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131
SEWER VENTILATION.
The question of Sewer Ventilation is one that has engaged
the special attention of the Vestry during 1899, and the
following series of recommendations (jointly suggested by
the Medical Officer of Health and the Surveyor) were
adopted, to be carried out subject to the previous approval
of the Vestry:—
1. The freer the ventilation of Sewers, the better, as by such
means oxidation and dilution of Sewer gases are effected,
and the sewer gases thereby rendered practically harmless.
2. Granted a Sewer in a fairly good condition, and situated
in a fairly wide road, surface road ventilation is satisfactory,
provided a sufficient number of open ventilating
grids are supplied at regular, frequent intervals (the
grids being not more than 100 feet apart) i.e., the greater
the number of open ventilating grids, the less the
nuisances arising from offensive smells.
3. Shafts may also, with advantage, be used, but only (as a
rule) in addition to, and not instead of, open road ventilating
grids.
4. There should be careful, regular and systematic flushing
of Sewers, clearing out of deposits, with relaying of such
Sewers as may be, at any time, found to be defective and
worn out—a routine practically adopted, at present, by
the Vestry.
5. The substitution of glazed pipe Sewers (with improved fall)
in place of the small brick barrel Sewers (with little or no
fall) which are to be found in great numbers in the
lower level districts of Lambeth.
6. The closing of all open ventilating grids in narrow and
crowded streets, courts, alleys and passage-ways, and the