City Council Newsletter - 06/14/07

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measure the effectiveness of recent wastewater system repairs and provide some insights into the conditions of the private sewer lines serving homes and businesses. This year's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Friendly, Amazon, th Southeast, South University, Crest Drive and Fairmount neighborhoods. Testing will begin in the 28 Avenue and Central Boulevard area and is expected to take several months to complete. During the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, non-toxic, white smoke is released into underground sewer lines to identify problems. Residents are notified before testing begins in their neighborhood. The smoke will not harm plants or animals and will quickly dissipate, leaving no residue or stains. After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of deteriorated lines or improper connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally indicates a crack or other defect in a sewer line. Smoke coming from a roof gutter, downspout or area drain indicates that a storm drain is improperly connected to the wastewater collection system. Deteriorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called inflow and infiltration. The region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to carry only so much water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater can overload the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and treating wastewater. If smoke testing reveals a defect in the public portion of the wastewater collection system, the defect is corrected as soon as possible. If extensive defects are found, capital rehabilitation projects are planned, funded and completed to correct the problem. If smoke testing identifies a stormwater connection prohibited in the City code, such as a roof drain connected to the sanitary sewer, the property owner is notified and is required to correct the problem. If the testing indicates a defect in the private portion of the sewer (usually in the line that connects the building to the public sewer), the owner is notified of potential problems with the sewer, and repair or replacement of the defective line is recommended. For more information, contact Carla Spangler, I/I Investigation project manager, at 682-4894. Summer Reading for Kids and Teens at Eugene Public Library There's no mystery about what to do once school's out: kids can join in Summer Reading fun at Eugene Public Library! This year's free programs for all ages are inspired by the theme "Get a Clue." Each kid and teen who signs up gets a free book to keep; plus, there are lots of terrific performances, workshops, films, and celebrations. Elementary-age kids kick off the first week of summer with Science Circus on Monday, June 18, 11:00 and 2:00 at the Downtown Library. Jugglemania comedian Rhys Thomas teaches Newtonian physics -- all with circus tricks! Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before each show. In the Bethel neighborhood, drop in for hilarious physical comedy and unicycle antics at the Henrik Bothe Variety Show, Tuesday, June 19, 2:00, at Petersen Barn Community Center, or catch him Wednesday, June 20, 2:00, at Sheldon Community Center. The week winds up with The Charlie Brown Comedy & Juggling Show, Friday, June 22, 11:00 and 2:00 at the Downtown Library. Be dazzled by amazing feats delivered with a quick wit. Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before each show. Weekly events for kids continue at all locations with topics ranging from mazes and codes to music and puppets -- plus mini-mysteries to solve at every visit! Teen Summer Reading starts with a bang: a visit by Karen Karbo, author of the popular Minerva Clark teen detective series. Teen fans and aspiring writers meet and talk with the writer about mysteries, creativity, ferrets -- and their own questions -- on Wednesday, June 20, 1:00 - 2:30, at the Downtown EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 June 15, 2007