A decades-old wastewater system is getting a thorough examination to prevent future problems.
Following heavy storms, the L’Anse Wastewater Treatment Plant can become overwhelmed. The system, which has operated for at least 50 years, was not originally designed to handle stormwater alongside sewer water. This design flaw has caused backups in the system and can lead to unsafe conditions when flooding occurs after strong storms.
In August, the village will conduct smoke testing to identify problem areas and develop solutions. Lead Operator Erin Sprenkle explained the importance of the testing.
“The sanitary system is designed to carry sanitary water, not storm or groundwater,” Sprenkle said. “This test is going to help us see areas that need to be addressed. We’re applying for funds through rural development, and knowing where some of these areas are will help us to be able to fix those problems. So down the road, we can avoid sanitary sewer overflows due to high rainfall events.”
The testing will identify what’s known as inflow and infiltration, or I&I, within the system. Inflow refers to direct connections of stormwater into the sanitary system, while infiltration comes from cracks in pipes, manholes, or broken plumbing connections. The excessive flows from I&I have contributed to three sewer overflow events within the village in the past two years.
“The reason for smoke testing is to identify areas of I&I within the system,” Sprenkle explained. “This smoke testing will help pinpoint areas where there are crack lines, storm drains, and illegal connections.”
Before August 5 and 6, the village is asking residents, businesses, and property owners to ensure water is present in each drain trap. These water-filled traps will prevent the non-toxic smoke from entering homes through pipes connected to toilets, sinks, or bathtubs and showers.
“All the drain traps have water in there to keep the smoke from coming up into their homes,” Sprenkle said. “You should not see smoke come into your home unless you have something wrong with your plumbing. If you do find smoke in your home, open your windows. It’s a non-toxic smoke. If you do have a medical problem such as asthma, please contact the village alarms prior if you have concerns.”
During the testing, residents and businesses may see smoke coming from the ground, which could indicate cracks in pipes leading from properties to the main wastewater system. Over the two days while the village conducts smoke testing crews will travel around the area to look for areas of concern.
“During those days, you’re going to see quite a few of us from the Waste Fire Department and the DPW walking through yards along roadways and ditch lines,” Sprenkle said. “You might see smoke coming out of your yard, you might see them coming out of a manhole, and that’s something that’s going to be seen and observed if you’re home or in your business.”
Residents and business owners who notice potential problem areas during the testing should notify the village by contacting the main office or wastewater treatment plant. The data collected will help the village prioritize repairs and secure funding to address the system’s aging infrastructure and design limitations.
For more information about the smoke testing, contact the village of L’Anse.
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Village of L’Anse Wastewater Treatment Plant Release July 23rd, 2026:
Smoke Testing of system begins August 5th in L’Anse
The Village of L’Anse and Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA) will be conducting smoke testing on Wednesday, August 5th and Thursday, August 6th on the public sanitary sewer system. The reason for smoke testing is to help identify areas of I and I within the system. I and I is short for inflow and infiltration of ground water and storm water that enters the system. Inflow is a direct connection to the sanitary system. Infiltration comes from cracks in the pipes, manholes, or broken plumbing connections. The excessive flows from I and I contributed to three sewer overflow events within the village in the past two years. Smoke testing will help pinpoint areas where there are cracked lines, storm drains, and illegal connections.
Smoke testing is conducted by placing a blower over a centrally located manhole and forcing non-toxic smoke-filled air through a sewer line. The smoke under pressure will fill the main line plus any connections; if there are cracks in lines, the smoke follows the path of the leak the the ground surface quickly revealing the source of inflow and infiltration. If anyone has any medical problems such as having to use OXYGEN, BREATHING PROBLEMS, or needs of further information or assistance, please reach out to the Village Office.
A couple of things to be expected during smoke testing.
Smoke may be observed coming from yards, manholes, and roof top vents.
You may get smoke in your home if you have plumbing that has any defects like missing clean out caps, dry traps, or improperly installed plumbing.
We ask that you pour water in all of your drains within a week of the testing so all of your traps are full of water. Water will prevent smoke from entering your home or business. If you are home and observe smoke entering your home, seek adequate ventilation, and contact us so we can try and identify the cause.
Heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent each year. The public sewer system is designed to transport sewage, not storm water or ground water. Our sewer system has reached maximum capacity numerous times, and we need to eliminate the sources for public health. Each time we have a sewer overflow, we are ultimately sending untreated wastewater into the community. Residents and businesses who have sump pumps that are directed into the sanitary system are one of the reasons why the sanitary system is reaching maximum capacity. Other reasons could be broken sewer clean out caps and roof drains/downspouts directly tired in the sanitary system.
On another note, many people are unaware of how delicate the sanitary system actually is. It’s one of those out of sight out of mind. There are miles of sewer lines underground that we cannot access without having to tear up roadways. We have been working on improvements to our sanitary system to increase capacity. All food establishments were asked to install a grease trap or interceptor to reduce fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system. FOG pollution can build up in the sanitary lines, reducing the volume of wastewater from flowing. FOG can accumulate in the lift stations where they can potentially plug up our pumps/suction and discharge lines. The amount of garbage found in the system is concerned. Flushable wipes actually do not break down in the system; all forms of feminine hygiene products, children and adult diapers, used needles, clothing, toys, thick shop like paper, toweling, and golf balls. These items pulg up our pumps at lift stations and at the wastewater plant. The only items that should be flushed down in your toilets are what is naturally eliminated from your body and the toilet paper used.
If you have any questions or concerns with the upcoming smoke testing please out to Lead Operator Erin Sprenkle at the Wastewater Plant 906 524 7293, or email Sprenkle at elahti@lansemi.org
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