<div class="gmail_quote">FYI- </div><div class="gmail_quote"><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">WSSC is conducting a
comprehensive sanitary sewer evaluation study that will include smoke testing to
begin on July 15 in certain sections of Riverdale Park. (WSSC uses this method to detect defects in the sewer system). Details below, for those interested. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Washington Suburban Sanitary</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Commission (WSSC) began conducting a</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">comprehensive sanitary sewer study of the</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Northeast Branch Sewer Basin in December</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2009. This pro-active study is highlighting</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">potential sewer problems to avoid costly</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">major sewer repairs and support our efforts</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to protect the environment and public</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">health.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During the months of July, August and</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">September, 2010, WSSC will begin a</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">process called Smoke Testing in the</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Northeast Branch Sewer Basin. This</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">procedure will locate defects such as</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sewer line cracks and storm sewer cross</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">connections. WSSC will notify all residents</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and businesses when field crews will be in their community within 24 to 48 hours, with a door hanger notice that</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">will provide specific information and contact telephone numbers.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman; color: #ffffff"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">JU</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is Smoke Testing?</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sewer problems with little disruption to the system</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or to county residents. To conduct the smoke testing</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">process, the following steps will be taken:</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">• Opening of manholes on county streets.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• Placing a large blower on top of the open</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">manhole and forcing non-toxic smoke into the</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">system.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As smoke is sent through the sewer lines, it will be</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">forced through any opening or defect in the system,</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">as shown in Figure 1. The white or gray smoke</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">exiting the system is easily observed by the field</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">crew performing the test, who will log and map</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">each occurrence for further analyzing.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br></i></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is entrusted by our community to provide</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">safe and reliable water, life’s most precious resource, and return clean water to our</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">environment, all in an ethically and financially responsible manner.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br></i></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 17.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WSSC Wants You to Know</span><span style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• At no time will field crews have to enter any residences or businesses. However, should a smoke source be</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">visible, the field crews will need to enter the grounds to investigate and log the source.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard. The smoke, which is 50%</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">atmospheric moisture, has a slight odor similar to burning paper and may cause minor throat irritation if</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">directly inhaled. Persons with respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema should be</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">careful when exposed to smoke of any kind.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• All residents receiving a smoke testing notice from WSSC will</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">be instructed to pour approximately one (1) gallon of water</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">down any unused drains. This will help to prevent smoke from</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">entering the house via seldom used drains. Smoke will enter a</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">home or building through defective plumbing or if drain traps are</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">dry.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• Please be advised that if smoke enters a house during this</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">test, it is likely that sewer gases are entering as well. It would</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">be advisable to call a licensed plumber to repair any defective</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">plumbing detected during this process.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">• Residents presence at home is not required during the tests. All</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">public safety authorities have been notified of this event.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All WSSC contractors have been authorized by the Commission to</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">perform a variety of activities related to the testing and analysis work</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">needed to complete the Northeast Branch Sewer Basin Sanitary Sewer</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Study. The study is scheduled for completion on or before December</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">31, 2011.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WSSC is the 8 largest water and wastewater utilities in the nation,</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">serving 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">counties. To report water or sewer emergency, customers may call</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times New Roman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WSSC’s 24-hour Emergency Response number at (301) 206-4002.</span></p>
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</div>
</div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- ----------------------------------<br>Alice C. Ewen<br>Councilwoman, Ward 1<br>Town of Riverdale Park MD<br>