Residents are reminded that Ebensburg Borough is continuing a DEP-required testing of residential and commercial sewage systems. The tests are intended to detect any connections that are allowing infiltration into the sewage system.

Infiltration is caused by sources of stormwater being illegally discharged into the sanitary sewer system. These sources can be downspouts, driveway drains, footer drains, and leaking service laterals. Borough crews will be smoke-testing sections of town. Smoke is pumped into the sanitary sewer system under pressure and then rises out of any illegal tap identifying the locations of any drains, downspouts and leaks. Property owners that have any such illegal sources of infiltration will be required to pay to have corrections made.

The smoke may on occasion enter buildings. That could happen if your sewage traps are empty or lacking. The smoke is non-toxic and leaves no residue. We will try out best to notify property owners in advance of any testing in your area. You will want to watch the local newspapers for any notices. The testing will occur in a specific section of town each year over the next five years.