ENV To Smoke Test Portions Of Aina Haina, Niu Valley In Honolulu

Press release from the City and County of Honolulu:

April 30, 2021

KAPOLEI – The City’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) plans to smoke test portions of the wastewater collection system in the Aina Haina and Niu Valley areas May 3-21, 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.