august 4, 2008 smoke testing public informational meeting smoke testing project – university/prior...

August 4, 2008August 4, 2008Smoke Testing Smoke Testing Public Informational Public Informational MeetingMeeting

Public Informational MeetingSmoke Testing Project – University/Prior Avenue Area

Hamline Midway LibraryAugust 4, 2008

Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH)Smoke Testing Contractor

Kirby Van Note, Project ManagerPaul Kubesh, Testing Crew Chief

Saint Paul Public Works - Sewer Utility

Aaron Hass, City Project Manager


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 2013 the Met Council may add an annual $3.5 millionDemand Charge 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 75 sinkholes documented in 2006.

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

• Reduce Wastewater Treatment Costs


Smoke Testing Project Area


Anticipated Schedule Anticipated Schedule ((August 5August 5thth to September 9) to September 9)


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 at 612-597-3882.• 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 at 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.


Questions Questions – Smoke Testing– Smoke TestingFor Questions After August 4th Please:

Contact S.E.H’s Crew Chief @ (612)-597-3882.


Other Information - Other Information - Sanitary Sewer Sanitary Sewer ServicesServicesFor information regarding Televising or

Repairing Your Sanitary Sewer Service please……contact the Sewer Utility Permit Desk at (651) 266-6234

Thank you for your cooperation!

Questions?

august 4, 2008 smoke testing public informational meeting smoke testing project – university/prior...

Documents

clear smoke

result smoke

sanitary sewer system

sanitary system infiltration

smoke force air

clear water

ground water infiltration

excess rain water inflow