Smoke Testing

SANITARY SEWER SMOKE TESTING CONTINUES THROUGHOUT PALM BAY

August 6, 2008 -The Palm Bay Utilities Department will continue smoke testing on its wastewater collection system over the next few weeks in various areas throughout the City.  Crews will be testing the area serviced by Lift Station 31 on Thursday [August 7] and Friday [August 8].  The scheduled testing will primarily affect the area near Interstate Court, SE. Testing will take place between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day. 

The purpose of the test is to identify locations where rainwater and groundwater enter into the system through unauthorized connections, defective cleanouts, broken pipes, and cross connections with public storm drain systems.  Unauthorized connections can include roof gutters and downspouts, yard drain systems, foundation drains, sump pumps, and customers not being billed for services provided.

As part of the inspection process, a non-toxic smoke will be blown into the sewer system.  The smoke is not a fire hazard, and it will not leave any residue or stains.  There are no adverse effects on plants or animals from the smoke.  The smoke is harmless and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant odor.  As a precaution, individuals with respiratory problems may wish to move away from areas within the home that are defective and are allowing smoke to enter the home.  For residents that may have bathrooms or drains that are not used frequently, it is recommended they run water through these fixtures to ensure the traps are not dry in order to prevent smoke from entering the home at these connections.  It is not necessary for residents to be present while testing is being conducted.

The City of Palm Bay Utilities Department will assist with locating and identifying any defects external to residential or business locations.  Inspection teams are not permitted to enter your home or business for any reason without permission.  In these cases, and for making all necessary repairs, a licensed plumbing company should be consulted.

Other areas scheduled for smoke testing throughout northwest Palm Bay over the following weeks include):

• Lift Station 71 – Service area includes:  Belvedere Rd., Frederica Ave., Andalusia Ave., Nadell Ave., Massini Ave., Naftal Ave., Newgate St., Mercer St., and portions of Abalone Rd., Capeador St., and Masten Ave.
• Lift Station 72 – Service area includes:  Nagel Rd., Maywood Ave., Mayport Ave., Medea Ave., Mardi Gras Ave., Meehan Ave., and portions of Australian Rd., Bougainvillea St., and Benchor Rd.
• Lift Station 73 – Service area includes:  Foremost Ave., Nable Ave., Melba Ave., Melis Ave., Mackman Rd., and portions of Altamira St., Bougainvillea St., Americana Blvd., Consolata Ave., and Austalian Rd.
• Lift Station 74 – Service area includes:  Barbarossa Rd., Avadado Rd., Almond Ave., Del Mundo St., Chamberlin Ave., Alcantarra St., Calcutta Ave., Alberca St., and portions of Minton Rd., Fernandina St., Americana Blvd., and Ontario St. 
• Lift Station 75 – Service area includes:  Frankford Ave., Borraclough Ave., Cremona Ave., Albenga Rd., Cortez Rd., Catalina Ave., Crystal Mist Rd., Freeman Rd., Justine Ave., and portions of Fernandina St., Americana Blvd., and Ontario St.
• Lift Station 76 – Service area includes:  Commargo Rd., Estaugh St., Consolata Ave., Biscayne Ave., Commodore Ave., Concha St., Calamondin Ave., and portions of Fernandina St., Escobar Ave., Ivanhoe Ct., and Ontario St.

MAP OF LIFT STATION 31 Area

MAP OF LIFT STATIONS 71-76 Area

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