CITY OF NEWBURGH – On November 12 and 13, the City of Newburgh, along with its engineering consultant, Arcadis, will be conducting smoke testing of the sewer system in sections of the city’s First Ward.
Parcels located within the testing areas are near Powell Avenue, North Street, Central Avenue, Liberty Street, Old Balmville Road, Leroy Place, Grand Street, Rogers Place and Montgomery Street.
The testing process involves blowing simulated smoke into the sewer lines to reveal places where storm and surface waters enter the sewer system. During testing, gray smoke may exit through vent pipes on roofs of homes and through sewer lines breaks and catch basins in the street.
This smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard, officials said.
It has a distinctive, but not unpleasant odor and it does not affect plant or animal life. Visibility and odor should last only a few minutes. If you suffer from lung or respiratory ailments, please contact us at the number below for advanced notification.
This simulated smoke should not enter your home. If you have seldom-used drains, the city advises that you pour a gallon of water in the drain to fill the drain trap. This procedure will help prevent smoke from entering your living areas through those drains.
If traces of this smoke or odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gasses and odors from the sewer may also enter. City officials said it is urgent that you obtain a plumbing permit and repair these problems as soon as possible. If you observe smoke in your home, ventilate the room and immediately call it to the attention of the testing crew in the area. It is urgent that the plumbing problem is repaired as soon as possible.
