Jamaica Plain Sewer System Evaluation Survey October 3rd.

 

Wright-Pierce and Martinez Couch & Associates have been contracted by Boston Water and Sewer Commission to conduct a sewer system evaluation survey for the purpose of locating defects in the wastewater collection system.  The smoke testing is conducted to locate direct and indirect connections to the sewer system from sources like catch basins, roof drains, yard drains, and broken sewer pipes.   Smoke testing will be conducted in certain areas of Jamaica Plain. Flier will be distributed in advance of the work.

During testing, white smoke is introduced into the sanitary sewer system via a smoke generating machine at an existing manhole.  During this procedure white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located on the street and plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface.  THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT BE CAUSE FOR ALARM.

Persons who should not be exposed to smoke of any type such as those with emphysema or other lung ailments should notify Martinez Couch & Associates at 860-929-7641 prior to testing so that the appropriate precautions can be taken.

Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is a dry trap in any of your home's plumbing fixtures.  You may wish to pour some water down your fixtures to ensure that the trap will prevent the smoke from entering your building.  Smoke could also enter your property through defective plumbing such as cracked or broken sewer and drain pipes. 

Should smoke be detected within the building, DON’T BE ALARMED.  The smoke is NON-TOXIC AND NON-STAINING; however, it may be irritating to nasal passages in high concentrations.  If at all possible, persons with heart or respiratory ailments should leave the house.  House pets if they are inside should be provided with proper ventilation.  To remove the smoke, simply ventilate the home by opening windows and doors and report the presence of smoke to the field personnel conducting the test, or, by calling 860-929-7635. If possible, they will assist you in locating the source where smoke entered the building.

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. You are not required to be home when the testing is being performed on your street.
  2. Testing will not begin until 24 hours after delivery of this notice. Rain, holidays, and weekends, however, may shift test periods beyond this time frame. Testing will be conducted weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
  3. All contractor personnel will present you with identification.  If concerned, contact the local Police to verify that the identification matches the list of personnel.

 

For more information or to ask questions about the smoke testing, please call: Mr. Ronald Agostinelli at Boston Water and Sewer Commission: (617) 989-7435 or Ms. Lindsey Sylvester at Wright-Pierce: (603) 606-4436.

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