The Town of Carolina Beach will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system on April 14, 2025 through April 16, 2025. This test will be conducted in the areas between Seagull Lane to Saltmarsh on Canal Drive (north to south) and Carolina Beach Ave. North. The testing will also include Florida, Georgia, Virginia Ave. extending to Oceana area as well. This study will involve the opening and entering of manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm water and other surface waters enter the sewer system. The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and may reduce the eventual cost to utility customers.

A special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.

Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:

• Vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers, and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.

All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous, as well as a health risk to the occupants. Should smoke enter your home or business, you may contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area. However, corrections of such defects on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Chris Nichols Utilities Superintendent, at (910) 200-0711, or Shawn Thomas, Well & Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Supervisor, at (910) 782-9491.