PSA: Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing

The Town of Paradise is advising that sanitary sewer smoke testing will start on Wednesday, September 2. The testing will take place daily, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The testing will take approximately a month to complete and weekly updates on the planned testing areas will be available on the website at www.paradise.ca/smoketesting

 

The purpose of the sanitary smoke testing is to identify sewer infrastructure leaks and cross-connections. The testing is completed by injecting a harmless and non-damaging smoke throughout the Town’s sewer system. Crews detect leaks and other issues by monitoring for smoke seeping through the ground, manholes, or weeping tiles. A drone is also used to monitor the testing area to identify leaks at all angles.

 

The harmless, non-damaging smoke should not enter any houses unless there is a cross-connection in the system. If this does occur, residents are asked to contact the Town at 782-1400 and are advised to open a window or door for a few minutes and the smoke will dissipate. As the smoke is harmless and non-damaging, there will be no impact to residents or residential properties. 

 

Residents are advised the testing involves an odour-free smoke which does not indicate fire. However, should residents detect a burning smell or smoke that is unrelated to the testing and instead may be stemming from a fire, please call 911 immediately to reach the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) for emergency response. The Town has notified the SJRFD about the sanitary smoke testing and applicable areas. 

 

Media Contact

Diane Keough, Communications Manager, Town of Paradise

709.769.4212 (cell)