Summer Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Project Extents
Summer Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Project Extents
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Summer Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing

The City of St. Francis will be conducting a smoke testing project this July through August, weather dependent, and it will be carried out by MSA Professional Services, Inc. This project is funded by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD).

 

In this project, smoke will be used to fill the sewers and identify leaks into the sanitary sewer. As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, manholes, and storm drains. Under normal conditions, smoke should not enter homes or buildings.

 

Schedule:

  • July 6th through August, weather dependent
  • Monday through Friday
  • 7:00 am through 6:00 pm

What to Expect:

  • City and MSA Professional Services will be setting up smoke testing equipment over sanitary sewer manholes.
  • The City and MSA will be documenting where the smoke is exiting the sewer.
  • No home access will be required. All work will be performed in the street. You do not need to be home for testing.
  • Drone technology will be utilized to get aerial imagery of the smoke tests.
  • The smoke is non-toxic and non-staining, but could be an irritant if inhaled.

Preparation:

  • Pour water down any infrequently used floor drains, sink drains, shower/tub drains or toilets before testing begins to prevent smoke from entering into your home
  • In the event that smoke enters your home, office or building during the testing period, immediately ventilate the building to disperse the smoke.
  • The smoke is generally safe for pets but could cause minor irritation if exposed for extended periods.
  • If there is smoke in your home and it is not coming from a plumbing fixture, please call 911.
  • If you have any questions, contact Emma Forthaus (MSA Professional Services) at (414) 285-6697 or at eforthaus@msa-ps.com.

Where:

See the map provided with the project area. Please stay tuned for more information on the testing schedule. We will update this page with the project schedule and when you may expect that we test in your area.


7/6: Testing occurred in the south and eastern portions of the testing map. Testing is dependent on site and weather conditions.

7/7: Testing will occur in the vicinity of Pennsylvania and Kinnickinnic. Testing may extend up to Morgan Avenue. Other areas may be included in testing, dependent on project schedule.

7/8: Testing will occur in the western portion of the testing map. Testing will include areas from St. Francis Avenue down to E Norwich and E Tesh Ave. Other adjacent areas could be tested, dependent on the project schedule. 

7/9: No testing will occur.

7/10: No testing will occur.