City of Salisbury Announces Sewer Line Maintenance Project in Downtown Area

SALISBURY, MD - The City of Salisbury's Department of Infrastructure and Development will conduct comprehensive sewer system maintenance in downtown Salisbury from September 2 through September 9. Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day.

Areas Affected

The maintenance project will target multiple street sections in the downtown core:

• E. Market Street
• W. Market Street
• Poplar Hill Avenue
• Baptist Street
• Calvert Street (between Baptist Street and Poplar Hill Avenue)

The work represents part of the City's ongoing infrastructure maintenance program designed to improve sewer system performance.

Project Activities

Crews will perform three main activities during the project period. Sewer line cleaning will remove debris and buildup from the system. CCTV inspections will provide visual assessment of pipe conditions. Smoke testing will identify potential issues within the sewer network.

What to Expect

Residents and business owners should prepare for increased activity in affected areas. Equipment including vacuum trucks, camera vans, and bypass pump trucks will operate throughout the work zones.

Crews will mark areas of concern during inspection and testing phases.

Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on affected streets. These controls will allow crews safe access to manholes while maintaining traffic flow where possible.

Smoke Testing Process

The smoke testing procedure involves introducing non-toxic smoke and air into sanitary sewer lines. Crews observe where smoke escapes to identify problem areas. The pressurized smoke travels through main lines and connected laterals, following leaks or breaks to the surface.

This method allows crews to quickly locate potential issues requiring attention. The testing provides an efficient and cost-effective way to identify unauthorized water entering the public sewer system.

Safety Information

Each smoke test typically requires approximately 20 minutes to complete. Crews may remain in neighborhoods for several hours.

Most properties will be affected by only one or two test setups.

Property occupants should not be alarmed if smoke enters buildings. Opening windows will provide ventilation.

Occupants should note where smoke enters and exit the building if possible. Nearby smoke-testing personnel should be notified of any smoke entry.

If uncertainty exists about whether smoke is part of the testing, residents should contact the Salisbury Fire Department at 410-548-3120.

Health and Safety Precautions

The smoke used in testing is non-toxic and poses no harm to people or pets. The substance dissipates quickly, particularly when windows are opened for ventilation.

Individuals with respiratory conditions should consider stepping outside for approximately 20 minutes or ensuring adequate building ventilation. Smoke alarms may activate during testing procedures.

Smoke entering homes may indicate plumbing issues such as defective traps, vent pipes, or seals. Running water in seldom-used drains can help prevent these problems.

Public Notification

Fire and police departments have received advance notification of the project schedule. Local businesses along inspection routes will receive notification letters from Premier Service Group, LLC. These letters include frequently asked questions about smoke testing procedures.

Notifications are delivered at least 48 hours prior to work beginning in each area. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review provided materials and contact the City with project-related questions.