Smoke testing for selected sewers to begin Published July 11, 2012 By Minot Air Force Base Minot Air Force Base MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command and Minot Air Force Base have contracted with URS Group to perform physical inspection and smoke testing of base sewers and manholes. Sewer smoke testing will begin July 10 in all areas of the base, except for military family housing. Testing is expected to last from July 10 to July 20. The second mobilization will be from July 30 to Aug. 10. The purpose of the testing is to locate defects in the sewer system. During this testing, gray smoke will exit from defects in the sewer lines and from the vent pipes on the roof of some buildings. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue, and creates no fire hazard. The smoke should not enter buildings unless defective plumbing exists or drain traps are dry. If you have seldom used drains like shower stalls and floor drains in your shop or office space, please pour a gallon of water in each drain to fill the drain trap. This procedure will help prevent the possibility of smoke entering your office or shop space during the smoke testing activity. More information on what to expect while tests are being conducted will be provided to the base population in the form of flyers posted to affected buildings. Field crews will be wearing URS uniforms and vehicles will be marked with URS company logos. Base security forces and the fire department will be contacted on the morning of the smoke testing dates to ensure these departments are aware of the areas and times involved in the tests. Information gained from this study will be used to repair and improve the Minot AFB sanitary sewer system. Questions or concerns regarding the smoke testing activity should be directed to 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at 723-4870.