DEP smoke testing release, Brooklyn sewers, Aug 1984

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTAAENT OF ENVIRONAAENTAL PROTECTION

NEWS For further informationxontact: Andrew McCarthy Release Date: Immediate William Andrews 566-0108 SMOKE TESTING RELEASE

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be smoke testing two sections of city sewer in the Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay area of Brooklyn for a 10-day period beginning August 20, 1984. The smoke tests will help to pin­ point leaking joints, damaged sewer pipes, and other locations where rain water may be seeping into sanitary sewer lines.

In all, 35,000 feet of sewer pipe will be smoke tested in two areas. One area is bounded by Avenue X on the north, Batchelder Street on the east, Voorhies Street on the south, and East 28th Street on the west. The other area is bounded by Avenue U on the north, Bragg Street on the east. Avenue Y on the south, and East 19th Street on the west. Previous studies by DEP have shown that both these areas are experiencing heavy inflows of rain­ water to the sanitary sewer systems.' The tests are done by forcing smoke into the sewers with a blower and recording the locations at which the smoke escapes. The smoke is non-hazardous, non-staining, non-combustible, and does not leave a residue. During the tests, smoke will escape from catchbasins at street level and from plumbing vent stacks located on building roofs. The traps in household plumbing should prevent the smoke from entering people’s houses. To assure that there is a water seal in every trap before the test, residents should pour water into basement floor drains and run the water for a short time in any sink, shower, or other fixture that has not be recently used. During the tests, the plumbing can be used as normal.

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