City to smoke-test sewer lines around campus Aug. 5-14


LAWRENCE — There might be patches of smoke around the University of Kansas campus during the next nine days, but there’s no need to worry.

The City of Lawrence will be smoke-testing sewer lines — a process that involves forcing smoke into the lines to check for leaks — near the KU campus starting Wednesday, Aug. 5, and concluding Aug. 14. During this time, it is possible that small amounts of smoke could emit from manholes and vents along the street, and potentially from plumbing vents and fixtures inside homes and buildings, though the latter is less likely.

Smoke testing will start Aug. 5 in the University Heights Neighborhood north and west of the KU campus and progress south over the coming days through portions of campus into the University Place Neighborhood north of 19th Street. Smoke-testing activities in the direct vicinity of KU will be completed by Aug. 14. Smoke testing will continue into other portions of the area into September.

Smoke testing crews will be in these areas between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays.

Smoke testing is performed by blowing smoke into the sewer pipes so field crews can document locations where smoke escapes the system. These locations are areas where storm and ground water enters the sanitary sewer system and where crews can concentrate efforts to repair breaks and defects in the sanitary sewer pipes.

The smoke is white to gray in color, creates no fire hazard and should not create any adverse health effects for people or pets. Although the smoke should not enter nearby buildings, defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps may allow smoke to seep in. To reduce the potential of smoke entering your building, residents can pour water into floor drains and other drains that are seldom used. Also, adding a small amount of vegetable oil will help slow the evaporation of water in drains.

If smoke should enter a building, ventilating the room through an open window or door will dissipate the smoke quickly.

For details on the project, please contact the City of Lawrence Utilities Department at (785) 832-7800.

For KU students or staff who experience problems with smoke in campus facilities, please contact Facilities Services.

Tue, 08/04/2015

author

Joe Monaco

Media Contacts

Joe Monaco

KU Office of Public Affairs

785-864-7100