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139
attention to the further question of the "collection and disposal
of the sludge" resulting from the precipitation process, and by
means of a 30 inch press dealt with 1,787 tons of sludge, which
yielded 523 tons of "cake." It has been ascertained that this
cake cannot be burned without nuisance, except at an expense
that would be prohibitory. It is evident, therefore, that if the
wet sludge is not removed from the works, by farmers and others,
for manurial purposes, the alternatives must be, either to raise up
low lying land with the cake—87 acres to a depth of three feet
annually—or to take the sludge or cake out to sea. With a view
of ascertaining the expense of the latter course, the Board
have invited plans and estimates for a suitable vessel. It is also
proposed, as an experiment, to offer the pressed and impressed
sludge to persons who may desire it, free of cost, so as to ascertain
to what extent it may be disposed of by this means. Sludge not
so disposed of will be sent in lighters out to sea, both in the liquid
and in the cake condition, in order to ascertain the cost and effect
of this mode of getting rid of it.
The question of the disposal of sewage, it need hardly be
said, is one of great magnitude, it being estimated that on an
average 150,000,000 gallons are daily carried down to the outfalls,
giving rise to the production of 3,000 tons of sludge, which, when
pressed, would leave 850 tons of cake. It is believed that the
capital expenditure required for dealing with the sewage at the
present outfalls, at Barking and Crossness, would be about three
quarters of a million only, and the annual expenditure £118,000;
so that this plan, should it prove as effectual as the Committee
expect, would be the most economical solution yet proposed
of the difficulty, how to dispose of the sewage so that no nuisance
may arise hereafter from it.
The Board adopted the report of the Committee, and referred
it back with a view to preparation of the necessary plans and
estimates for carrying it into effect. This decision amounts
practically to a refusal to adopt the recommendations of the
Report of the Royal Commission.
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