Redland City Council to start smoke testing

Redland City Council will begin its sanitary drain smoke-testing program in the Alexandra Hills area in June.

The non-toxic smoke, which doesn’t smell like fire, will be blown into sewer maintenance holes to check the city’s wastewater network for defects, damage or illegal connections.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s contractor Veolia would need access to some properties during this time but there would be no interruption to services.

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“All authorised officers will carry identification cards that will be produced on request,” Cr Williams said.

Affected residents will be advised in advance and there will be no need to be at your home during the inspection, however please contact Council if there are any access issues, such as dogs or security gates. If your property has a maintenance hole, please ensure there is clear access.

Cr Williams said emergency services were aware of the smoke testing, which was part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improving community infrastructure.

“The smoke flows through the sewer and will escape through sewer maintenance holes and sewer vents, which are often on the roof of your property, so if it does smell like smoke and you are concerned, please don’t ignore it as the smoke used in the program is similar to that used in special effects and doesn’t smell like smoke from a fire,” Cr Williams said.

Smoke testing is used to find where stormwater is entering the sewerage system and causing wet weather overflows. It can also identify any illegal or incorrect stormwater connections, as well as cracks or breaks in pipes which can result in stormwater entering sewer pipes, leading to potential flooding and sewage overflows.