| August 5, 2002
Press Release The King County Wastewater Treatment Division, in coordination with the City of Mercer Island, is planning to test for sources of excessive stormwater and groundwater flows coming from private properties into existing wastewater collection systems (sewers). This testing is critical to protecting public health and the environment through the county's Regional Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) Control Program. I/I is clean stormwater or groundwater that enters the sewer system through cracked pipes, leaky manholes and improperly connected downspouts or foundation drains. During the testing, work crews will blow smoke through sanitary sewers from manholes in streets or within public easements. The testing is scheduled for August 19-22. The testing area on Mercer Island will be in the East Seattle neighborhood. King County is mailing informational fliers to properties within the testing area. King County will be conducting similar sewer-line tests in at least five other cities and sewer districts. Using results of the tests in this pilot program, King County and its partner agencies will determine what, where and when improvements are needed. The improvements would reduce the amount of clean water flowing unnecessarily through sewer lines and treatment plants. The nontoxic, harmless smoke leaves no residuals or stains, does not affect plant and animal life, and creates no fire hazard. The smoke has a distinct but not unpleasant odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation. During the testing, smoke will typically appear from roof drains (downspouts), catch basins or yard drains if connected to the sewer system. The smoke may also appear from cracks in the pavement above the sewer, from landscaping above private connecting sewers, and around homes with foundation drains connected to the sewer. Under some conditions, smoke may also appear in basements through unused floor drains, disconnected or faulty plumbing fixtures, and other direct openings to connecting sewers. Just before the scheduled day of smoke testing, residents are advised to pour one quart of water down all floor drains, sinks or other plumbing fixtures not used regularly. Local fire and police officials have been told about the testing, and the inspection team will be available at test sites to answer questions. For questions about smoke testing, contact Patrick Yamashita, City of Mercer Island, at (206) 236-5300. Residents can get more information about the Regional I/I Control Program at the King County Web site: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd/i-i. Or they can contact Mary Lundt, King County Wastewater Treatment Division, at (206) 263-3184 or mary.lundt@kingcounty.gov. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and the environment by serving 16 cities, 16 sewer districts and more than 1.4 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
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