Smoking Sewers, Lawns No Cause For Alarm

Do not panic. Do not call 911. This is only a test. The Public Works division is running tests in September that cause smoke to billow from sewers and possibly lawns, officials said. 

Tests are taking place on the sewer lines in an area bounded on the north by Solano Avenue, on the east by Masonic Avenue, on the south by Dartmouth Street and on the west by San Pablo Avenue, according to information released by the city. These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into parts of the sanitary sewer system to find if there are any leaks or improper connections to the storm drain system.

"The problem is the sanitary sewers," said Rich Cunningham, who runs the city's Public Works division.

Too much storm water is getting into the sanitary lines, Cunningham said, which causes a problem at the regional treatment plant. As a result, seven cities that send water to the East Bay Municipal Utility District plant have been federally required to test the sewer systems and fix any problems.

Tests started in Albany about two weeks ago, and will continue indefinitely, Cunningham said. The city will test a portion of the sewer lines each year until problems are resolved.

Workers blow smoke down into the sewer lines through manholes in the street. The smoke rises through the system and, when it comes up, allows maintenance crews to find leaks. 

"A couple of people have called because they've been concerned in some cases when the smoke has ended up in their homes," Cunningham said. "It means they have floor drains that are connected to the sewer that should not be connected."

Smoke should clear within minutes with proper ventilation, he said. There's no cause for alarm. 

Smoke may be seen "coming from roof vents, manhole covers, catch basins, cleanouts, down spouts and sewer laterals. The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed and vented, and water traps contain water. Water traps are the U joints under sink and shower/tub drains. The smoke is a non-toxic, odorless substance, which is clean and harmless to humans, pets, food and material goods," according to information released by the city.

He said the contractor in charge of the job should be nearby to answer any questions. Fliers were distributed prior to the work to let neighbors know about the tests. The fliers also are attached here. 

Anyone with questions about the process can call the city's Public Works division at 524-9543 or Jeff Blum, of E2 Consulting Engineers, at 510-774-9223.