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Investigation of the Wastewater Collection System Begins July 25 <br />During the summer and early fall, crews from the City of Eugene Public Works Department will be evaluating <br />possible defects in the public wastewater collection system in the Far West, Whiteaker, West University, Downtown <br />and Jefferson Westside neighborhoods. The work will take place on week days between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning <br />on Monday, July 25. Three techniques will be used: closed- <br />circuit television inspection, dyed water, and isolated smoke- <br />testing. Isolated smoke-testing enables staff to investigate <br />defects that allow stormwater runoff and groundwater to enter <br />the public wastewater collection system. In addition to isolated <br />smoke testing, closed-circuit television allows staff to pinpoint <br />the location of possible defects. <br /> <br />Testing will begin in the downtown area and the entire project <br />is expected to take several months to complete. During the <br />tests, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental <br />Protection Agency, non-toxic, white smoke is released into <br />underground sewer lines to identify problems. The smoke will <br />not harm plants or animals and will quickly dissipate leaving <br /> <br />no residue or stains.Residents are notified before testing <br />begins in their neighborhood. A notice will be placed on <br />Smoke rising from the ground indicates a defect. <br />residents’ doors one or two days before investigation work <br />begins in each area. <br /> <br />After smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members will use closed-circuit television inside the sewer system to <br />locate where the smoke is exiting the public system. White smoke rising from the ground generally indicates a crack <br />or other defects in a sewer line. 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 only so <br />much water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater can overload the system, <br />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 as <br />soon as possible. If extensive defects are found, capital rehabilitation projects are planned, funded and completed to <br />correct the problem. If smoke-testing identifies a stormwater connection prohibited in the City code, such as a roof <br />drain connected to the sanitary sewer, the property owner is notified and is required to correct the problem. If the <br />testing indicates a defect in the private portion of the sewer (usually in the line that connects the building to the public <br />sewer), the owner is notified of potential problems with the sewer, and repair or replacement of the defective line is <br />recommended. <br /> <br />For more information, contact I/I Investigation Project Manager Carla Spangler at 541-682-4894 or go to <br />www.eugene-or.gov/smoketesting. <br /> <br />City of Eugene Helps Local Businesses RE:think to Reduce Waste and Save Money <br />The City of Eugene recently joined forces with BRING Recycling, a local non-profit, to offer free, hands-on assistance <br />to businesses that want to reduce waste, conserve resources and save money. BRING’s RE:think Business <br />Certification Program began as a pilot project in March 2010. Over 60 <br />businesses participated, and 22 were certified under the program. With <br />RE:think’s help, businesses were able to improve recycling, reduce waste and <br />energy costs, and change their purchasing habits. <br /> <br />The City’s financial and technical support allows RE:think to continue to offer <br />this valuable service to the business community and meet community <br />sustainability goals. Together, the City’s Waste Prevention and Green Building Program, Public Works Stormwater <br />Management and Wastewater programs, and the Sustainability Office, collaborated with Lane County Waste <br />Management and EWEB’s Energy Management Services to provide technical support and develop an advisory team <br />for RE:think. <br /> <br />The goals of the RE:think Business Program are to address the large volume of waste generated by businesses and <br />to provide no/low-cost solutions and recognition to businesses that meet an established criteria for certification. <br />RE:think provides assistance and education in five areas: <br />- Waste prevention and recycling <br />- Energy efficiency and conservation <br /> <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 <br />July 21, 2011 <br />