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48
present state they are incapable of sufficiently purifying the
sewage, consequently the effluent from them has to be treated
by surface irrigation over a large area of land, with a view of
further purification, before being discharged into the brook.
Having regard to the rapid growth of the District, and the
condition of the existing works, it has been evident for some
time past that further expenditure would be necessary.
Various schemes have been considered by the Public Health
Committee, and on November 12th, 1905, the Council resolved
to proceed with the extension of the low level sewer and the
construction of storm water filters, for which a loan had been
sanctioned as far back as February, 1903. In addition, the
Council decided to construct works capable of dealing with a
portion of the low level sewage, and thus greatly relieve the
present filter beds and heavy daily pumping.
The extension of the low level, or tunnel, sewer was
carried out by direct labour, and completed in March last. The
remainder of the work is being executed by contract, according
to the plans and under the superintendence of the Council's
Surveyor, Mr. C. J. Jenkin. Good progress has been made,
and it is anticipated that the whole of the additions will be
finished early this year.
The outfall channel of the low level sewer has been formed
in such a way that all storm-water from four to six times the
average dry weather flow will be deflected on to the stormwater
beds, whilst any quantity over six times the dry
weather flow will be discharged direct into the brook. These
storm-water beds are four in number, constructed of clinker,
and intended to be used as percolating filters.
The remainder of the new installation will consist of a
coarse screen, detritus and Dortmund sludge tanks in duplicate,
an open septic tank, and two primary and secondary
percolating filter beds.