The city of Coos Bay has contracted with Civil West Engineering Services to perform smoke testing in sewer lines on Wednesday.

The testing will be occur between Mingus Park and Blossom Gulch Elementary School. Additional areas may be included, depending on weather and other factors. During the testing, residents may notice smoke escaping from their eaves and yard drains. Smoke may also enter houses through faulty or improper traps and drains. To minimize smoke entering, residents are asked to pour water into all drains, including floor drains, prior to testing.

The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, non-flammable and harmless to people, animals and plants, according to the city.

During testing, smoke should exit the vent stack of houses and possibly escape through manholes. Any other observed smoke may suggest a problem with the sewer system. The presence of smoke in a home can be an indicator of dangerous and toxic gases. If this is the case, a plumbing professional should be contacted. Residents are asked to report smoke noticed in their homes or on their property to personnel conducting the tests, or by calling the Coos Bay Public Works Department at 269-8918.