Sewer smoke testing in various neighborhoods to begin in September

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City of Springfield Environmental Services will perform sanitary sewer smoke testing in portions of the Doling, Mark Twain and West Central neighborhoods beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2. Testing throughout the area is expected to last through the first week of October (weather permitting). 

Smoke testing is conducted to help locate leaks in the sanitary sewer system. Harmless, odorless smoke is blown into sewer manholes in the street, goes through the pipes and comes out where there are broken pipes and where roof downspouts, outside area drains, or foundation drains are connected to the sanitary sewers. 

• Boundaries of the Packer Industrial Area testing is located roughly between Oak Grove Avenue (east) and Belcrest Avenue (west), and between Division Street (south) and Kearney Street (north). Boundaries of the testing area correspond with stormwater basins that drain into Jordan Creek. 
• Boundaries of the Doling testing area correspond with stormwater basins that drain into Pea Ridge Creek. The testing area is located roughly between National Avenue (east) and Delaware Avenue (west), and between Kearney Street (south) and Paragon Street (north). 
• Boundaries of the West Central testing area correspond with stormwater basins that drain into Jordan Creek. The testing area is located roughly between Fort Avenue (east) and Grant Avenue (west), and between Mount Vernon Street (south) and Walnut Street (north). 
• Boundaries of the Mark Twain testing area correspond with stormwater basins that drain into South Creek. The testing area is located roughly between Dayton Avenue (east) and Market Avenue (west), and between Battlefield Road (south) and Greenwood Street (north). 

The smoke testing program is part of the City’s $300 million supplemental overflow control plan to reduce sanitary sewer overflows in Springfield’s aging sewer system over the next 10 years. The City’s plan was approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2021. 

How does smoke testing work? 

Colorless, odorless chemical smoke is blown into sewer manholes in the street, travels through the pipes and comes out where there are leaks in the sewer system. Crews walking along each property watch for smoke coming out of yards or gutters and collect data of any location where a potential defect is detected. The smoke is non-toxic and does not create a fire hazard. 

Residents and property owners can expect to be notified before smoke testing will occur in their area. Days before, doorhangers are left on front doors, reminding residents of the upcoming test and providing a contact number to the field technician conducting the test. Flashing message signs are often posted along major roadways to notify motorists that a smoke test is in progress. 

Testing days and locations are also communicated to 911 dispatchers, the Police Department and the Fire Department in case they receive calls. 

Smoke Testing Tips:  

• You do not need to be home when the smoke testing is performed. Field inspectors will be noticeably documenting and taking photos during the smoke test, so the defects detected may be found and repaired at a later date. 
• All smoke testing crew members are uniformed and carry identification badges. They will travel in clearly marked vehicles.  
• Sometimes smoke may enter your home or business through infrequently used floor, shower and sink drains. Pour 24 ounces of water into all drains a few days prior to the test. If smoke does enter, residents should contact the smoke testing crew working in the area. 
• If you notice smoke coming out of your property, contact the smoke testing crew. This could mean that you have improper connections or broken pipes on your property.  

Learn more and find FAQs at springfieldmo.gov/Sewer-Smoke-Testing. 

Questions? Call the Citizen Resource Center at 417-864-1010 or email [email protected]. 
 
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For media information, contact Marra Holt, Communications Coordinator at 417-893-1266 or [email protected].