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31
The works arc under the direction of the Council's
Engineer and Surveyor with a Chemist in charge at the
works. In addition to the Chemist, who is responsible
for the operation of the plant, a resident Works Manager
attends to works maintenance and two laboratory
assistants carry out tests in the well-equipped laboratory
maintained. The two Pumping Stations and the
contiguous Compressor House for the diffused air
Reaeration plant, are staffed by a continuous shift of
driver and assistant driver, 9 men in all being employed
for this purpose. These men also provide attention for
the works generally during the nights and week ends.
The Activated Sludge and Sludge Digestion plants are
operated by a plant operator with two labourer
assistants. The sludge areas require the services of
ploughman, ploughboy and two labourers, whilst
sludging of tanks, attent ion to screens, and general works
maintenance are carried out by five labourers. A
wholetime fitter is employed, the total wholetime staff
being four officers and 22 men.
Rivers and Streams.
The upper portion of the district is drained by a
number of channels which run in a westerly direction,
ultimately finding their way out of the area into the
River Roding, which discharges into the Thames. The
portion so drained includes the area north of Hog Hill,
Marks Gate, Chadwell Heath Ward and part of the
Becontree Ward.
The eastern side of the district is drained by the
Wantz Stream running due south. This ditch became
choked with weeds and deposited rubbish and at times
of heavy rainfall caused flooding. The ditch was
cleaned and now flows without obstruction. Another
channel runs into it from the Old Dagenham Park.