To All Residents and Occupants of the Town of Lamar, SC:

The Town of Lamar Water and Sewer Department will be conducting smoke testing of its sanitary sewer system in the coming weeks. This smoke testing is set to begin on October 22,2020 and could last for several days. This study will involve the opening of manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm water and other surface water may be entering the sewer system.

*Only citizens living on these streets will be affected:

210 Rogers Street
Adams Circle & Sanko Street
Adams Circle & McLendon Street
McClain Street
Davis Street
Duke Street
Teachers Drive
Railroad Avenue

A special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:

• Vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous, as well as a health risk to the occupants. Should smoke enter your home or business, you may contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or the Lamar Water and Sewer Department at 843-326-5551.

The crew member will be able to help and check with you as to where the smoke has entered your building. Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke that enters your building is urgently advised. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and may reduce the eventual cost to utility customers.

Should you have any questions on this matter, please contact the Lamar Water and Sewer Department at 843-326-5551.

Thank you

Town of Lamar Water and Sewer Department