Eastern Salisbury Township residents are being notified about details for smoke testing of the area’s sanitary sewer system.

The testing is to take place “on or about Sept. 15 and should be completed in three to four working days, weather permitting,” Salisbury Township Consulting Engineer David J. Tettemer of Keystone Consulting Engineers stated in an Aug. 28 email to The Press.

Smoke testing will take place 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Tettemer. Testing of the sewer main connected to a residence should not take more than 10 to 15 minutes, Tettemer stated.

There was a possibility for smoke testing to take place in August. The testing is now to take place in mid-September.

Residents in the test area, which is between Emaus Avenue and Susquehanna Street and Maumee Avenue and Park Street, are being notified by letter and door hangers.

In the letter, Salisbury Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich said the reason for the test is “in order to locate breaks and defects in the sanitary sewer system.”

Bonaskiewich goes on to state in the letter the testing “will blow a nontoxic smoke into the sewer system at selected manholes, and the sewer crew will be observing and recording any escape of smoke from the sewer system, most likely indicating a possible leak.

“This testing smoke is white to light gray in color and is nontoxic, nonstaining, has no odor and creates no fire hazard. However, unnecessary exposure to the smoke should be avoided.”

Bonaskiewich emphasizes in the letter “that the smoke should not enter your premises unless a possible leak is present. If smoke is experienced within your premises during testing, it is possible that dangerous sewer gases and odors may also be present in your premises.

“If smoke should be found indoors, it should be reported immediately to the personnel conducting the testing, or by calling the township at 610-797-4000 or Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc. at 610-395-0971.

“Identification and correction of the source of any smoke leaks within your premises are urgently advised.”

Bonaskiewich notes in the letter, “If there is any individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and is immobile, please notify the township’s engineer at the above number before testing.”

According to the letter, door-hanger notices are to be provided to residents and business owners at least 48 hours before the smoke testing.

The letter also notes if the notice pertains to a rental property, it’s the owner’s responsibility to forward the notice to the occupants.

Tettemer provided The Press with a series of frequently asked questions concerning the smoke testing:

Why does the smoke testing need to be performed?

“The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has mandated that our region remove excess stormwater entering our sanitary sewer system. Smoke testing is one of the ways to isolate the stormwater entry points.”

If the smoke is not harmful, why should I evacuate my house?

“Although the smoke is harmless, the fact that the smoke is able to enter your house indicates that there is a leak in your plumbing which may allow dangerous sewer gases to enter your home.”

How likely is it that smoke will enter my home?

“It is very unlikely that smoke will enter your home, unless you have a possible defect in your plumbing system. The smoke should not enter your premises unless you have defective plumbing or dried up drain traps.

“If a plumbing deficiency is present within your home, it is likely that dangerous sewer gases are and have been leaking into your home. This is a situation that should be corrected immediately. We would recommend you contact a plumber to fix the problem.”

What should I do if I do experience smoke in my home?

“Evacuate the premises and notify the testing supervisor so that they will be able to stop the test. Open all doors and windows until the smoke clears, which should not last more than about 15 minutes.”

Will my smoke alarm be activated?

“Yes, but this will stop after the smoke clears.”

I have a respiratory problem and I am concerned about the possibility of smoke in my house; what should I do?

“Contact the township engineer, 610-395-0971, before scheduled field testing. Our testing crews will note your house for special attention and will knock on your door before the actual testing.”

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 at its Aug. 13 meeting to approve a motion to authorize Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc. to conduct smoke-testing in eastern Salisbury Township Drainage Basin 10 Area. Keystone is to be paid $43,193 for the smoke testing.