Parks and Public Spaces Department 305-993-7368 and give us your name,
address, and phone number and the crews in the field will be happy to let you know when
they will be in your neighborhood. This will give you time to leave the house if you so choose
while they are smoke testing.
Pets:
Will the smoke hurt my pet(s)?
No harm will come to your pets.
If my pet(s) breathe in the smoke will they be hurt?
No they will not be harmed.
Do I have to bathe my pet(s) if they come in contact with the smoke?
The smoke is designed to not be harmful to your pets or their skin.
655 96TH S TREET | B AL H ARBOUR, FL 33154 | 305-866-4633
Other:
Do I need to be home when the testing happens?
No, you do not need to be home at the time of testing. The crews do not need to enter your
house unless there is a problem that you want documented. They will not fix a problem on
private property. This is the responsibility of the home owner.
What happens if the smoke enters my home or business?
Contact one of the uniformed crew members who will be inspecting outside for leaks and
they will be happy to help you figure out where the smoke is coming from, but we will not
make repairs. This is the responsibility of the home owner. If smoke enters your
home/business, open your doors and windows so it can be aired out.
How long will the smoke testing take?
The smoke testing will take about 20 minutes to complete.
Vacant Units/Houses:
What if they can't or don't have a way to add water to their dry drains, etc.?
Most homes will not be affected. A few may have small amounts of smoke/vapor enter the
home that will dissipate in 5 -10 minutes.
If people are not home and they have issues
(smoke in the house) how will they know?
They will not. Let them know we are looking for
defects in sewer lines outside the home, not
inside.
If they have home sitters, etc. should they have
them in the house to see if there is a leak?
Not necessary. We are not looking to find defects
inside homes.
What is the advantage to staying home and
finding out if there is a leak in their homes/units?
No advantage. This test is for breaks in the sewer system outside the home.
Condo Management:
What is best for them to prepare with a large number of vacant units?
No preparation is necessary. If smoke/vapor enters the units, it will dissipate in 5-10 minutes.