FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                          August 13, 2007

TOWN OF CARY BEGINS FIRST SEWER SYSTEM LEAK TESTING IN MORRISVILLE

CARY, NC – Starting tomorrow, the Town of Cary will “smoke out” sewer problems as it begins its annual leak testing —this time in Morrisville— which includes an area generally bounded by I-540, I-40, Highway 55 and Cary Parkway; the round of testing marks the first time that Cary has conducted smoke testing in Morrisville since merging the Towns’ utility systems in April 2006 at Morrisville’s request.  Cary’s Public Works and Utilities Department will conduct the leak tests over about a six-week period by introducing detection “smoke” into neighborhood sewer lines. The “smoke” will locate places where storm and other surface water can enter the Town’s sewer collection system as well as help reveal sources of sewer odors.

The smoke testing in Morrisville is part of Cary ’s ongoing fifteen-year leak-testing project to help provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system.  Town personnel expect to visit about 2,070 manholes and 79.8 miles of sewer lines as part of this year’s program. Last year’s testing involved roughly 2,020 manholes and 78 miles of system.

Cary uses a special, non-toxic product that, when mixed with pressurized air, gives the appearance of smoke.  The product is manufactured for this purpose and, therefore, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants and animals.  The “smoke” has a slight, distinctive–but not unpleasant–odor.  Traces of the smoke or its odor in houses or buildings are an indication that gases and odors from the sewer system 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 and Utilities Department testing crew.

“Our leak testing program continues to be a very important part of the Town’s overall collections system maintenance program and we’re looking forward to continuing to provide this quality service for our new utility customers in Morrisville,” said Sam Tingler, Cary ’s Manager of Utility Systems Maintenance.  “We have found that the program greatly contributes to our ability to identify points of inflow into the system with little to no inconvenience to our customers.”

To ensure that residents in the affected areas are comfortable with the testing process, the Town mailed letters advising property owners of the upcoming testing. 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 also distribute notices to every house and building within the 24 hours before the testing begins in a specific area. 

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 conditions 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 have been asked to notify the Town immediately so that their case can be discussed in further detail.

“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 and 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 a building are damaged, defective, have 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).

Customers with questions or who desire more information should call (919) 469-4090 during regular business hours ( 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ), or visit our Smoke Testing Web section anytime at www.townofcary.org where you can track the project’s progress.

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