FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                September 11, 2001

CARY, NC – The Town of Cary plans to "smoke out" sewer problems as it begins the annual leak testing in a large portion of town starting today, weather permitting. The Town’s Public Works & Utilities Department will conduct the leak tests over a four to 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.

This year's testing will focus on two areas containing a total of about 3,100 homes and a handful of businesses: Area 1) bordered by Old Apex and Southwest Maynard roads, Southwest Cary Parkway and Lake Pine Drive; Area 2) between Kildaire Farm Road and Walnut Street extending from US1/Hwy 64 to SE Maynard Road and beyond.

This is the fourth phase of a comprehensive, eight-year leak-testing project to help provide a safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound sewer system throughout Cary. Town personnel expect to visit about 1,281 manholes and 40 miles of sewer lines as part of this year’s program. Last year the Town tested the area bordered by SW Maynard Road to US1/Hwy 64, Kildaire Farm Road west to Lake Pine Drive. In all, last year’s tests visited about 1,200 manholes and 42 miles.

"The leak testing program continues to be a very important part in the Town’s overall collections system maintenance program," said Sam Tingler, Cary’s Superintendent of Utility Systems Maintenance. "Last year’s work went very well and contributed greatly to our ability to identify points of inflow into the system." Tingler added that the work appeared to have very little negative impact on the community.

To ensure that residents in the affected area are comfortable with the testing process, letters advising property owners of the upcoming testing were mailed in mid-July. 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 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.

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 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 & 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;
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.

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