Revere Smoke Testing Program
As part of the Engineering Department's efforts to improve the City's sewer system, CDM Smith and Flow Assessment have been contracted to conduct a sewer system study for the purpose of locating sources of storm water inflow to the sanitary sewer system. The study will attempt to locate direct and indirect connections from sources like catch basins, roof drains, broken sewer pipes, etc.
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 have serious lung ailments, such as emphysema or bronchitis, and should not be exposed to smoke of any type can notify Flow Assessment Services at 1-888-311-9799 prior to testing so that additional advanced notice and further details on testing times and locations can be given. Residents can step outside for the short time that testing occurs near their homes.
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 be effective. Smoke could also enter your property through defective plumbing.
Should smoke be detected within the building, DON’T BE ALARMED. The smoke is NON-TOXIC AND NON-STAINING. If possible, persons with 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 1-888-311-9799. 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 24-72 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 5:00 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.
If you have any additional questions please contact project manager at CDM Smith: Patrick Journeay at 617-452-6632 or Revere City Engineer, Nick Rystrom at 781-286-8152.
FAQ
Crews conducting the test listen for smoke detector activation and observe the heating system chimney. If they believe smoke entered the home, a handwritten note on a business card will be left where it will be found.