09/03/10

North Cape sewers to be tested for points of non-sewer water infiltration

The Town, in conjunction with the Portland Water District and the City of South Portland, will begin testing the northern Cape sewer system for non-system water infiltration points during the week of Sept. 13.

The Town will conduct "Smoke Testing" on the sewer system beginning Monday, Sept. 13, weather permitting, in the northern part of Cape Elizabeth. This area includes the Cottage Farms neighborhood, Charles Road, Cliff Avenue, Warren Avenue, Ottawa Road, Preble Street, Crescent Road, Glen Avenue and Sea View Avenue.

"The sanitary flows from these streets goes to the Ottawa Road Pumping Station, which has experienced an overflow condition during above-average rainfall events," said Public Works Director Robert Malley. During the last several months, the Town has been working with South Portland and the water district to reduce the amount of non-sanitary water that finds its way into segments of the sanitary sewer system. The Ottawa Road Pumping Station also receives flows from adjacent streets in South Portland, Malley said.

The testing should take two or three days to complete.

Smoke testing, Malley said, is an accepted practice used to locate breaks and defects in the sewer lines. It also helps identify illicit connections into the sanitary system, such as roof drains and sump pumps.

The testing involves pumping a liquid, non-toxic, non-staining, odorless gas into the sewer, which then migrates through the main line and works its way through to each individual house connection. The "smoke" is white to gray in color and creates no fire hazard.

Be wary of smoke filtering in to home

During the testing period, residents who notice smoke in their home should immediately notify the personnel on site or contact Public Works at 799-4151, Malley said. Smoke filtering into a residence could indicate a malfunctioning trap that is designed to keep sewer odors out. Also, "if there is an individual in the home who has respiratory problems and/or is immobile, they should call us prior to testing," Malley said.

Public Works and Portland Water District personnel will place door-hanger notices on each residence on Friday Sept. 10 informing them of the testing. Material safety data sheets are available on request at the Public Works facility on Cooper Drive near the Recycling Center.

Questions regarding any aspect of the testing can be directed to Robert Malley at Public Works, or Charlene Poulin at the Portland Water District, 774-5961 Ext. 3105.