eThekwini Municipality – which is testing sewer lines in the Virginia area by pumping smoke into the sewer system – has said if there are leaks in the system, smoke could enter homes. The municipality has set up a phone line for Virginia residents to report the presence of smoke to the personnel conducting the testing. The line is 031 311 8685. An alternative contact number for complaints is 080 13 13 013.
The tests will be carried out during the months of November and December, during working hours, as part of testing in all sectors of the municipality which was started in July 2009.
Those with respiratory problems have been requested to be aware of the testing and report the presence of smoke immediately.
The Ridge Online spoke to Mlungisi Mahlobo, Environmental Scientist, Pollution and Environmental Branch, eThekwini Water and Sanitation to find out more.
Question: Why would people be pushing storm water into the sewer system, is it ignorance, or is there some financial aspect?
Answer: Mostly people are not aware of the non-compliance of their drainage systems, however, in some cases people are aware but do not comprehend the effects the cross-connections have on the reticulation system. The major causes of the cross-connections are people who do not submit their plans to the municipality for approval before building/alterations, people who build contrary to approved plans and sub-standard workmanship.
Question: Are there serious health risks if smoke escapes from the system and enters residents’ property?
Answer: The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the smoke generator indicates no inherent health risks should the smoke be inhaled, however, people with heart and respiratory problems are advised to exercise caution by vacating their premises (either by standing outside or going for a walk) when the smoke testing is being conducted.
Question: How long will the testing go on for?
Answer: The testing of the different areas in the Virginia suburb is planned for the months of November and December but will continue until the entire area has been surveyed. The primary aim is to test/survey the entire eThekwini Metro.
Question:Will this programme save the city and ratepayers funds?
Answer: Currently the city is spending large sums of money responding to manhole overflow, pump station overflows and waste water treatment plant upsets during rains as a result of the ingress of stormwater into the sewer reticulation system. Reducing/eliminating the cross-connections will contribute in reducing overflow due to stormwater ingress thereby saving the city and the ratepayers money.
Contact details regarding sewer testings are provided on the notices that are sent out informing residents of a particular area of the intended sewer testings. The contact number for complaints is 080 13 13 013.