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Sewer smoke testing to start in Eden

Bega Valley Shire Council will begin smoke testing sewers and stormwater connections in Eden next week.

Smoke coming from the ground on the lawn of a suburban brick house
Smoke testing pinpoints areas of concern in the sewerage network.

11 August 2023

Bega Valley Shire Council will begin smoke testing sewers and stormwater connections in Eden next week.

The scheduled testing will help to identify sewerage system faults and properties with stormwater plumbing connected to Council’s sewer network.

Council’s Water and Sewerage Services Manager, Steve Marshall said smoke testing helps to identify issues within the sewerage network, including households with non-compliant stormwater connections.

"Contractors introduce non-toxic smoke into the local sewerage network, which surfaces at different locations where potential issues might exist,” Mr Marshall said.

“For example, cracked pipes and failing seals will allow smoke to escape, allowing contractors to compile a report of problems in the network.

“This is a cost-effective way of pinpointing faults and acting on them before they become major concerns.

“Additionally, we will be monitoring for the appearance of smoke originating from residential stormwater infrastructure, such as downpipes and gully traps; the presence of smoke serves as a potential indicator of a non-compliant link to our sewerage system.”

Mr Marshall said the testing is an important tool used to prevent sewer spills into local environments.

"Currently, an unspecified number of properties in the Bega Valley have their stormwater plumbing linked to the sewerage network," Mr Marshall said.

“When we are hit with heavy rain, a system designed and built for sewerage and grey water is often overwhelmed with stormwater.

“An overstressed sewer has the potential to overflow into surrounding environments and waterways, giving rise to health concerns, significant ecological consequences and detrimental effects on the area's marine and lake industries.

“If a non-compliant connection is found on a property, we contact the owner with details of what they need to do to rectify the problem.

“It is of course likely that some property owners are unaware of a problematic sewer connection, but even in these cases the NSW Local Government Act is clear that responsibility lies with the property owner.”

The smoke is a non-toxic, non-staining and odorless vapour that will not enter homes with a functional plumbing system. Since there is a small risk of any vapour being an irritant, people with respiratory problems such as chronic asthma and emphysema are advised to avoid direct exposure to the smoke.

Smoke testing is scheduled to commence in parts of Eden on Monday 14 August. Residents have been notified via letterbox drop and are not required to take any steps to prepare.

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