The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) informs the public that Engineering Design Technologies Inc. and its sub-consultant Gulf Coast Underground LLC. (GCU) are scheduled to perform smoke testing and manhole inspections in Christiansted beginning Wednesday, June 19.
The work will involve the opening and entering of manholes to investigate the condition of the sanitary sewer pipes. Gulf Coast Underground will need to access the manholes in these areas to perform the work. Some light excavation may be required in public rights-of-way near the road or alley near someone’s home, but all surface materials will be restored.
These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into the sewer to find where unwanted stormwater enters. As a result of these tests, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, manhole covers and various other areas. This is normal and is not a cause for alarm. Smoke should not enter anyone’s home if the house has proper plumbing and ventilation, and the water traps contain water.
Please run water in fixtures that are not regularly used to allow the water traps to fill. If the smoke does enter the house, please report it to the crew chief on site. The smoke is a non-toxic, odorless substance that is clean and harmless to humans, pets, food and material goods. But it may be irritating to the nasal passage.
The resident’s presence at home is not required during the test. All public safety authorities have been notified.
At no time will field crews have to enter a business or residence.
For more information, contact Coleman Miller, Gulf Coast Underground LLC.’s project manager, at (251) 518-9771.
For more information, contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, LinkedIn or X for updates.
