BALTIMORE, MD (April 4, 2014) – Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., announced today that the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be conducting smoke testing in Northwest Baltimore, West Baltimore and Southwest Baltimore between April 7, 2014 and May 2, 2014.

This work is in accordance with the Consent Decree between Baltimore City, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The “smoke” is a non-toxic fog that is blown through the sanitary sewers.  It is non-toxic and is not harmful to people or animals.  This testing is performed in order to check the sanitary sewers for areas where rain water could enter and cause sanitary sewer overflows or sewer backups into homes.

There is a small chance that some of this “smoke” could enter a residence or business.  To reduce the possibilities of this happening, DPW requests that the residents and businesses we have contacted run water in each sink for about a minute to ensure that the traps are wet. This can be done at any time prior to the testing. If “smoke” does enter a building, opening windows and using a fan should accelerate its removal.  The “smoke” should dissipate in a few minutes. Smoke entering a home or business indicates the possibility of sewer gasses entering the property. DPW recommends that if this occurs that a licensed plumber be contacted to examine the internal plumbing of the structure.

During the testing, citizens may see white “smoke” coming out of the ground, out of storm drain inlets, out of manholes, out of cleanouts (in yards), and/or out of roof leaders.  This is a normal part of the testing procedure.  No action is necessary if you see “smoke” during the testing.  There will be personnel on location taking picture of the locations where smoke is seen and recording the results.

There is no cost to residents for this testing.  You will not receive a bill.  Notifications have been delivered to the areas where testing will occur.  The Baltimore City Fire Department is also aware of this program.

If you have questions or concerns about this testing, please call Michelle Gabbitas at 410-396-3428 or email her at michelle.gabbitas@baltimorecity.gov.  Once again, the “smoke” is harmless, but if a resident has respiratory or other major health problems, they are urged to call Ms. Gabbitas prior to testing.  If there are concerns or questions during these tests, personnel will be on site wearing yellow safety vests for visibility.