CITY TO USE NON-TOXIC SMOKE IN A RIVERSDALE-AREA MANHOLE FRIDAY

The City of Saskatoon will be conducting sanitary sewer “smoke” testing in the Riversdale neighbourhood on Friday, July 31 to identify possible cracks in the underground pipes. This will be the second test of this process in two weeks, after successful results in preparation for a manhole rehabilitation project mid-month.

A non-toxic liquid smoke product will be vented into the sewer system through a manhole on the 500 block of 20th Street. The smoke, which replicates the properties of invisible sewer gases, will be tracked through the system to identify weak points or small openings where sewage or gas could escape. The area will remain open to pedestrians and drivers during the test.

While the test is being carried out thick, white smoke may be visible exiting from the vent stacks and rooftop drains on buildings, catch basins, manholes, and yard drains tied to the sanitary sewer system, and from any holes or cracks in the contained area.

The smoke itself is an odourless, oil-based product that appears thick and white when activated. It is completely a non-toxic material that has been safely used for testing and simulations for over 20 years.

Testing will begin mid-morning Friday, July 31 and is expected to be complete by mid-afternoon.