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94
Such complaints as were addressed to me, were forwarded to the
Borough Surveyor, and, doubtless, brought to the notice of the "Works
Committee, in whose care the general condition of Sewers and their
ventilation are vested.
An analysis of the complaints shews that practically no district of
the Borough was free from them, and I have no reason to doubt, indeed
every reason for believing, that such complaints were well founded.
My own experience, as well as that of the Sanitary Inspectors, both
tend to confirm me in this opinion.
In my official capacity, I have daily opportunity of judging of the
annoyance caused by emanations from these surface ventilators, and to
me it appears unreasonable that, while the Borough Council should insist
upon air and watertight house drains, they should continue to ventilate
their sewers at street level to the inconvenience and possible danger to
health of the inhabitants of the Borough.
As a system of surface sewer ventilation exists in most Metropolitan
Boroughs, and in many Provincial Towns, I have obtained from a
number of them replies to questions on this subject, a tabular statement
of which I submit, along with the text of the questions contained
in my circular letter addressed to the Medical Officers of Health.
In addition, I submit tabular statements of replies to questions oil
this same subject received by the Strand District Board, and the
Borough of "Wandsworth.
The information I have been able to gather, points conclusively to
the fact that where a system of surface ventilation of sewers is employed,
it has, practically without exception, given rise to complaint.
It will be noted that in a number of instances where this system
exists and complaints have been received, three remedial measures have
been found effectual, viz.:—
1. Closing of surface ventilators.
2. Closing of surface ventilators and the erection of ventilating shafts.
3. Erection of ventilating shafts—the surface ventilators being kept
open.