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Smoke testing Suffolk’s sanitary sewer system in various areas of the city is planned beginning in early March.

The City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities said in a news release that all areas scheduled to be smoke tested will be notified with door hangers that describe the upcoming smoke testing efforts. 

Smoke testing involves injecting opaque-colored smoke through the sanitary sewer pipes to locate and identify deficiencies that may contribute to sanitary sewer overflows, according to the news release. The smoke is used for smoke testing and is non-toxic, harmless, and creates no hazard to people, pets or the surrounding area.

Beginning March 6, smoke testing is scheduled to commence in the following areas: 

• 3200-3300 block of Pruden Blvd
• Virginia Regional Commerce Park
• Turlington Park 
• 700-1200 block of North Main Street

Should weather or other factors cause delays, smoke testing will continue in these areas the following week, the week of March 13.

During the week of April 10, 2023, smoke testing is scheduled to commence in the following areas: 

• Mansfield Farm
• U & U Business Park
• Patriots Walke
• Bridgeway Commerce Park No. 2

Should weather or other factors cause delays, officials said smoke testing will continue in these areas the following week, the week of April 17.

For information on smoke testing, areas to be tested, or testing schedules, visit the project website www.sufmom.com/smoketesting/ or contact the City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities at 757-514-7000.