Dear Residents:
As part of the Intergovernmental Agreement with (MWRD) the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewers in the City. This project is funded through a community grant issued by the USEPA, which is a reimbursement grant. As outlined in the IGA MWRDGC will provide the initial funding for all work performed under this Agreement and reimbursed by the USEPA.
The city is conducting a Smoke Test survey to identify locations where storm water is entering the City’s sanitary sewer system. The engineering firm Robinson Engineering will conduct the sanitary sewer system survey. Smoke testing is a simple means of locating openings in the sewer system that allows surface rainwater runoff to enter the sanitary sewers. Air combined with non-toxic smoke will be blown into the sanitary sewer system. Smoke will appear where there are defects in the main sewer line (usually located under the road) or laterals (connection between the main sewer line and a building) or where other connections to the sewer system exist, such as roof drains, patio drains and footing drains. Smoke should not enter buildings unless there is defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps. Pour one gallon of water down all floor drains and any rarely used sinks/tubs/toilets to ensure that a water barrier is formed and maintained in the drain traps. The drain trap water barrier prevents sewer gases or odors from entering the building. If the drain trap water barrier is present and smoke does enter your home, the potential exists for sewer gases to also enter your home, and you should consult a licensed plumber to fix the problem. If smoke is entering your home during the smoke testing, contact a member of the Robinson Engineering crew if they are still on your street. If the Robinson Engineering crew is no longer in the area contact the Robinson Engineering office at (708) 210-5689 or (773) 502-1681. The smoke is non-toxic, low odor, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly, and is harmless. However, if someone in your home has respiratory concerns, they may wish to leave the day of smoke testing in their area. The smoke testing project will begin at the beginning of October and is expected to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting. Additional notification in the form of door hanger cards will be placed/deliver at each home a minimum of 24 hours prior to the start of the day smoke testing performed in the area. Thank you for Your cooperation with the 2025 Sanitary Smoke Testing program.
Sincerely,
The City of Country Club Hills