NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 1998

CARY TO BEGIN LEAK TESTING OF
SEWER SYSTEM

CARY, NC -- The Town of Cary plans to "smoke out" sewer problems as it begins leak testing in a large portion of town later this week. The Town of Cary’s Public Works & Utilities Department will conduct the leak tests by forcing smoke into neighborhood sewer lines in the area bordered by Buck Jones Road, Chatham Street, Academy Street, and Walnut Street. The smoke will locate places where storm and other surface waters are entering the Town’s sewers as well as help reveal sources of sewer odors. This leak testing is the beginning of an eight year testing project to help provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system throughout Cary.

"This project is very important," said Sam Tingler, Cary’s Superintendent of Utility Systems Maintenance. "We don’t want anyone to have any concerns about what we’re doing because they don’t have the correct information." Tingler added that while most residents will never see or smell the smoke, those who do could be alarmed if they were not properly informed.

To this end, letters advising property owners of the upcoming testing were mailed earlier this month. Because of the size of the test area as well as the need for good weather, it will take several weeks to complete the project. So, the Town will distribute notices to every house and building within 24 hours before the testing in that specific area begins. The Town will also have updated information on its website as the project progresses.

Cary is using a special, non-toxic smoke in the leak tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose and, therefore, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor.

In the unlikely event that people have direct contact with the smoke, they may experience some minor respiratory irritation such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. These problems last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation. However, those people with asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory conditions who are planning to stay in their homes or buildings during the testing should notify the Town immediately so that their case can be discussed in further detail.

Traces of the smoke or its odor in houses or buildings is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer may also be entering the structure. Since sewer gases can be harmful, people who notice the test smoke in their buildings should immediately report it to the Public Works & Utilities Department testing crew.

"Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke entering a citizen’s home or business is strongly recommended," said Tingler. He added that while the Town’s Public Works & Utilities Department will render all possible assistance, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property will be the responsibility of the owner.

Leak testing smoke may enter a structure if:

1. Vents connected to the building’s sewer pipe are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed; or
2. Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing; or
3. Pipe, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are damaged, defective, has plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

Once the 24-hour notice is received, occupants are encouraged to run water into all of their drains for one minute, especially those used infrequently. This will reduce the likelihood of smoke entering the house inadvertently because of dry traps (number 2 above).

Citizens with questions or who desire more information should call 469-4090 during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), or visit our "Smoke Out" website anytime at <www.ci.cary.nc.us>.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: Sam Tingler, Superintendent, 469-4095
Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951