Sewer smoke testing has been underway this week in Newcastle. On Monday, the Newcastle Public Works Department began the testing and they’ll continue tests from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each business day through Tuesday July 2.
City spokesperson Scott Hannan said the smoke is non-toxic, clean and harmless, and does not create a fire hazard. He said it will not harm humans, pets, food or material goods.
The City has hired Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc. to conduct the sewer smoke testing to locate defects in the sanitary sewer lines. The process involves blowing the harmless smoke into the system to identify areas where unwanted storm water may be entering.
Smoke should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. This can be remedied by pouring water into the seldom-used drains.
If smoke enters your home, open windows for ventilation, and the smoke will clear within a few minutes. Your presence at home is not required during the testing.
The City said all public safety authorities have been notified, and they ask that Newcastle residents share this information with their neighbors to prevent needless concern.
If the schedule changes, additional notifications will go out. Testing may be rescheduled if there is significant rainfall.
For questions, call the City of Newcastle Public Works Department, 405-387-4434.
