Physical plant crews will be using smoke to test pipes for leaks in the Historic Area. There is no fire hazard, but smoke may be visible coming from plumbing vents and other pipes.
On Wednesday and Thursday, January 28th and 29th, during normal business hours, the Physical Plant will be conducting smoke tests of the sewer collection pipe system within the Historic Area of the campus (sanitary and storm sewers). This work is part of an ongoing program to evaluate underground pipe conditions and detect leaks within the system. The work is being performed by a Physical Plant contractor, Woolpert, out of their Charlotte, NC office. The Woolpert reps will be wearing high visibility yellow type safety vests and/or sweaters with the Woolpert company name and logo on them.
Some things to note about the test:
The smoke used for this testing is generated from heating mineral-based oil. The smoke is non-staining and odorless. It is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, and will not harm people, plants, birds or animals. The smoke does not contain any dyes and looks grayish-bluish similar to typical smoke.
During the testing, smoke will be introduced into the sewer collection piping underground outside of buildings. Smoke is not being introduced into building piping directly and the contractor will not be accessing any buildings. If there are no leaks within a building then the smoke will pass through the sewer piping within the building and only be noticeable coming from the plumbing vent pipes above the exterior roof of the building. However, if there are leaks in the sewer pipes within a building the smoke will escape and would be noticeable within that building.
If you should see smoke within a building, please call Physical Plant at x5500. Do not call the fire department.
If you should see smoke outside, do not call the fire department and there is no need to call Physical Plant. However, if you see smoke coming from an unusual place outside, e.g. a crawlspace, the ground, the sidewalk, and there isn’t a Woolpert rep or Physical Plant staff in the area, then do call Physical Plant at x5500 so that the location can be documented.
Persons with severe asthma should avoid breathing any smoke to avoid any possible irritation.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please call the Physical Plant at x5500.