Wastewater Division Plans Papaikou ‘Smoke Test’

The smoke test will take place in the Papaikou area of the Big Island between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15. Google maps image.

A “Smoke Test” survey is scheduled to take place over several days next week in the Anderton Camp area of Papaikou.

The County of Hawai’i Department of Environmental Management Wastewater Division will conduct the testing of its sanitary sewer system between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. in order to locate the old sewer pipe in the area. The location of the pipe will provide county crews the opportunity to check any connections where rain water and groundwater can enter the sanitary sewer system.

County officials say the odorless, white to gray colored smoke that may be witnessed during the testing period coming from vent stacks on houses, sewer manholes, or holes in the ground is non-toxic, non-staining, and will not create a fire hazard.

Smoke from the testing should not enter homes or businesses unless there are defects in the plumbing system.

For testing purposes, home owners should pour a gallon of water into each floor drain prior to the testing.

It is possible that traffic delays within Anderton Camp may occur as a result of the testing.

Community members who have individuals in their homes with respiratory problems and are immobile should contact Toni Nakatani at 937-5199 or All Farshid at 961-8615.

Nakatani and Farshid can also be reached for questions pertaining to the County’s testing.