During the next few days the City of Newark, through its engineering consultants JMT, Inc. & TFE Resources, Inc., will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in your area. This smoke testing involves blowing smoke into the sewer lines. The smoke will reveal places where storm and other surface waters are entering the sanitary system in your area.  During this testing, gray smoke may exit through vent pipes on roofs of homes and through sewer line breaks.

This smoke is NON-TOXIC, LEAVES NO RESIDUE AND CREATES NO FIRE HAZARD.  This smoke is manufactured for this purpose.  It is gray in color, leaves no residue or stains, and has no effects on plant and animal life.  The smoke has a distinctive but not unpleasant odor.  Visibility and odor last only a few minutes where there is adequate ventilation.  If you suffer from any lung or respiratory ailments, please contact us at the number below for special service.

Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some of the smoke may enter your house if:

the vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed.

the traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed or missing.

the pipes, connections, and seals of wastewater drain systems in and under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.

If you have seldom-used drains, please pour a gallon of water in the drain to fill the drain trap. This procedure will help prevent the possibility of smoke entering your living areas through those drains.

All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer may also enter.  Correction of the source of smoke that enters your house is urgently advised.  If you observe smoke in your home, ventilate the room and immediately call it to the attention of the testing crew in the area.  If they can't be found, or if you have any additional questions concerning this work, please call Chris Brendza of JMT Inc. at 302-533-3972 or Vic Meyer of TFE Resources, Inc. at (443) 955-9669.

Thank you for your cooperation.

What is smoke testing?

• Non-toxic, harmless, and odorless
• Identify sources of stormwater inflow into the Sanitary Sewer System

What can you do?

• Run water in unused sinks, drains, etc.
• Notify other occupants of testing

What if smoke enters your residence?

• Do not panic
• Open windows to ventilate house
• Notify field crews
• Follow-up with a plumber to address your plumbing issue

If you have any additional questions concerning this work, please call Chris Brendza of JMT Inc. at (302) 533-3972, or Vic Meyer of TFE Resources at (443) 955-9669.