Top
 

Blog

If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know when you’ve arrived?

We’re proud to offer a range of services related to maintaining the physical condition of sanitary sewer system assets. But, like any service-oriented company, we can’t adequately do what you need until we know the condition of your system. That’s why everything we do begins with a proper and thorough assessment of your system’s current operational status.

We provide a diverse slate of assessment services to determine the functionality and physical integrity of your infrastructure, from the straightforward and simple, to more complex testing.

Smoke Testing

Perhaps the simplest form of assessment is smoke testing. We use this to test for clearwater infiltration into sewer pipelines. First, we insert a machine that generates visible but non-hazardous smoke into the line in question through a manhole. Once the machine is activated, its smoke moves through the sanitary system mainline and laterals. Any fractures or cracks in the pipe are revealed by the appearance of smoke above ground, rising through the surface grass, gravel or paving fissures.

I/I Studies

Smoke testing is usually a first step in a larger assessment effort, called longterm Inflow and Exfiltration Studies. I/I studies are an essential part of assessing a municipal or private sewer system’s integrity, and often serve as the starting point for real progress in environmental compliance. EWSG has extensive experience and expertise in I/I studies, and has successfully completed more than 20 large-scale studies for clients in the last several years alone.

Manhole Inspection

Sometimes part of an I/I testing regime, and sometimes performed as a standalone,  Manhole Inspection is another of our assessment services. Using both naked eye visuals and sometimes remote CCTV cameras, we look for and record the general condition of the riser, evidence of inflow and infiltration (I/I), and evaluate levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) corrosion. We may also, record an asset inventory including measurements, presence of or missing ladders, covers, benches or other structures, and any other data that could establish a baseline report for future reference.

CCTV Remote Inspection

Perhaps the most well-known type of sanitary infrastructure assessment is the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) remote camera inspection and recording. Our experienced, knowledgeable technicians televise and record visual inspections, which reveal areas of debris buildup that may be masking pipe defects, buckled or deteriorating pipe bellies, unintentional holes from side-boring utility work, and all manner of other punctures and breaks that may need cleaning and repair to minimize I/I. Usually, cleaning will happen before inspection, so remote cameras can best show real conditions inside the pipes.

All of these types of sanitary and stormwater system physical assessment are the first tools every responsible environmental professional reaches for, when beginning a serious regular maintenance schedule or CMOM program.

Share