The Village of Hopkins is conducting smoke testing of sanitary sewer lines this week as part of a project to map and look for repair needs of its sewer system.

Hopkins Village President Mary Howard explained, “Smoke may be seen coming out of roof vents, foundations, catch basins, manhole covers, etc. If you have traps that do not have water, you may see smoke in your home.

“Village Council members have gone door to door with information but we may have missed some homes. If you have questions or concerns about the testing call Jim Bala at 269-793-3188 or the contractor representative at 269-385-0011. The smoke is not harmful.”

She shared a letter that has been sent to local residents:

NOTICE OF UNDERGROUND SEWER SMOKE TESTING
“The Village of Hopkins, through its contractor Fleis & VandenBrink, will be testing village sewer lines in your area from 9 a.m. to 4 pm; Monday Oct. 26, through Friday
Oct. 30. Fleis & VandenBrink will be performing smoke testing of the sanitary sewer lines in your area.
“These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into parts of the sewer system to find damage, improper connections, and locations where unwanted water may be entering the village’s sewer system. As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, down spouts, sewer laterals or manhole covers.

“The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water.
“If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used or is seldom used, traps should be filled by pouring water into the drain or basin prior to the start date of the testing work. The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is relatively harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items. The smoke could potentially cause some minor irritation to nasal passages. Any irritation will be temporary and should quickly disappear after exposure has ceased.

“Persons with heart and respiratory ailments should leave the house during the test. House pets will react in a manner similar to people and will want to leave the smoky area. If an exit is not available be sure pets are provided with proper ventilation.

“A representative from our contractor will be in the area of this work at all times. If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. Please advise a representative of the smoke testing contractor if any leakage occurs in your home or business.

“Additionally, if you have any questions about the test, health issues or any other concerns, feel free to ask a member of our contractor’s crew during work activities, or contact the Village of Hopkins, Jim Bala, DPW Supervisor at 269-793-3188 or our contractor’s representative Tyler Sutkowi at Fleis & VandenBrink, Project Engineer at 269-385-0011.
Your presence is not required during the tests, and all public safety authorities will be notified of this event prior to starting. We ask your cooperation by allowing smoke testing personnel to walk into your back yards and around your property during these test.”