4. b) Smoke testing Uptown Sewer
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: June 16th, 2020
To: Mayor, City council
From: Adam Hawkinson, Director of Public Works
Re: Uptown Smoke testing sewer system
Background:
The Uptown system has nine billable customers on the system. An evaluation of the pump
readings, water meter readings, and pump readings at the drain field are indicating accurate
flow rates are not being recorded. According to the numbers the system is allowing some
infiltration.
Issue:
Not able to report accurate flow numbers for the Uptown system. The City council and
community needs to be notified of the process and practice PW is planning to initiate with
smoke testing. A 7 - 10-day notice is required by MNRWA to perform the testing. This
discussion would service as a notice.
Proposal Details:
The Director of PW would like to conduct a smoke test on the system to check for leaks or
possible abandon lines that have not been capped. The Fire department and all connected
service owners would be notified by a letter similar to the draft provided. The dates are subject
to change. Information about the smoke process and procedure is provided with this report.
Fiscal Impact:
$100-$150 - performed by MN Rural Water Association.
Options:
1.) Perform the test and acknowledge the notification
2.) Do not perform the test
Recommendation:
Option #1
Smoke Testing the Sanitary sewer
To the residents of Scandia:
The City of Scandia will be smoke testing the sewer on your block the week of July
13th through the 17th. Should you notice any smoke in your business or home
please let the person testing of the City know immediately.
By smoke testing the line, the City will also be testing the service line form your
home or business at the same time. The presence of smoke in your home of
business is an indication that there is a leak and the sewer gases could also be
entering your structure.
The smoke is relatively harmless, but if you have a medical condition that smoke
might affect you, please contact the City at 651-433-2274.
Thank you,
Adam Hawkinson
Director of Public works