Sewer System Investigation SMOKE TESTING Begins November 1

~ Submitted by the Department of Public Works

Sewer smoke testing map – a scalable link to the map appears in the article ~ Image (c) Weston Sampson, 2021 all rights reserved

In order to improve sewer service, on behalf of the Town of Bedford, Weston & Sampson will be conducting smoke testing on certain streets and portions of the sanitary sewer system from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, between November 1 through November 19.

Testing will be performed in several areas of Bedford. Click here to view a project map. The highlighted area will be tested during this project. Streets include:

  1. South Road (Loomis intersection to Summer intersection)
  2. A small portion of Summer st
  3. North Road/Chelmsford
  4. Jeffery, Madel, Williams
  5. Parker Road
  6. Hardy Road
  7. Cesear Jones Way
  8. Duval
  9. Hayden
  10. Evans Ave
  11. Concord rd (closer to the Concord Town line)

The inspection is being conducted as part of Bedford’s Sewer System Investigation and Repair Program. The purpose of smoke testing is to locate sources of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer. By removing this extra flow, Bedford will reduce the amount of wastewater it sends to the MWRA, thereby reducing MWRA flow-related charges and sewer surcharging in these areas.

During the test, white smoke is introduced to the sanitary sewer system via a smoke-generating machine. During this procedure, white smoke will be venting from holes in manhole covers located in the street and from plumbing vent pipes located on or near your roof surface. THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD NOT CAUSE ALARM.

Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is either a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. You may wish to pour two gallons of water down your basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective. Should smoke from this testing be detected within your building, do not be alarmed. The smoke is NON-TOXIC, NON-STAINING, and dissipates quickly through open windows. IF YOU HAVE A LUNG AILMENT or RESPIRATORY CONDITION SUCH AS ASTHMA OR EMPHYSEMA, STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOKE.

Any smoke within a building should be reported to the persons conducting the tests.

Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. company vehicles are vans and pick-up trucks with the company name on the sides. Personnel will be wearing safety vests and shirts with Weston & Sampson markings and will be carrying a Weston & Sampson ID card.

The Bedford Fire Department is involved with the project work and coordination. Any questions should be directed to Weston & Sampson at (781)-909-4033. Leave a message including your name, address, and telephone number and your call will be promptly returned.

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