‘Smoke signals’ uncover hidden sewer problems in Apopka; more than 40 locations flagged on crew map

A rumbling engine, a cloud of white smoke and a patch of grass along East Third Street might not seem like the makings of an underground investigation.But in Apopka on Wednesday, those unusual sights and sounds helped crews uncover a problem hidden beneath the surface — without digging up a single shovel of dirt.The city is conducting smoke testing of its sanitary sewer system, using a specialized method to identify damaged pipes, leaking manholes and improper connections that allow rainwater and groundwater to enter a system designed to carry wastewater.News 6 joined crews from contractor USSI as they worked in one of Apopka’s older sewer service areas, where smoke emerging from the ground revealed a potential opening in the underground system.And that was just one of the locations crews identified.An exclusive look at a digital inspection map shown to News 6 by a crew member revealed more than 40 green markers indicating locations workers said had been flagged for problems.The exact