Smoke testing scheduled for base sewer system Published Sept. 10, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Starting Sept. 16, URS Corporation along with ADS Environmental Services will begin tests on the base sanitary sewer lines by means of smoke testing. Testing will be conducted in all areas of the base excluding housing and has a projected completion date of Oct. 13. "Smoke testing is conducted in order to determine where cracks and other defects are located in the sewer system," said Tom Kendall, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron water program manager. "It can help locate improper connections to the system and areas where unwanted water is entering the system." Smoke will exit pipes through defects, normal venting and rooftop vents. Smoke should not enter buildings unless defective plumbing exists or drain traps are dry. To prevent this, Gunfighters with seldom-used drains in their offices should pour a gallon of water in each drain to fill the trap. If smoke does enter the building, note the location of the smoke and contact the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron or speak with one of the ADS crew members conducting the test. "Smoke testing is a simple and fast method of testing the sewer system," said Harmon Henderson, URS Corporation representative. "The smoke is harmless and will disappear after a few minutes. The testing is also a cost effective way to locate areas of the sanitary sewer system needing improvement." The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard. Field crews will be wearing ADS uniforms and vehicles will be marked with ADS company logos. The 366th Security Forces Squadron and base fire department will be contacted each morning on days smoke testing will occur. "Information gained from this study will be used to repair and improve the Mountain Home AFB sanitary sewer system," said Mr. Kendall. For more information, call 366th CES at 828-4297.