Shrewsbury – In order to improve sewer service, on behalf of the Town of Shrewsbury, Weston & Sampson will be conducting smoke testing on portions of the sanitary sewer system from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, between Nov. 7 and 18. Testing will be performed in the Summer Street, Francis Avenue, Trowbridge Lane and Washington Street areas in Shrewsbury.
The inspection is being conducted as part of Shrewsbury's 2011 Inflow Investigations Project. The purpose of smoke testing is to locate sources of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer. By removing this extra flow, Shrewsbury will reduce the amount of wastewater it sends to the regional Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.
During the test, white smoke is introduced to the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During the procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located in the street and from plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface. This normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is either a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. Residents may wish to pour two gallons of water down their basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective.
Should smoke be detected within your building, do not be alarmed. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining and dissipates quickly through open windows. If you have a lung ailment or respiratory condition such as asthma or emphysema, stay away from the smoke.
Any smoke within a building should be immediately reported to the persons conducting the tests. Weston & Sampson company vehicles are gray or black with the company name on the sides and smoke testing personnel will have current Weston & Sampson ID cards.
Any questions should be directed to Weston & Sampson at 1-508-842-8884 ext. 2243. Leave a message including your name, address, and telephone number and you will be responded to promptly.
