DEP smoke testing release, Brooklyn sewers, Aug 1984

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Dear

The City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP)', Bureau of Water Pollution Control is presently conducting a study to determine the condition of existing sewers which convey sewage to the Coney Island Treatment Plant. As part of the study, a program known as "Smoke Testing" will be employed to locate sources which are contributing additional rainfall-related flows (inflow) to the sanitary sewers.

Smoke testing is a common procedure employed by mxinicipalities to identify sources of inflow. The method is used to detect inflow sources such as roof leaders, cellar, yard, area, and foundation drains, abandoned building sewers, and storm sewer cross connections. Smoke testing is also used to detect structural damages and leaking joints in sewer pipes and manholes. While this is the first time that this program is to be performed in New York City, it is anticipated that other areas of the City will be smoke tested when the sewer system in those sections are to be evaluated. Smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system is to be performed within two areas, both located between Flatlands, Sheepshead Bay and Gerritsen. First area is bounded by Avenue X on the north, Batchelder Street on the east, Voorhies Avenue on the south and E. 28th Street on the west; the second area is bounded by Avenue U on the north, Bragg Street on the east. Avenue Y on the south and E. 19th Street on the west. During the actual test procedure, two sections of sewer are tested simultaneously with equipment set on the intermediate manhole of the sewer sections being smoke tested. A smoke generating device is activated and the "non-hazardo " smoke is forced through the sewer system by a blower. The area serviced by the sewer section is thoroughly examined during the test and the location of problems are recorded. Notices informing residents that smoke testing will take place will be slid under the front door of every residence (if possible), posted in lobbies of apartment houses and taped to light or telephone poles in the project areas. In the event that a resident is not informed, and thus, sees smoke appearing in and around his or her home they most probably will call "911" or will notify the Fire Department. To avoid multiple responses to the project area, possibly one representative of the Department could be assigned to the project area.

If \^u have any questions, please contact-Mr-; Robert Gaffoglio -e±- the NYC DEP, Water Quality Unit at 566-3730 or Ma. Denise of'^e NYC DEP Public Participation Office at 566-5271.

NYC-WTC_000143349