The township plans to conduct a smoke testing program in Drayton sanitary sewers to identify sources of stormwater infiltration.
Mapleton council awarded a contract to provide smoke testing services to Cole Engineering Group Limited for $15,500 plus HST at the June 9 meeting.
The company was the only one of four qualified contractors selected to submit a bid.
The action is being taken in response to excess flows during peak runoff events that result in excess water being delivered to the wastewater lagoon system.
The extra water affects capacity, explained public works director Brad McRoberts.
“In order to maximize the capacity of the wastewater lagoon system the Township of Mapleton intends to minimize extraneous flows within our collection system in Drayton,” McRoberts stated in a written report at the June 9 meeting.
The program will involve using smoke machines or canisters to generate non-toxic, odourless and non-staining smoke for the testing.
The perimeter of each residence or commercial building will be completely inspected, front and back, for sources of smoke. The roofs of each building shall be visually inspected for evidence of roof drains connected to sanitary drains.
In response to a question from councillor Marlene Ottens, McRoberts said he is under the impression this will be the first time smoke testing has been conducted in the village.
Councillor Lori Woodham asked, “Will we ensure there’s a really strong communications plan in place … if it’s never been done before we don’t want people to panic.”
McRoberts said the contractor will be required to give 48-hours notice by hand-delivering notices door to door in areas where the testing will be conducted.
The contractor will also be responsible for notifying the local fire department and Wellington County OPP prior to starting smoke testing each day, the report states.
“Would the element of surprise be such a bad thing for these people that know they have illegal connections?” asked Mayor Neil Driscoll.
“The intent is for people to know what’s going to happen so they don’t have fear for health issues or that their house is on fire,” said McRoberts.
“We certainly don’t want any false alarms.”
He told the Community News a start date for the smoke testing program has not been determined.
