WILMINGTON — Beginning Tuesday, April 28, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is conducting smoke sewer testing of the sewer mains in Pirates Cove and Tangle Oaks neighborhoods. It’s expected to wrap by May 1.
The testing helps the authority locate leaks or breaks within the sewer mains. During testing, non-toxic smoke-filled air will be forced into the sanitary sewer system and leak out of any defects in the pipe to escape through the ground. Crews can then pinpoint where repairs are needed.
Testing is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sewer mains on Buccaneer Road, Blackbeard Road, Marina Club Drive, and surrounding streets. CFPUA will hand-deliver notifications to customers in impacted areas as well before the testing takes place.
The testing does not impact customers’ sewer services, though they may notice smoke emanating from manholes, vents, spots in the ground, and other locations. The smoke is non-toxic, does not leave a residue, and does not pose a fire hazard.
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