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64
and it is afterwards filtered through a gravel pit of an area of 3½ acres for further
purification before being allowed to pass down the effluent channel into Salmons
Brook, a tributary of the River Lea. In addition to the works which I have
enumerated, there is a low-level pumping station at Angel Road, which
receives the sewage from the factories and the few cottages which have been
built on the east side of the railway, also from a new estate lying between
Dyson's Road and the railway.
The only crops now grown on the Farm are rye grass and mangolds, as
broad irrigation is gradually being displaced for filters of clinker. Only about
170 out of 233 acres is being used for broad irrigation.
The first filter bed was started working on the 9th June, 1913. In October,
1913, another bed, adjoining Deepham's Farm, was commenced ; its dimensions
will be 150 feet long by 100 feet wide. The progress with this new filter has
been slow and it remained unfinished by the end of 1914. Its progress was
delayed by lack of money and later by non-delivery of the iron sprinklers due
to the war.
In September a six-inch tile drain was laid round the sludge bed, which
expedites drying. Eighteen-inch pipes were laid alongside the gravel pit
recently. The abnormal rainfall of December produced difficulties at the
sewage farm, which our Engineer successfully overcame.
The effluent is examined by the analysts of the Lea Conservancy Board
and the Middlesex County Council at frequent, but irregular intervals.
Ninety-three visits were paid and 15 samples taken during 1914.
In January an unfavourable report of the effluent was received from the
County Council, although our analysts reported it satisfactory. In October
another unfavourable report was received from the Counly Council, accompanied
by a three months' notice to discontinue the flow into Salmon's Brook
of injurious effluent.
It was decided in January to remove the ventilation shaft near " Fleecefield,"
Brettenham Road.
In December investigation was made into the utility of shafts in Church
Street and elsewhere. The telephone wirers and repairers objected to the use
of the poles as ventilation shafts.
The sewage farm of the Enfield Urban District extends over 109 acres,
and is entirely situate in Edmonton, lying to the north of our own farm. There
are five bacteriological filters, and a new one was made this year.