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resources and conservation education. With this funding, POS is now able to complete the trail as a ‘shovel-ready’ <br />project. The 2005 alignment has been revisited and mapped. The trail construction will not require removal of <br />large trees, and a plant survey has ensured that important patches of uncommon plants will be avoided. <br /> <br />For more information, contact Natural Resource Maintenance Supervisor John Clark at 682-4826 or <br />John.T.Clark@ci.eugene.or.us. <br /> <br />Smoke-Testing of Sewer Lines in South University Area <br />Approximately 31 miles of sanitary sewer lines in south and east Eugene are scheduled to be smoke-tested <br />beginning Monday, June 29. The testing locates defects and improper connections that allow stormwater runoff <br />and groundwater to enter the public wastewater collection system. The testing also will measure the effectiveness <br />of recent wastewater system repairs and provide some insights into the conditions of the private sewer lines <br />serving homes and businesses. <br /> <br />This year's testing includes portions of the wastewater collection system in the Downtown, Fairmount, Far West, <br />Southeast, South University and West University neighborhoods. Testing will begin in the South University <br />rd <br />Neighborhood near Patterson Street and East 23 Avenue. The entire project is expected to take several months <br />to complete. During the tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, non-toxic, white <br />smoke is released into underground sewer lines to identify problems. Residents are notified before testing begins <br />in their neighborhood. The smoke will not harm plants or animals and will quickly dissipate leaving no residue or <br />stains. <br /> <br />After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of deteriorated lines or improper <br />connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally indicates a crack or other defect in a sewer line. <br />Smoke coming from a roof gutter, downspout or area drain indicates that a storm drain is improperly connected to <br />the wastewater collection system. Deteriorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem <br />called inflow and infiltration. The region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed to carry a <br />specific amount of water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater can overload <br />the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and treating wastewater. <br /> <br />If smoke-testing reveals a defect in the public portion of the wastewater collection system, the defect is corrected <br />as soon as possible. If extensive defects are found, capital rehabilitation projects are planned, funded and <br />completed to correct the problem. If smoke-testing identifies a stormwater connection prohibited in the City Code, <br />such as a roof drain connected to the sanitary sewer, the property owner is notified and is required to correct the <br />problem. If the testing indicates a defect in the private portion of the sewer (usually in the line that connects the <br />building to the public sewer), the owner is notified of potential problems with the sewer, and repair or replacement <br />of the defective line is recommended. <br /> <br />For more information, contact I/I Investigation Project Manager Carla Spangler at 682-4894 or check online at <br />www.eugene-or.gov/smoketesting. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 <br />June 25, 2009 <br />