Smoke testing for selected sewers to begin

  • Published
  • By Shannon Clunn
  • URS Group deputy project manager
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Air Combat Command headquarters and the 28th Bomb Wing contracted with URS Group and ADS Environmental Services to perform physical inspection and smoke testing of sewers and manholes at Ellsworth; testing is scheduled to last from June 3 to July 3 in all areas of the base except for family housing.

Smoke testing helps determine where cracks and other defects are located in the sewer system if present. Smoke exits the pipe through defective areas and surfaces; field crews will then observe and document the affected areas.

"The smoke testing helps identify problem areas in the sanitary sewer system that could cause sewer backups and overflows and, also, prioritizes them for repair," said Ben Latino Jr., URS Group environmental consultant.

Smoke may also exit through the normal venting systems in the sewer. It is common to see gray smoke exiting from the rooftop vents of buildings during smoke testing and should not cause concern. The only buildings that should be affected by smoke are those with defective plumbing or dry drain taps.

Occupants of buildings, offices or shops where drains are seldom used (e.g., shower stalls, floor drains) should pour at least a gallon of water in each drain to fill the drain trap. This procedure will help prevent the possibility of smoke entering work areas during testing.

These tests utilize a non-toxic, non-hazardous chemical smoke that leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard. Field crews will be easily identifiable by their ADS uniforms and vehicles which will be clearly marked with ADS logos. Data gathered from this study will be used to help repair and improve the Ellsworth wastewater collection system.

If defects are detected, URS and ADS will prioritize them based on severity.

"Recommended repairs may include, but are not limited to, sewer line replacement, less evasive lining of pipes and manholes and rerouting improperly connected storm sewers," Mr. Latino said.

For more information, contact the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Civil Engineering Operations Flight, Facility Engineers at (605) 385-2601. Additional information will also be provided in the form of fliers to be placed in buildings expected to be affected by smoke testing.