Operation Clean Sweep is coming to Burlington April 24-May 2, 2024.
Details available at burlingtonvt.gov/dpw/clean-sweep
Great Streets Main Street Construction info availalble at greatstreetsbtv.com/main-street.
Great Streets Main Street Construction info availalble at greatstreetsbtv.com/main-street.
The Water Resources Division of Burlington DPW regularly hires contractors to repair and rehabilitate gravity sewer pipes (sanitary, combined wastewater, and separate stormwater) using CIPP technologies. Since approximately 2009, the City has preferred this method to traditional open cut/dig and replace methods because 1) Pipe rehabilitation using CIPP takes a fraction of the time compared to replacement, 2) Impacts to the Right of Way are minimized (traffic, pedestrians, bicycle, etc.) and 3) CIPP installation is often more cost effective.
Possible Odors During Installation
The CIPP lining method involves the use of a plastic resin, which contains styrene, to cure the felt liner. Individuals may detect a plastic or epoxy-like smell when in the vicinity of the work zone. Generally, these odors are confined to the construction area and dissipate quickly, however there is a potential that owners or tenants may experience the odor inside the residence. The pathways for odor migration are either through dried-out sewer gas traps in the home or open windows adjacent to this work in the street.
Styrene odors can be detected by humans at a significantly lower concentration (0.05ppm to 0.08ppm)1 than what is considered to be a human health concern (Acute Exposure Guideline Level-1 of 20ppm limit)2. However, we understand that the odor can be concerning and that certain individuals may be more sensitive to the smells and so strongly encourage owners and tenants to understand how to prevent any intrusion of odors into a property and so are providing information both on how to prevent the odors from entering, as well as what to do in the event if you do smell the odors. Given that odors are present at very low concentrations, if you do not smell the odor (unless you have impaired smell) – it is highly unlikely that the styrene is present.
Customers that have the potential to be impacted will receive two notifications (the first typically 1 week before the work, and then another 1 day before project start) so that they can implement these preventative measures.
Odors can enter the home through floor drains, toilets, sinks, sump pumps, or other such items that can be connected to the sewer pipe. While less likely, odors may also enter the basement through foundation cracks or the home through open windows. In most cases, the likelihood of this occurring can be minimized through various preventative measures (see below).
Preventative Measures for Owners to Reduce Odors in their Home or Business
Styrene odors are most likely to enter a home due to dry or non-existent plumbing traps, such as floor drains, toilets, sinks, sump pumps, or other such items that can be connected to the sewer pipe. Odor may also enter a residence through foundation cracks or through open windows. In most cases, any odors can be minimized by pouring ½ to 1 gallon of water down the sink, toilet, floor drain, etc. Keep windows closed along the street side to minimize the potential for outside air migration into your home.
If you detect the odor:
Resources
1 World Health Organization - Styrene
2 Interim Acute Exposure Guideline Levels includes susceptible individuals (e.g., infants, immune compromised, etc.)
Other EPA Resources related to Styrene
Styrene Information and Research Center
Guideline for the safe use and handling of Styrene Based Resins in Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP)
Combined Sewer - Prior to CIPP Rehab | Combined Sewer - Post CIPP Rehab |
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