Print
Share page with AddThis

UPDATE for Chesapeake Village - Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Public Notice

Smoke testing is complete in Richfield Station, will take place in Chesapeake Village Tomorrow!
Posted on: March 7, 2023 - 2:24pm
Town logo

March 28, 2023 (Chesapeake Beach, MD) - Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Public Notice: PUBLIC NOTICE To All Residents and Occupants of Chesapeake Village:

The Town of Chesapeake Beach Public Works staff will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in Chesapeake Village tomorrow. The testing is complete in Richfield Station and will start in Chesapeake Village tomorrow morning on March 29th. This study will involve the opening and entering of manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water enter the sewer system.

A special synthetic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if there is a defect such as:

  • Vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
  • Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
  • Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

All residents are advised to run water in sinks or drains that may not be used on a regular basis, this will keep water in the trap of that fixture to keep sewer gases from entering your home. If traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous, as well as a health risk to the occupants. Should smoke enter your home or business, please contact Town Hall at (410)257-2230. 

Town staff will review the location where the smoke has entered your building. Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke that enters your building is urgently advised. Your cooperation is  appreciated.

The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and will help reduce the overall cost to utility system. Should you have any questions on this matter prior to the testing, please contact Town Hall during regular business hours at 410-257-2230.

If you see smoke in your home or business the day of testing please locate the Town of Chesapeake Beach Public Works staff who will be in the street while the test is occurring. If you have smoke enter your home and do not see Public Works in the street, then call 443-624-0469.

###