Smoke Testing Information
The Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority is conducting Smoke testing on the sanitary sewer system in your area. Testing will begin the morning of August 17, 2009 and continue through September. The first area of testing will be in the downtown Bath area.
Smoke testing is conducted as part of the evaluation in areas suspected to have inflow problems. Inflow into the sanitary sewer system by storm water can lead to sanitary sewer overflows (illegal in the State of Michigan), treating of clean storm water at the treatment plant, or worse; sewage backups into residences connected to the sanitary sewer system.
The smoke test uses a non-toxic WHITE SMOKE, which is forced through the sewer lines using air pressure, to help locate any inflow/infiltration areas in the sewer system. Smoke testing is an economical and relatively fast method for identifying the location of inflow sources such as structural damage in sewer pipes or manholes and cross connections including downspouts, foundation drains, yard drains, storm sewers, and undocumented/illegal connections.
Private properties may have several connections to the sanitary sewer system such as downspouts, floor drains and sump pumps. Defects can allow toxic sewer gas and wastewater to seep up into the residence itself.
If anyone has any medical problems requiring the use of oxygen, breathing problems, or requires further knowledge about the testing procedure, please contact Keith Sanders, Assistant Director as soon as possible at 517-669-8311. Normal business hours are 7 am to 4 pm.
SCCMUA staff will be on-site during the smoke testing and will have proper picture identification. Please dial 911 if a person tries to gain access to your home that does not have proper identification. SCCMUA and Bath Township thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions - this is a list of frequently asked questions and the answers
Door Hanger- A door hanger will be placed on your door a few days before the testing is done in your area. This is a sample of the door hanger.
MSDS - A copy of the material safety data sheet with more information about the product that is used for the smoke testing.
LiquiSmoke - Additional information about the product.
Picture ID - all employees will carry picture identification. This is a copy of the identification.
Video - This is a 30 second video that will show you how the testing works and what to look for in your neighborhood.
Map of the testing area - this is a map of the area that will be tested this year.