Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Works Department - (573) 874-7250

Smoke testing of sewer lines for sanitary sewer evaluation

COLUMBIA, MO (November 10, 2010) - The city of Columbia has recently retained the services of TREKK Design Group LLC to assist in detecting sources of inflow and infiltration (I/I) into the sanitary sewer collection system. As part of this study, TREKK will conduct smoke testing activities beginning Nov. 22 and continuing through the end of the month, weather permitting. Testing will be done in the areas surrounding Ash, Broadway and Stewart in central Columbia. No other parts of Columbia will be affected.

The purpose of the tests is to locate defects in the sanitary sewer collection system. The “smoke” that will be used for this project is non-toxic, harmless, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. During the testing activities, TREKK personnel will identify defects that are revealed when smoke escapes through them. Locations for defects may include roof downspouts, uncapped cleanouts, driveway drains, stairwell drains, yard or area drains, window-well drains, foundation-perimeter drains and defective service pipes.

The information gained from these activities may be used to improve the neighborhood’s sewer services. Questions regarding this testing should be directed to the Public Works Department, Sanitary Sewer Engineering, at (573) 874-7250.

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