Honolulu City’s Department Of Environmental Services To Smoke Test Portion Of Palolo Valley

Press release from the City and County of Honolulu:

May 28, 2021

HONOLULU – The City’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) plans to smoke test a portion of the wastewater collection system in Palolo Valley June 1, 2021, weather permitting.

The testing, between the business hours of 8 a.m.–2 p.m., is part of ENV’s preventative maintenance program to prevent rainwater (inflow and infiltration) from entering the sewer system.

ENV crews pump non-toxic smoke into sewer pipes, examine and record locations where the smoke escapes. The smoke is harmless with minimal odor and neither a fire hazard nor a health hazard to humans and pets.

Tests locate broken pipes, illegal connections, open cleanouts and other paths for runoff to enter the sewer system. Runoff from heavy rain can overwhelm and surcharge the sewer system and treatment plants, causing sanitary sewer overflows.

An advertisement was placed in the local daily newspaper while residents and affected businesses were informed by mail and handouts. Fire and Police communications centers will be notified at the beginning and ending of each test. The attached map illustrates the area to be tested.

For more information, ENV’s Collection Systems Maintenance Division at (808) 768-7272 or visit ENV’s website regarding smoke testing.

This press release was produced by the City and County of Honolulu. The views expressed are the author's own.