City to conduct smoke testing in Lynn Lane wastewater subbasin to find sewer inflow and infiltration

Broken Arrow utilities staff briefed the governing body on planned smoke testing in the Lynn Lane wastewater treatment subbasin (LL30/LL33) to locate inflow and infiltration points and identify line failures that allow rain and groundwater into the sanitary system.

Charlie Bright, director of engineering construction (working with utilities), described the work: crews and a contractor will pump smoke at manholes and watch for where smoke exits yards, drains, roof lines or storm sewers. Bright said the program previously led to targeted repairs that reduced flows through lift stations during rain events.

Bright said the test area centers near County Line between Kenosha and Albany and close to the high-school area. He told the board that testing requires relatively dry ground to be effective and the work is expected to last "3 to 4 weeks" once scheduled. He cautioned residents about increased calls to the fire department when smoke appears and said the city will run public notices, leave door hangers in the test area and coordinate with the fire department.

Council members asked whether smoke could appear inside homes; staff said it is rare and indicates issues such as missing P-traps or uncapped cleanouts that would need correction. Staff explained common faults seen in prior testing: cracked lines, uncapped cleanouts and roof or storm connections tied to sanitary sewer. Bright said the costs for the testing and design work are included in the utility rate study and that capital funding for repairs would be reflected in a future capital budget request.

Residents in the test area will be notified in advance; staff will post notices on social media and distribute door hangers. The testing is intended to identify small, targeted repairs (manhole patching, clean-out covers and line repairs) that can significantly reduce extraneous flow into the sanitary system.