Smoke Testing Of The Sanitary Sewer System In Summerhaven 

Release Date: July 24, 2003
Release Number: 1477-03

» More Information on Arizona Wildfire

Tucson, AZ -- On Friday, July 25, 2003, Pima County Wastewater Management staff will be conducting "smoke tests" on the public sanitary sewer system, primarily along Sabino Canyon Parkway. The project is anticipated to be completed on the same day.

The purpose of these tests is to obtain information on locations where stormwater or fire debris could enter the public sewer system. Both stormwater and fire debris could overload and damage the public sewers and the wastewater treatment plant. This test will allow for identification of any breaches in the sewer system that need repair. It will also allow for location and identification of all private house connection sewers (HCS), especially those that may be exposed. The HCS is the private sewer line that connects a structure to the public line.

Artificial smoke will be used. Therefore, white smoke may be present and may rise from the ground. No fire will be involved in the testing. Those with questions can call Roderick Gary, Program Services Specialist with the Pima County Wastewater Management at 520-740-6532.

Those who have a unit that is still connected to the public sewer can run water in drains to help prevent the test smoke from entering the building through the plumbing.

The Aspen Fire disaster recovery is a joint effort of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and Pima County.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 25-Jul-2003 08:52:10