Ground smoke just a test

If you see smoke coming from a city manhole or even from the ground, don’t be alarmed - it’s a good thing. Brad Robertson and Rich Gregory from Wessler Engineering are in town testing the sanitary sewage lines as part of the continuing efforts by the City of Salem to improve the infrastructure.

Mayor Troy Merry was on site in the area of Harriett and N. Mill streets Wednesday morning. “This is one more step to the city moving in the right direction towards improved infrastructure,” Merry said.

Robertson said they have a map but every test is an adventure into the unknown. As the smoke, sometimes shooting three to four feet into the air, rises, Robertson marks the area of concern and Gregory follows up and enters addresses, the defect that was found and the percent of inflow on his tablet. “We should find some good stuff today,” Gregory said.

If you have concerns about this testing, go to www.wesslerengineering.com and watch the video, “Up in smoke.” This four-minute smoke test video should ease any concerns that residents may have.

All homeowners in the area of the testing will receive an informative flyer alerting them that the testing is being done.