Moline to Conduct Smoke Testing Along River Drive

Posted 07/01/10

Contact:
Greg Swanson
Utilities General Manager
309-524-2301

Mark Orey
WPC Sewer Maintenance Manager
309-524-2341

The City of Moline Water Pollution Control (WPC) Division will be conducting smoke testing along River Drive beginning the week of July 5th. The smoke testing will involve use of specialized equipment to blow dense smoke into the sanitary sewer system and systematic observation of the surrounding area to find locations from which the smoke may exit the sewer system. The smoke testing is a component of the City’s ongoing efforts to identify and address deficiencies in Moline’s sewer collection system.

WPC personnel and vehicles will be present in the general vicinity when smoke testing is underway. Citizens need not be alarmed by the presence of the nontoxic smoke that is associated with the testing. However, the presence of smoke within a building during smoke testing is an indication of a potential sewer piping defect that should be investigated. Please advise one of the contacts listed above, if smoke is observed within your premises during smoke testing operations.

The time required to complete the smoke testing operations will depend upon the weather condition, as the testing cannot be conducted during or immediately after rain fall occurs. At present, City staff anticipates that the smoke testing will be completed during the month of July.