Pocatello’s Water Pollution Control Department will perform smoke testing on Tuesday in the area of Bannock Highway and Johnny Creek Road as part of work to locate a service line connected to the former clubhouse at Riverside Golf Course.
City officials said the testing will help crews identify the underground sewer connection after the clubhouse was demolished. Residents and business owners in the vicinity may observe smoke emerging from sewer vents or other openings during the procedure.
The smoke used in the testing process is non-toxic, non-staining, and poses no risk to people, pets, or property, according to the city. The testing method is a standard practice for tracing sewer line connections and allows municipal crews to assess underground infrastructure without excavation.
What to Expect During Testing
Smoke testing involves introducing visible, harmless smoke into the sewer system to reveal connections and potential issues. The smoke follows the path of pipes and exits through vents, manholes, or any openings in the system.
City officials said the Pocatello Fire Department and Police Dispatch have been informed of the testing activity to avoid confusion or unnecessary emergency calls.
Public Information and Contact
Residents with questions about the smoke testing can contact the Water Pollution Control Department at 208-234-6254. The city has also provided additional information online about what the public can expect during the process.
What Comes Next
The testing is scheduled for Tuesday and is expected to be completed in one day. Once the service line is located, city crews will be able to proceed with infrastructure work related to the demolished clubhouse site. The Riverside Golf Course area has undergone changes in recent years, and this work is part of ongoing municipal infrastructure maintenance in the Bannock Highway corridor.