WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. – Worcester County Public Works will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in West Ocean City and surrounding areas Sept. 8-11.
Testing will take place around Maryland Route 707, Sunset Avenue, Swordfish Drive, and Golf Course, Harbor and Townsend roads.
Crews will open and enter manholes in streets and public utility easements to look for breaks and other defects in the sewer system. The testing will also help identify where stormwater and other surface water may be entering the sanitary sewer system.
The county will use a special, nontoxic smoke that leaves no residue or stains and is not harmful to plants or animals. The smoke is visible and has a distinct but not unpleasant odor that should dissipate within a few minutes in properly ventilated areas.
Some smoke may enter homes or businesses if plumbing vents or sewer connections are damaged, defective or improperly installed, or if drain traps are dry, damaged or missing.
The testing can also identify potential sewer gas problems, which can pose a health risk.
Anyone who sees smoke entering their home or business is asked to contact a member of the testing crew or call Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater at 410-641-5251. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
